Convert a Drive Folder Including Subfolders to PDF
Recursive subfolder conversion requires Google Apps Script because the Chrome extension only processes files in the currently open folder. A short script can walk the full folder tree, convert every Google Workspace file, and save PDFs back to a mirrored folder structure in Drive.
Why the extension does not recurse automatically
The Chrome extension works with your visible Drive selection. Subfolders appear as folder items in Drive, not as files, so they are not included in a Ctrl+A selection. This is intentional: unexpected deep recursion into a large folder tree could trigger hundreds of conversions.
Using Apps Script for recursive conversion
Google Apps Script can traverse a folder tree using DriveApp. A recursive function opens each subfolder, finds all Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides, exports them as PDFs, and saves the results to a corresponding folder in your Drive. The script runs on a trigger or manually from the Apps Script editor.
Manual approach for shallow folder trees
If you only have two or three levels of folders, the manual approach is faster than writing a script. Open the parent folder, convert all files, then open each subfolder and repeat. For deeper trees or automation, Apps Script is the better tool.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a way to make the Chrome extension recurse into subfolders?
Not currently. The extension converts files you have explicitly selected. Use Apps Script for recursive folder conversion.
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