Schedule Printing of Google Drive Folder Files
For recurring print workflows, like a daily batch of reports or weekly class materials, automating the PDF export step means the files are ready to print when you need them without any conversion work. Google Apps Script can export a folder to PDF on a schedule and send the PDFs to a Drive folder or your email.
Setting up scheduled exports with Apps Script
In Google Apps Script, write a function that opens a specific Drive folder, exports each Google Doc, Sheet, or Slides file to PDF, and saves the results to a target folder. Set a time-based trigger to run the function daily at a specific time or weekly on a specific day. The script runs on Google's servers without requiring your computer to be on.
Accessing the PDFs when they are ready
If the script saves PDFs to a Drive folder, open that folder when you arrive and print the files. If the script emails the PDFs to you, download them from the email and print. Either way, the conversion step is done before you even sit down.
The Chrome extension for unscheduled printing
For one-off or ad-hoc print needs, the Chrome extension is the faster option. For recurring, predictable print schedules, Apps Script removes the daily manual step. Both approaches produce the same PDF quality.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the Docs to PDF extension run on a schedule by itself?
No. The Chrome extension requires a user to click. For scheduled, unattended exports, Google Apps Script is the correct tool.
Can I have PDFs emailed to me on a schedule?
Yes. Use Apps Script's MailApp to send exported PDFs as email attachments after each scheduled run.
Ready to Try It?
Install the free Chrome extension and start converting your Google Docs to PDF in one click.
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