Save Google Doc as PDF on Android Using the Print Function
Using the print function on Android is an alternative to the direct Save as PDF option. Android's print system supports Save as PDF as a destination, which gives you a PDF without needing any additional steps.
Opening the print dialog
Using the print function on Android starts with the Google Docs app. Open the document and tap the three-dot menu. Scroll down to Print. The Android print dialog opens showing the document preview.
Setting the destination to Save as PDF
At the top of the print dialog, you will see a printer name or destination. Tap it and select Save as PDF from the list. This changes the print destination from a physical printer to a PDF file.
Saving the file
With Save as PDF selected as the destination, tap the PDF or download icon (usually in the top right of the dialog). Android prompts you to choose a save location. Navigate to your preferred folder and save the file.
Print quality vs. export API quality
The print method on Android renders the document through the app's print renderer, which is generally very close to the export API output. For most documents the results are identical. For documents with very precise page margins or custom print settings, the direct Save as PDF option in Share and Export may be slightly more accurate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Save as PDF in the Android print dialog the same as the Docs app export?
Both produce a PDF from the Google Doc. The Docs app's Share and Export > Save as PDF uses Google's server-side export API. The print dialog uses the app's local print renderer. Results are usually identical.
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