Save Google Doc as PDF to the iOS Files App
Saving to the iOS Files app on iPhone puts the PDF in a place accessible from any app on your phone. Whether you export from Google Docs or Google Drive, saving to Files is the way to keep the PDF on your device.
What the Files app is
Saving to the Files app gives you access to the PDF from any iOS app that supports file picking. Files connects to iCloud Drive, On My iPhone storage, and third-party providers like Dropbox or OneDrive. It is the iOS equivalent of a folder on a desktop computer.
Saving from the Docs app to Files
In the Google Docs app, open the document and tap the three-dot menu > Share and Export > Save as PDF. When the file picker appears, navigate to the location you want in Files, such as a specific folder under On My iPhone or in iCloud Drive, and tap Save.
Accessing the saved PDF
After saving, open the Files app and navigate to the folder where you saved it. Tap the PDF to open it in Files' built-in viewer. From there you can share it, mark it up, or open it in another app.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I save a Google Doc PDF directly to a folder in Files?
Yes. When the save dialog appears after choosing Save as PDF, use the folder picker to navigate into any folder within Files before tapping Save.
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