Fix Permission Denied Error in Google Docs to PDF
A permission denied error when exporting a Google Doc to PDF means either the document owner has restricted downloads, your Google account authorization has expired, or the extension lacks the required access. Here is how to resolve each case.
Check if downloads are restricted on the document
Open the document in Google Docs. Go to File > Share > Share with others. Click the gear icon in the share dialog. Check whether 'Viewers and commenters can see the option to download, print, and copy' is turned off. If it is turned off and you are not the owner, ask the owner to enable downloads.
Re-authorize the extension
The extension's OAuth access token may have expired. Click the extension icon, look for a Sign in or Re-authorize option, and sign in with your Google account. This refreshes the token and grants the extension access to call the Drive export API again.
Check your own permission level on the document
If you are a Viewer on a document that has download restrictions, you cannot export it to PDF. You need at least Editor access, or the document owner needs to enable the download option for viewers. Open the share dialog and check your listed permission level.
Workspace admin restrictions
In Google Workspace accounts managed by an organization, an admin may have restricted external app access to Drive files. If the extension works on your personal Google account but not your work account, contact your IT admin to ask about API access policies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did permission work before but not now?
The document owner may have changed the sharing settings, or your OAuth token for the extension has expired. Try re-authorizing the extension first. If that does not help, check the document's sharing settings.
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