5 Easiest Ways to Download or Save a Document in Google Docs

Download Article

Download your Google documents to your desktop or mobile device

Written by Rain Kengly

Last Updated: October 28, 2024 Fact Checked

Download Article

Downloading a Copy (Desktop)

|

Downloading a Copy (iOS)

|

Downloading a Copy (Android)

|

Creating a Copy (Desktop)

|

Creating a Copy (Mobile)

|

Video

|

Q&A

While Google Docs automatically saves your file in Google Drive, you can also download a copy onto your computer or phone. If the file was created by someone else, you can save a copy for yourself. Here's how to save a Google Doc using your computer, iPhone, iPad, or Android device.

Saving Google Docs: Quick Steps

Click File in the top toolbar and select Download. Select PDF or another file type to download it. Google Docs save automatically when connected to Wi-Fi.

Method 1

Method 1 of 5:

Downloading a Copy (Desktop)

Download Article

1
Open a document in Google Docs. If you want to save the Google Docs document to your computer, you can download it as a file.
- Google Docs automatically saves when you're connected to a Wi-Fi network. If it's fully synced, you'll see a cloud icon with a checkmark at the top toolbar.
This is in the top toolbar. A drop-down menu will open.

Advertisement
More options will appear.
4
Select a file type. In most cases, you'll want to save it as either a PDF document (.pdf) or a Microsoft Word document (.docx).
- You can also download a file in OpenDocument Format (.odt), Rich Text Format (.rtf), Plain Text (.txt), Web Page (.html, zipped), or EPUB Publication (.epub).
- Depending on your web browser's settings, you may need to confirm the download or select a save location before your file will download.
- The file will be saved to your computer.

Method 2

Method 2 of 5:

Downloading a Copy (iOS)

Download Article

1
Open the Google Docs app. If you aren't already logged into your Google account, do so now.
- Use this method to download a Google Docs file to the iOS Files app.
This will open a pop-up menu.
This is below Copy link.
On iOS, you can only save the document as a PDF (.pdf) or Microsoft Word (.docx) document.
It may take a few seconds to prepare the file.
6
Tap Save to Files. You may need to pull up the menu to see this option.
- If you have another app you want to save it or send it to, tap the app from the list.
7
Select a save location and tap Save. This is in the top-right corner.
- The Google Doc will be saved to your iPhone or iPad.

Method 3

Method 3 of 5:

Downloading a Copy (Android)

Download Article

If you aren't already logged into your Google account, do so now.
This will open a pop-up menu.
3
Tap Download. This is in the drop-down menu.^{[1]
X
Research source}
- If prompted, tap 'Allow to allow access to your Android's files.
- The file will be saved to your Android. You can find it in your Download folder.

Method 4

Method 4 of 5:

Creating a Copy (Desktop)

Download Article

1
Open a document in Google Docs. You can use Google Docs in a browser at https://docs.google.com/. If you aren't already logged into your Google account, do so now.
- Google Docs automatically saves when you're connected to a Wi-Fi network. If it's fully synced, you'll see a cloud icon with a checkmark at the top toolbar.
- Use this method to save a copy of a document to your own Google Drive, whether it's a document you created or shared by someone else.
This is in the top toolbar. A drop-down menu will open.
A new window will open.
4
Enter a name (optional). If you don't enter a new name, it'll be "Copy of [document title]" by default.
- If desired, you can check the boxes for Share it with the same people and/or Copy comments and suggestions.
5
Click Make a copy. This is the blue button at the bottom-right corner.
- A new tab will open with your new copy. If you don't need it, you can close it.
- You can find your new copy on your Google Docs home page.

Method 5

Method 5 of 5:

Creating a Copy (Mobile)

Download Article

If you aren't already logged into your Google account, do so now.
This will open a pop-up menu.
3
Tap Make a copy. You may need to pull up the menu to see this option.
- The saved copy will open automatically.
- It will be saved to your Google Drive. You can find it on your Google Docs home page.

Community Q&A

Search

Add New Question

Question

Do documents automatically save in Google Docs?

wikiHow Staff Editor
Staff Answer
This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

wikiHow Staff Editor

Staff Answer

Yes, documents you are writing actively are automatically saved in Google Docs as you work on them.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 8 Helpful 18
Question

How do I save a document in Google Docs?

wikiHow Staff Editor
Staff Answer
This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

wikiHow Staff Editor

Staff Answer

You can save a document in Google Docs by waiting for the "Saving" icon to automatically save your document. For more details with images, including saving a document somewhere specific and saving a shared document, see the steps above. If you’re working offline, you’ll need to set up the ability for offline changes to be kept.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 12 Helpful 10
Question

How do I save a document in Google Drive?

wikiHow Staff Editor
Staff Answer
This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

wikiHow Staff Editor

Staff Answer

Open your document first. Then click on the Folder icon in the top left hand corner of your Google document page layout. Next, choose the place where you want the document to be saved to (the drop-down menu will provide all the options), click Move Here and the document will be saved where you want it. All other saves after this will be automatic.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 11 Helpful 10