LostInTechnology

How To Create PDF Files Using Google Docs

Posted on 13. Jul, 2009 by Juscelino M. Acevedo in How To

Have you ever needed to convert a document into PDF format? Over the weekend, I had a slight dilemma because I was converting my Facebook Week posts into an eBook, and I could not figure out the easiest method.

I know that there are plenty of solutions out there, but I honestly did not want to research, download applications, test them, then figure out which one was the best to use. Suddenly, it hit me. I use Google Docs for many projects. Do they provide a way to convert a document to PDF? Not surprisingly, the answer was yes! Plus, it was free and really simple.

How To Convert

1. Create a new Document (similar to Microsoft Word), Presentation (similar to Microsoft PowerPoint), Spreadsheet (similar to Microsoft Excel), or Form.
2. Insert all necessary information, or copy and paste from another source, such as a website into the new document.
3. From the File menu select Download file as PDF for Documents or Download presentation as PDF for Presentations or Export .pdf… for Spreadsheets and Forms.

That’s it. Done. As you may have noticed, you can also convert any of the document formats to PDF. Of course, you must have a Google Account in order to access Google Docs, but doesn’t every have Gmail these days? If you don’t, simply head over to the sign in page and select the “Don’t have a Google Account? Get started” option. It is free and worth the 2 minute sign up.

Conclusion

Besides this great feature, Google Docs allows you to access your documents from any internet enabled computer. There are also options to upload your existing documents from a file, another website, or via e-mail. Finally, you have the ability to share you documents privately or publicly, with the option for the viewer to edit the documents.

(By) Juscelino M. Acevedo is an Information Technology professional with a passion for writing. Aside from Lost In Technology, you can follow his work on his blogs Technology Juice and J.M.A. Daily. You can also catch up with him on Twitter by following @TechnologyJuice or @JMADaily.

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Tags: create, files, Google Docs, How To, pdf