How to Save a Document in Google Docs
Last Updated :
19 Apr, 2024
Google Docs has emerged as a go-to platform for many. However, even in the world of seamless online editing, there comes a time when you must save or export your document for various purposes, be it sharing via email, creating a physical printout, or converting it into a different format. To navigate the ins and outs of this essential process, it's crucial to understand how to save and export effectively in Google Docs. In this article, we will delve into the complexities of keeping your work, confirming that your documents are securely stored and ready for any future use.
Different Ways to Save in Google Docs
- Google Doc Autosave feature.
- Saving documents locally on the computer.
- Saving a shared document.
How to Save in Google Docs Using Autosave Feature
Note: A document created or edited in Google Docs do not need to be saved manually. Google Docs has a feature called 'Autosave' in online mode. By this feature, whenever any changes in the document content is done, and when the user stops working on it, Google Docs immediately saves the document automatically in Google Drive within seconds. This happens every time the user makes changes in the document. This can be checked using the document status icon above the menu bar in Google Docs. By default, Google Docs saves documents automatically.
Step 1: Launch Google Docs and Open the Document
Open Google Docs and open a new document or an existing document in Google Docs.
Opened documentStep 2: Edit the Document
As you work on your document, make additions or revisions to your content as needed. While you're actively editing or typing within the document, you might notice a refreshing icon alongside a message indicating 'saving' as the document's status. This indicates that the document hasn't been saved manually, but Google Docs is in the process of automatically saving it as soon as you cease your current work on the document.
Step 3: Document Automatically Saved
Upon finishing your work within the document, you'll observe a transition in the document status icon. It transforms into a cloud symbol accompanied by a checkmark, while a text label reading 'Saved to drive' appears alongside it. This signifies the successful automatic saving of your document to Google Drive, ensuring that your document and its data are securely stored.
Document status displaying "Saved"Different Methods to Download Google Docs
By default, a document in Google Docs gets saved automatically in Google Drive. Suppose a copy of the document is needed to be saved on your computer or laptop, the document can be downloaded in many formats as needed from Google Docs. The copy of the document can be saved locally by downloading it in the below 7 formats.
The formats which Google Docs support for downloading are,
- Microsoft word (.docx)
- OpenDocument format (.odt)
- Rich Text Format (.rtf)
- PDF document (.pdf)
- Plain text (.txt)
- Web page (.html, zipped)
- EPUB publication (.epub)
How to Download Your Google Docs Documents
Step 1: Open Google Docs and Create the Document
Open Google Docs and open the document to which a copy needs to be saved locally on the device.
Document openedStep 2: Access the File Tab and Click on the Download
Click the 'File' tab from the menu bar in Google Docs. A dropdown appears, select "Download" in it.
Dropdown opens from 'Format' tabStep 3: Select the Format of Document
A sub dropdown appears from the 'Download' option in the menu bar of Google Docs. Select the format in which the document needs to be saved locally to the computer. It can be in any format from the dropdown such as .docx, .odt, .rtf, .pdf, .txt, .html, or .epub. Here we are choosing to download it as a PDF file. Hence, we are choosing "PDF Document" from the dropdown.
Sub dropdown opens from "Download"Step 4: Give the Name to the Document in Save As
A window appears as 'Save as'. Enter the document name if needs to be changed. Here we are saving with file name as 'myDocument'.
Now a copy of the document gets saved locally in the computer in the folder location selected in selected format as a PDF Document successfully.
Choose the folder location to save this document locally in your computer. Once you have selected the folder location and the file name for the document getting saved locally in the computer, click 'Save' button in the window.
The 'Save as' window opensHow to Save in Google Docs with Shared Document Option
Step 1: Open Google Docs
Open Google Docs and open the shared document in which a copy of it needs to be saved.
Document openedStep 2: Check if the Collaborator is Working
Check if any collaborator is currently making changes to this document by checking the top right side of the Google Docs. If any collaborator is editing now, it shows their profile picture as below:
Collaborator editing the shared document
Else if no collaborators are editing now, there would not be any profile picture of collaborators displaying. Now as the collaborators have completed making changes to the document, you can save a copy of this shared document locally in your device.
After editing is stopped by the collaborator, the profile picture of the collaborator is not seenStep 3: Access the File Tab and Select Download
Click 'File' in the menu bar, and select 'Download' in the drop-down menu consisting of different options. After clicking on download, another sub dropdown menu opens. Select the format of the document you want to save on your device locally.
Here we are selecting 'PDF' in it.
Select the format to save shared documents locally on the deviceStep 4: Save by Clicking on Save Button
Now a dialog box appears with 'Save as'. Select a location to save this file in your local device, and click the 'Save' button in the dialog box.
Select the folder to save shared documents on the deviceStep 5: A copy of the Document is Saved
Now a copy of this shared document and its data is saved to your local device in PDF format successfully.
Shared Document copy saved locally in the deviceConclusion
Saving a document in Google Docs is much easier as it gets saved automatically in Google Drive even after very small changes or additions in the document. This makes it easy for the user to work on documents without worrying about forgetting to save the document and close it as in other document editors. Also in this article, we have discussed how to save a copy of the document we are working on in Google Docs to our local device such as a computer. We have also covered how to save a shared document in Google Docs.
Also Read
Similar Reads
How To Translate a Document In Google Docs
How To Translate a Document In Google Docs - Quick StepsOpen Google Docs AppOpen Your DocumentAccess the MenuSelect “Translate Documentâ€Choose the LanguageName the Translated DocumentSave and TranslateReview and EditAre you struggling to translate a document in Google Docs? Whether you need to trans
8 min read
How to Add a Page in Google Docs
How to Add another page in Google Docs - Quick StepsOpen Google Docs >>Go to the Insert TabSelect Page Breaks>>New Page AddedEver found yourself meticulously crafting a document in Google Docs, only to realize it needs more space? If you're drafting a thesis, compiling a report, or craft
9 min read
How to Import a Word Document into Google Docs
Have a Word file you need to work on using Google Docs? You're not alone. Many users frequently switch between Microsoft Word and Google Docs for editing, sharing, or collaborating. The good news? You can import a Word document into Google Docs quickly—without losing formatting or content. Whether i
5 min read
How To Share a PPT In Google Docs
How To Share a PowerPoint in Google Docs - Quick StepsOpen Google DriveUpload PresentationOpen with Google SlidesClick Share ButtonEnter Email Address >> Click ShareGoogle Docs is known as an online word processor used to create and edit documents, files, drawings, and many other things. It is
5 min read
How to Get an Em Dash in Google Docs
The Em Dash (—) is a versatile punctuation mark used in writing to create emphasis or indicate a break in thought. It’s longer than a hyphen (-) and an en dash (–) and can add a professional touch to your documents. But how do you insert an Em Dash in Google Docs, you ask? Well, it’s simpler than yo
4 min read
How to Change Font in Google Docs
Change default font in Google Docs - Quick StepsGo to Google Docs > Create New DocumentType anything with Default fontHighlight text > Select style dropdownHover Normal Text > Click Update ‘normal text’ to matchGo to Style dropdown > select Options > Save as my default stylesChanging
6 min read
How To Add Stars In Google Docs
Ever thought about making your Google Docs a bit more fun with some stars? Well, you're in luck! It's super easy – like adding a touch of magic to your work. In this quick guide, I'll walk you through turning your regular document into a cool space-themed creation. So, if you're up for making your w
4 min read
How to Make a Chart in Google Docs
Creating a chart in Google Docs is an easy process that enhances your documents with clear, visual data representations. This article will provide step-by-step instructions on how to insert and customize charts in Google Docs, helping you present your information in an engaging and easily understand
6 min read
How to Add Footnotes in Google Docs
Learning how to add footnotes in Google Docs is a straightforward process that can significantly improve the clarity and credibility of your documents. If you're writing a research paper, crafting a report, or simply need to provide references, footnotes in Google Docs offer a neat way to include su
7 min read
How to Make a QR Code in Google Docs
How to Generate a QR Code in Google Docs - Quick Steps Open Google Docs >> Click "Add-ons" Select "Get add-ons" >> Install your chosen add-on Open the "Add-ons" menu >> Enter the URL or text Click "Generate" button >> Insert the QR code Looking for a way to share your Google
5 min read