This article shows you how you can download a Google Docs file to a computer or iOS or Android device.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Desktop and Laptop
Step 1. Go to the Google Docs website
Paste the URL https://docs.google.com/ into the address bar of the internet browser. If you are already logged into your Google account, you will be redirected to the main Google Docs page.
If you are not logged in with your Google account, enter the email address associated with the profile and the security password when prompted
Step 2. Select the document you want to download locally to your computer
It will be displayed within the browser.
Step 3. Access the File menu
It is located in the upper left corner of the page. A list of options will be displayed.
If you're using a Mac, be sure to select the menu File visible within the browser window and not the one in the upper left of the computer screen.
Step 4. Choose the Download As option
It is one of the items on the menu File. A small submenu will appear next to the first one.
Step 5. Choose the format to use to save the file
Select one of the options in the menu that appeared. Normally the format is used Microsoft Word (.docx) (to get a Word compatible file) or PDF document (.pdf) (to download the file in PDF format). The selected file will be downloaded to your computer.
Depending on your internet browser settings, you may need to select the destination folder and press the button OK or Save before the file in question is actually saved on your computer.
Method 2 of 3: iPhone
Step 1. Understand the limitations that exist for this method
Unfortunately, it is not possible to download a Google Docs file directly to an iOS device, however it is also possible to make it accessible offline so that it can be viewed and edited even when the iPhone or iPad is not connected to the web.
Step 2. Log in to the Google Drive platform
Tap the Google Drive app icon featuring a green, yellow, and blue triangle on a white background. If you are already signed in to your Google account, the main Google Docs page will be displayed.
If you are not logged in with your Google account, enter the email address associated with the profile and the security password when prompted
Step 3. Locate the Google Docs file
Scroll through the list of documents on Drive until you find the one you want to download.
Step 4. Press the ⋯ button
It's located to the right of the Google Docs filename. A context menu will be displayed.
Step 5. Scroll the available options down and tap the white slider "Available offline"
The latter will turn blue to indicate that the chosen file is now accessible even when the device is not connected to the internet.
To be able to access the chosen file when the internet connection is not active, launch the Google Drive app, then tap the file name to view its contents
Method 3 of 3: Android devices
Step 1. Understand the limitations that exist for this method
Unlike when using a computer, only the PDF version of a Google Docs file can be downloaded to an Android device. If you need to be able to edit the document, you will need to make it available offline by following these simple instructions:
- Launch the Google Drive app and log in if necessary;
- Push the button ⋮ placed in the lower right corner of the file to be downloaded;
- Activate the gray "Available offline" slider.
Step 2. Log in to the Google Drive platform
Tap the Google Drive app icon featuring a green, yellow, and blue triangle on a white background. If you are already signed in to your Google account, the main Google Docs page will be displayed.
If you are not logged in with your Google account, select the profile to use or enter the associated email address and type the security password when prompted
Step 3. Locate the Google Docs file
Scroll through the list of documents on Drive until you find the one you want to download.
Step 4. Press the ⋮ button
It is placed in the lower right corner of the file. A drop-down menu will appear.
Alternatively, you can hold your finger on the file icon and jump straight to the next step
Step 5. Choose the option"
Download.
It is one of the items in the menu that appeared.
If you have chosen to hold your finger on the file icon, the option to download will appear at the bottom of the screen
Step 6. Press the Allow button if prompted
If it is the first file you download from Google Drive on your Android device, you will be asked to authorize the application to access the device's file system.
Step 7. Open the file on the Android device
Swipe up on the screen starting from the bottom, then tap the name of the document you just downloaded visible within the menu that will appear. The content of the file will be displayed on the screen using the device's default PDF file reader.
- Using some Android devices, you will need to install Adobe Acrobat first in order to view the content of PDF files
- Alternatively, to view the contents of the document you just downloaded, you will need to access the "Download" folder on your device by following these instructions: start the "Archive" app (or the file manager you prefer), select the memory drive in which you have downloaded the file (for example "SD Card") and choose the folder Download.
Advice
- If you need to automatically download Google Docs files directly to your computer, you can install the Google Drive sync client. This simple program allows you to access your files stored on Google Drive by opening the relevant folder on your computer.
- The iPhone Files app allows you to link directly to Google Drive. To activate Drive access, press the button Edit located within the "Browse" screen, tap the white "Google Drive" slider, then press the button end. At this point select the item Google Drive from the "Location" menu and log in with your Google account so you can access files directly from the Files app.
