How to Convert Google Docs to Word? Complete Guide

Want to edit Google Docs file in Microsoft Word? You can easily do this by converting your Google documents into Word i.e., DOCX. In this guide, I will explain how you can easily convert Google Docs to Word without losing the formatting. Also, provide solutions to fix common formatting issues.

A lot of users want their Google Docs files to be converted to Word for sharing important documents with teams that use Microsoft Office. The process of doing is simple, but some of you may encounter problems like layout or bulk conversion. But I have several methods that can help you export the documents smoothly.

Direct Option to Save Google Docs to Word Files

The best option to convert Google Docs to Microsoft Word is to download Google Docs as a Word-based file, DOCX. This is because it converts your data into proper formatting.

1. Open Google Docs in your browser.
2. Choose the document you want to convert. Open it.
3. Click on the File option at the top and then select the Download button.
4. Choose Microsoft Word (.docx) from the options. Then save the file.
5. You can now easily open the downloaded document in Microsoft Word.

Use Google Drive to Export Bulk Google Docs to MS Word

Other than the above option, you can also use Google Drive to convert your Google Docs to Word. This method is suitable for bulk migration.

1. Run the Google Drive and search for the documents you want to export.
2. Select multiple files by pressing the Ctrl key while selecting the file.
3. Right-click the selected files, then choose the Download option.
4. It compresses your files into ZIP format. But after extracting them, you can get the docx format, which you can open in Word.

Save Google Docs as Word Using Mobile Application

Both these methods are for a desktop machine. Many often use Google Docs for the mobile app and to convert the Doc files to the Word mobile app. Follow the steps below.

1. Download the Google Docs app on mobile. Run it.
2. Sign in to the account and choose the document you want to export.
3. Open it and click on the (three-dot) menu option in the right corner.
4. Click the Share & export option and then Save as.
5. Select Word (.docx). After that, the software automatically converted and saved it in Google Drive.

Manually Copy Google Docs and Paste It into Word Application

For a quick conversion of Google Docs to Word. You can copy the content of the documents and paste it into the Word file. Please note that this method can cause formatting issues where, after exporting the files, you have to change the fonts and other layout issues.

1. In your Google Docs, open the document.
2. Select all the content and copy it.
3. Now, open a new document in Microsoft Word.
4. Paste all the content in it. Adjust the formatting and save the doc.

Fixed Formatting Issues After Conversion

In some cases, formatting issues will occur even if you use the direct option to convert Google Docs to Word. So, if you are facing this problem. Then, below are the tips that you must follow.

• Some fonts in Google Docs are not supported by Microsoft Word. So, before converting the doc file, use common fonts.
• After the conversion, there can be line spacing or paragraph alignment issues. So, review the content after processing and fix this issue.
• This is a common problem where the table that you have added to the document is misaligned or broken. So, adjust the table according to the data.
• Custom styles that you have added may not fully translate across platforms. So, reapply the Word’s built-in headings and footers. Also, use the Word styles format.

These simple fixes can solve the formatting problem without any issues. The manual methods that I have explained are great for converting your Google Docs to Microsoft Word. However, some users who export thousands of Doc files into Word don’t have enough time to review each document for formatting issues. For this reason, they search for an option that can easily convert bulk Google Doc files while preserving any layout information.

When Manual Methods Do Not Work

Those users who are required to export multiple Google Docs to MS Word while preserving the formatting. They can use the SysTools Google Drive to OneDrive Migration Tool. This dedicated software is designed to easily move their bulk documents from Google to the Microsoft environment.

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Why Users Need to Convert Google Docs to Word Files?

Choosing the methods is up to you, but you should also know when you have to convert the Doc files. So, I have some scenarios where you may need to export the files.

• To open and edit Google Docs, you need to have a proper internet connection. But by saving them into a Word file, you can open or edit them offline.
• Microsoft Word is more compatible in professional, academic, and corporate environments. So, having your documents in Word makes it easier for people to see and edit them.
• By comparing Google Docs vs MS Word, Word provides you with advanced formatting features to help you create a professional document.
• Printing and sharing Microsoft Word documents is much easier. Also, you can save them in your local drive.
• Migrating Google Docs to Office 365 makes it easier for you with more collaboration tools and helps you work smoothly.

Concluding Words

In this article, I have explained several ways to convert Google Docs to Word. Here, I have provided the direct method, the Google Drive option, the Mobile, and the Copy and Paste option. All these are simple, but you may face formatting issues. So, I also offered you tips to resolve the layout issues. Other than that, I also discussed an alternative tool and the scenarios why you need to change from Google Docs to Word.