Can you directly open Google Doc in Word? Google Docs is an online app that you cannot directly access from the desktop app MS Word. However, if you convert Google Docs to Word, you can easily view and edit the file. Therefore, in this blog, I will explain how you can convert Google Docs to Word to easily view your document.

Table of Contents
  1. Direct Option to Save Google Docs as Word Files
  2. Use Google Drive to Export Bulk Google Docs to MS Word
  3. Save Google Docs as Word Using the Mobile App
  4. Manually Copy Google Docs and Paste It into Word Application
  5. Fix Formatting Issues After Conversion
  6. When Manual Methods Do Not Work
  7. Why Users Need to Convert Google Docs to Word Files?
  8. Concluding Words

Google Docs and Microsoft Word are popular programs where you can create document. They use a different format to save their files, so it is not simple to directly open your Google documents in Word.  Also, some users may have issues with formatting during the conversion. But don’t worry, I am going to provide you with tips to prevent formatting issues during the conversion process.

Why Users Need to Convert Google Docs to Word Files?

Both programs are used for creating and editing documents. However, some users prefer MS Word for these reasons.

  • To open and edit Google Docs, you need an active internet connection. But by saving them into a Word file, you can open or edit them offline.
  • Microsoft Word is more widely used in professional, academic, and corporate environments. So, having your documents in Word makes it easier for people to see and edit them.
  • When comparing Google Docs vs MS Word, Word provides you with advanced formatting features to help you create a professional document.
  • Some organizations prefer MS Word due to printing and document capabilities.

Direct Option to Save Google Docs as Word Files

The best option to convert Google Docs to Microsoft Word is to download Google Docs as a Word-based file, DOCX. This makes your task easier as it moves the document along with its formatting.

  1. Open Google Docs in your browser.
    open google docs
  2. Choose the document you want to convert. Open it.
  3. Click the File option at the top and then select the Download button.
    select download button
  4. Choose Microsoft Word (.docx) from the options. Then save the file to your system.
    choose microsoft word
  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. Open Google Drive and search for the documents you want to export.
  2. Select multiple files by pressing the Ctrl key while selecting the files.
  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 Microsoft Word.

Export Google Docs to MS Word with Google Takeout

Takeout allows you to download your Google Docs and easily import them to MS Word via OneDrive. This is an easy option, and you can convert multiple Google Docs. Below are the steps.

  1. Log in to Google Takeout using the account that you used with Google Docs.
  2. Click the deselect button. Scroll down to the Drive section. Select the Drive.
  3. Click All Drive data included. Deselect all files and folders in Drive.
  4. Choose Google Drive user preference only. Press OK.
  5. Scroll to the bottom, click the Next button.
  6. Select Add to OneDrive in the Delivery method drop-down menu. Sign in to the account.
  7. Then, click on the Create Export button. Your file is now saved in OneDrive in ZIP format. Extract the files, and you can open them in your Word app.

Save Google Docs as Word Using the Mobile App

The above methods are for desktop users. Many users work with Google Docs on the mobile app and convert the Doc files for the Word mobile app. Follow the steps below.

  1. Download the Google Docs app on mobile. Open 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 app converts the file into DOCX, which you can save and share from your mobile.

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 document and paste it into a Word file. Please note that this method can cause formatting issues where, after exporting the files, you have to fix 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.

Fix Formatting Issues After Conversion

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

  • Some fonts in Google Docs are not supported by Microsoft Word. So, before converting the document, use common fonts.
  • After the conversion, there can be line spacing or paragraph alignment issues. So, review the content after conversion and fix any issues.
  • This is a common problem where the table that you have added to the document is misaligned or broken. Adjust the table manually after conversion.
  • Google Docs and MS Word use different custom styles. So, avoid using Google-specific styles or use common styles when fully transferring the files.

With these simple points, you can avoid formatting 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 layout and formatting.

Most Asked Questions

Q. How can I convert Google Docs to Word without messing up format?
Ans. You can directly convert your Google Docs by opening the Google Doc, click File >> Download >> Microsoft Word (.DOCX).

Q. Why can’t I convert Google Docs to Word document?
Ans. The reason you can’t export your Google Docs to Word is that you are using a feature that is not supported by Word. Or you don’t have permission to download the file.

Q. In which version of Word does Google Docs export to?
Ans. DOCX is a universal file format that Google Docs exports. This is a standard file format that is used in 2007 and the latest version of Word.

When Manual Methods Do Not Work

Users who need 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 move bulk documents easily from Google to the Microsoft environment.

Download Now Purchase Now

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 method, 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. In addition, I also discussed an alternative tool and the scenarios where you may need to change from Google Docs to Word.