To combine the content of Google Docs, you can simply copy and paste the content. Now, combining bulk Google Docs into one document is not physically possible, and Google Docs does not have a native merge document option either. So, in this blog, I am going to explain different ways to combine Google Docs using Google Workspace add-ons, Apps Script, and many other workarounds.

Table of Contents
  1. Important Points You Should Know
  2. How to Merge Multiple Google Docs? Expert Proven Ways
  3. Using Copy & Paste Option to Merge Google Docs
  4. Use Google Workspace Add-On to Merge Google Docs
  5. Google Apps Script Can Combine Google Docs
  6. Merge Multiple Google Docs with Google API
  7. Problems with Manual Methods
  8. Combining Documents From Multiple Google Domains
  9. Concluding Words

Directly merging your separate Google Docs files is not possible, as there is no native option available. So, you have to manually combine the content of other files into your master or primary document. It is easier to just copy and paste your content, but the problem arises when you have 50 or more files to merge. In that case, there are other workarounds verified by experts that you can use.

The above scenario is applicable when you are merging your documents within your domain or Google Workspace account. If you have to combine Google files from different user accounts or domains. Then, the methods are different. Here, you have to keep in mind document access permissions. When you are moving or merging your Google files, access permissions play a major role.

Important Points You Should Know

There is no native merge option available where you can directly combine multiple Google Docs. This means you need to focus on the following points for smooth merging.

  • In Google Docs, certain items like comments, suggestions, revision history, and bookmarks cannot be merged.
  • This also applies to smart chips, checkboxes, AI summary, and table of contents elements.
  • Documents with different themes may override formatting when combining Google Docs. So, use only standard tags and clean up additional formatting to minimize problems.
  • Before the process, take a backup of all your Google Docs that are going to be merged to prevent data loss.

Make sure you know these points while following the methods that I have explained below.

Also Read: Combine Two Google Sheets Together Easily

How to Merge Multiple Google Docs? Expert Proven Ways

Below are all the possible ways to combine your files.

  • Copy and Paste: This is the simplest method. Here, you can copy the content of the files and paste it into your primary document. This is one of the best for merging 2-3 files.
  • Workspace add-on: For organization, Google Workspace offers an add-on that you can install to merge bulk documents at once. The add-on is free to install.
  • Google Apps Script: For large document merging, you can set up Apps Script. This is an advanced option where you must know Google Apps Script.
  • Google Docs API: This is for developers for large workflows. It is also an advanced method to combine your files.

I am going to explain these methods in this blog one by one and discuss their advantage and disadvantages.

Using Copy & Paste Option to Merge Google Docs

The first and easiest way to join two Google Docs is to copy the content and paste it. This method may cause formatting issues, so avoid using complex formatting.

  1. Start by opening the documents that you want to merge.
  2. Then, choose the existing one or create a master document.
  3. From the other documents, copy the content and paste it into the master document.
  4. Lastly, properly format your master document.

Once you have added content from other documents to your master document. Now, format the copied content according to your other content. Also, add a page break between merged documents to distinguish each section.

Use Google Workspace Add-on to Merge Google Docs

To combine multiple files, use the Google Workspace add-on Merge Docs Pro and Document Merge for Google Docs. These extensions are available on the Google Workspace Marketplace, and you can use them to handle big merges. To install it, follow the steps below.

  1. In the Google Doc, click on Extensions and then Add-ons.
  2. Select Get add-ons, then search for the Merge extension
  3. Choose the add-on, install it, and apply it to your documents. Make sure you review the permissions and the publisher information before installing it.
  4. In your Extensions tab, open the merge add-on.
  5. Select the documents that you want to merge, then choose the destination document or the Options button.
  6. Merge the documents and check the results.

Google Apps Script Can Combine Google Docs

For those who regularly merge documents, have multiple documents that need to be combined, need an automated process, or are familiar with basic code, this method is great for them. To use it, you have to know certain points.

  • You must have access to Google Docs.
  • You can change your access whenever required.
  • Need Google Docs IDs
  • Must have a destination document or a script to create one.
  • Must have permission to run the Apps Script.

After ensuring these, you can start combining your documents.

  1. Open Google Apps Script and create a new Project.
  2. Provide the document IDs and define your destination document.
  3. Type the merge command below:
    function mergeGoogleDocs() {
    // IDs of the Google Docs to merge
    var sourceDocIds = [
    'SOURCE_DOC_ID_1',
    'SOURCE_DOC_ID_2',
    'SOURCE_DOC_ID_3'
    ];// ID of the destination Google Doc
    var destinationDocId = 'DESTINATION_DOC_ID';var destinationDoc = DocumentApp.openById(destinationDocId);
    var destinationBody = destinationDoc.getBody();
    sourceDocIds.forEach(function(id) {
    var sourceDoc = DocumentApp.openById(id);
    var sourceBody = sourceDoc.getBody();
    var elements = sourceBody.getChildren();
    elements.forEach(function(element) {
    destinationBody.appendParagraph(element.copy());
    });
    // Optional: Add a page break between documents
    destinationBody.appendPageBreak();
    });
    destinationDoc.saveAndClose();
    }
  4. Save the project and run it.
  5. Check and authorize the requested permissions.
  6. Open the document and check the formatting.

Merge Multiple Google Docs with Google API

For developers, the Google API is a nice solution. But it is an advanced tool where you must have programming knowledge to merge your Google Docs. With the Google API, you are manipulating your documents using code. This way, you can create an automated option to merge your documents. For this, you must configure Google Cloud or API access and authentication.

Problems with Manual Methods

  • When you are moving the content from one tab to another. You may accidentally skip a page or leave a paragraph.
  • If you don’t pay attention, some content will be added twice. This is because of dealing with multiple files at the same time.
  • Multiple documents have different styles or themes, which causes conflicts and an inconsistent look.
  • One of the major issues is formatting, where the numbered lists abruptly cut off or restart. Images are set to Wrap Text or jump to specific positions.
  • It is time-consuming to manually merge 50 pages of the document. You spend hours clicking and scrolling to combine them.
  • Methods like the Google API and Google Apps Script require technical knowledge.
  • When you are using an advanced method, you need authorization and document permission.
  • If you merge large documents, then you may face Apps Script execution or service limitations.

Here are the ways to merge documents within your Google Docs. If you want to combine Google files between domains or user accounts. Then, these methods will not work; you need a different approach.

Combining Documents From Multiple Google Domains

When it comes to merging your documents in different domains, there is no direct way, as you have to consider different account credentials and document permissions. So, the only option is to merge Google accounts or domains. Having all your documents in one account makes the process simpler.

For this, you can use SysTools G Suite Merge Tool, a professional software that merges your multiple accounts into one without losing your documents and formatting. It handles document permissions, so you can merge your files with their original permissions. The software is free to download and available for your latest Windows computer.

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Concluding Words

If you are having problems merging multiple Google Docs, this blog can help. This software provides you with workarounds that you can use. Because there is no native merge option, these tools are the ones that can combine your files within the same account. If you want to merge documents from different domains. Then professional software can help you.

Read Also: How to Merge Folders in Google Drive?

Also Read: Why Google Docs Not Saving Changes? How to Fix It?