How to Combine Google Docs? Complete Tutorial

To combine your multiple Google documents into one, you are in the right place. In this, I will provide how to merge multiple Google Docs into one. Here, I will explain manually joining your multiple documents into one and merging your documents from two Google accounts into one.

Users often merge their individual Google documents into one for several reasons. Joining multiple files into a single file for a report, combining individual client documents for delivery, merging the drafts of different collaborators, and many more tasks require you to combine multiple Google Docs.

However, simply merging the files is not an easy task, as you can face issues like content inconsistencies, broken headings, misplaced images, altered spacing, etc. To avoid this, you should know certain points about merging your Google Docs.

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.

How to Combine Multiple Google Docs Into One Using Copy & Paste

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.

Use Google Workspace Add-on to Merge Google Docs

To combine many files, use the Google Workspace add-on Merge Docs Pro and Document Merge for Google Docs. These extensions are available on 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 addon, install it, and apply it to your documents.

Google Apps Script Can Combine Google Docs

Google Apps Script is also used to merge your Google Docs. To use this, you need some technical knowledge. Before starting, make sure Google Docs are properly stored in Google Drive. You must have edit access to each document, and note down the File IDs of each document, i.e. your Doc URL.

1. Open Google Apps Script and start a new Project.
2. Name the project. After that, create a new blank Google Doc.
3. Copy the File ID of this Doc. Type this script code.
4. 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();
}
5. Use the actual Google Doc IDs in place of SOURCE_DOC_ID_1, SOURCE_DOC_ID_2, etc.
6. Run the script and choose mergeGoogleDocs. When asked, grant the permissions.

These methods can merge multiple Google Docs, but they can also cause problems, as mentioned below.

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 any 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. As you get hours of clicking and scrolling to combine them.

These are the problems that you may find when you are merging your Google Docs. If you have to combine documents within the same Google account, it is not a difficult task. The problem occurs when you need to merge documents from two different Google accounts. How can you do it?

Combining Documents From Multiple Google Domains

You can use the copy and paste method to merge your documents. But it is only suitable for a few files. It is difficult to merge multiple files at the same time, especially if they are from different accounts. In that case, SysTools G Suite Merge Tool would be a great solution. This software easily merges two Google accounts without losing the original content or formatting. It can effectively combine all your data items. But if you want to do it for a specific document. Use this utility.

Download Now Purchase Now

Instructions for the Software

1. Start by downloading the software and then choose G Suite as the source and destination.
   
2. Choose Documents from the Workload section and apply a date filter if you want to merge selective data.
   
3. Provide the Admin Email, Application ID, and Certificate file of both accounts.
   
4. Add the Users by fetching them or manually importing their IDs.
   
5. Lastly, click Start Migration to merge documents from both Google accounts.
   

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, they are the ones who can combine your files within the same account. If you want to merge documents from different domains. Then the professional software can help you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. How to group Google Docs?
Ans. To group two or more Google Docs. Put your documents into the same folder in Google Drive. Create a new folder, select the documents, and move them to the folder.

Q. How to append two Google Docs?
Ans. Open a primary document, put the cursor where you want your second document appear. Copy the content and paste it into the main file.

Q. Combine Google Docs from different Google Drive folders?
Ans. Combine Google Docs in different Google Drive folders by opening your main document and copying the content of another document. Paste it into the primary file in your desired order.

Read Also: How to Merge Folders in Google Drive?