Upload PDF File to Google Docs from Google Drive Without Losing Formatting
Do you know how to move PDF from Google Drive to Google Docs? If not, then this article helps you import PDF file into Google Docs by providing proper methods. I have multiple options based on the type of PDF file and formatting needs. So, follow them properly.
Portable Document Format, or PDF, is a common file format used by everyone. It is a universal format to store and share data while preserving the formatting. That’s why it can easily be shared with many people across devices and multiple operating systems.
Google Docs and Google Drive are the core tools for Google’s productivity suite. Millions of people use these programs to create documents and save them in Google’s cloud storage. In Google Drive, users can store any type of file, including PDF, DOCX, etc. It is also connected with Google Docs, where you can automatically save your documents and share them with other people.
There comes a time when one has to move their PDF file from their Google Drive to Google Docs. And the reasons behind are as follows.
Why Move PDF from Google Drive to Google Docs?
Many users want to insert their PDF file into Google Docs to edit, update, or repurpose the PDF file. Google Docs is an online tool to edit your document, so editing your file will be much easier. Below are the common reasons behind moving your PDF file.
- Usually, a PDF is in a read-only format. If you want to make it an editable format, then you have to open it in Google Docs to edit the text, update the details, or rewrite the paragraphs.
- People move the PDF file to extract text to create reports, assignments, or new documents. Using Google Docs makes the process simpler.
- Google Docs supports real-time sharing and collaboration. Which mostly PDF-supported programs are not supported? So, if multiple people need to review, comment, or edit the file. Google Docs would be the best option.
- In Google Docs, you will get many formatting tools like headings, styles, lists, tables, and hyperlinks, which you can put in the static PDF.
- Google Docs also has a built-in OCR feature for free. This function is helpful if your PDF file has scanned images.
- If you want to change your PDF file into Word, DOCX, TXT, and other formats. Then, you can use Google Docs.
Here are some reasons users want to open a PDF in Google Docs from Drive. There are several methods that can help you, but before going through the process, you should prep your PDF file first.
How to Prepare PDF File for Migration?
When uploading your PDF file to Google Docs, issues like loss of formatting a one of the major issues for the user. Therefore, before moving them, you must do the following points before the procedure.
- Check that your PDF file is not password-protected. Google Docs cannot open files that are password-protected. If that is the case, remove the password from the source tool.
- PDFs that are low-resolution or blurry may be difficult to convert. Use 300 DPI or higher, avoid shadowy, skewed scans, and make sure that your text is readable.
- If your file contains multi-column layouts, complex tables, text boxes, and watermarks. Google Docs may struggle when converting the account.
- Delete unnecessary elements like background graphics, extra blank pages, repetitive headers/footers, etc, will often break formatting when the file is converted.
- Provide a clear name to make it easy for you to move multiple files at the same time.
After properly following these tips, I can now start moving my PDF file. There are several ways to import your PDF file into Google Docs. Below are the ways, so follow them properly.
Move PDF from Google Drive to Google Docs – Open With Option
When it comes to opening a PDF file into an editable Doc, you need Google Drive. Google Drive will convert the PDF files into Docs, which makes it easier to access. To do them, there are some options that you can use. But remember that you may lose formatting during the process. So, in this, I am going to explain how the move the file using the Open with feature.
- First, if your PDF file is not stored in Google Drive. Then, upload it.
- In the Drive program, click on the +New button.
- Select the File upload and choose the PDF file to save it in the drive.
- After that, find your file and right-click it.
- Choose Open with option and then the Google Docs button.
- With this, your saved PDF file changes into an editable document.
With this method, you can easily move the PDF to Google Docs with the help of OCR. Some people also want to move their PDF files from one Google account to another, especially professionals. For this, I have a great solution.
Upload Google Drive PDF File to Google Docs with Professional Tool
In a project, members send reports, stats, and other data that are in a PDF file. So, to move your files to another Google Docs. Software like SysTools Google Drive Migrator will help you. A professional tool that can easily move your Google Drive files into Google Docs while maintaining the formatting. The tool can be easily downloaded on Windows and Linux systems.
Steps of the Tool to Move PDF Files
- Download the software on your computer.

- Select G Suite as a source and destination section.

- Click on the Document option from the Workload section.

- Add Admin Email, Application ID, and Certificate File details of both source and destination accounts. Click on the Validate button.

- Add Users by clicking the Fetch Users or Import Users.

- Lastly, press the Start Migration button to begin the process.

Final Words
It is not a difficult job to move PDF file from Google Drive to Google Docs. If you follow the methods properly. Here, I have provided two simple and amazing methods to upload your files to Google Docs. But, before using them, make sure you first prepare your PDF to avoid losing your formatting.