How to Save Document on Google Docs: A Step-by-Step Guide

Saving a document on Google Docs is a straightforward process. First, create or open a document in Google Docs. Then, the changes you make are automatically saved as you type. But, if you’re using Google Docs offline, you’ll need to manually save your document. You can also download and save the document to your computer in various formats.

Step by Step Tutorial on How to Save Document on Google Docs

Before we dive into the steps, it’s worth noting that Google Docs automatically saves your work as you go. That means you don’t have to worry about losing your progress if your computer crashes or you lose internet connection. However, if you’re working offline, there are still ways to save your document.

Step 1: Create or open a document

To start, you’ll need to have a document to save. So, either create a new one or open an existing one in Google Docs.

Creating or opening a document is your first step. If you’re creating a new document, you can do so by going to the Google Docs homepage and selecting the ‘+’ button. If you’re opening an existing document, you’ll find it in your Google Drive or recent documents list.

Step 2: Work on your document

Next, type away and make all the edits you need to your document. Remember, Google Docs is saving your work continuously.

As you type or make changes in your document, Google Docs is saving those changes in real-time. You’ll see a message saying “All changes saved in Drive” at the top of the document, which means your work is being stored safely in your Google Drive.

Step 3: Manually save if working offline

If you’re not connected to the internet, you can still manually save your document. Just go to the File menu and click ‘Save’.

When you’re working offline, Google Docs won’t automatically save your document. Instead, you’ll need to go to the ‘File’ menu and select ‘Save’ every so often to make sure your changes are not lost.

Step 4: Download and save your document (optional)

If you want a copy of your document on your computer, you can download it in a variety of formats like Microsoft Word or PDF.

Downloading your document is simple. Just click on the ‘File’ menu, go to ‘Download’, and select the format that you want your document to be saved as. It will then be saved to your computer’s default download location.

After completing these steps, your document will be successfully saved in Google Docs or on your computer, depending on your needs.

Tips for Saving Document on Google Docs

  • Always make sure you’re logged into the correct Google account before starting your document.
  • If you’re planning to work offline, enable offline syncing in Google Drive settings beforehand.
  • Use ‘Version History’ to track changes and revert to previous versions of your document if needed.
  • Customize your ‘Auto-save’ frequency if you’re working offline by adjusting the settings in Google Docs.
  • Remember to download a backup of your document periodically, especially if it’s an important file.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do i save a google doc to my computer.

You can save a Google Doc to your computer by clicking ‘File’, then ‘Download’, and choosing the format you’d like to save it in.

Can I save a Google Doc as a PDF?

Yes, you can save a Google Doc as a PDF. Go to ‘File’, ‘Download’, and select ‘PDF Document (.pdf)’.

How do I make sure my Google Doc is saved?

Google Docs automatically saves your work as you type. You can see a confirmation message at the top of the document stating “All changes saved in Drive”.

What happens if I lose internet connection while working on a Google Doc?

If you lose internet connection, any changes you make while offline will be saved once you’re back online. For continuous work, enable offline syncing.

Can I save a copy of a shared Google Doc?

Yes, you can save a copy of a shared Google Doc by going to ‘File’, ‘Make a copy’, and saving it to your own Google Drive.

  • Create or open a document
  • Work on your document
  • Manually save if working offline
  • Download and save your document (optional)

Saving a document on Google Docs is an essential skill in today’s digital age. Whether you’re a student working on an assignment, a professional drafting a report, or just someone jotting down notes, knowing how to save your work effectively can save you time and prevent the frustration of lost work. With Google Docs’ auto-save feature, you’re mostly covered, but it’s always good practice to be aware of how to manually save your document, especially when working offline. Additionally, downloading and keeping a backup of your important documents can come in handy during unforeseen events like data loss. Remember, technology is there to make our lives easier, so take full advantage of these features and never worry about losing your precious work again. And hey, now that you know how to save a document on Google Docs, why not get started on that project you’ve been putting off?

Matthew Burleigh Solve Your Tech

Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.

After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.

His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.

Read his full bio here.

Share this:

Join our free newsletter.

Featured guides and deals

You may opt out at any time. Read our Privacy Policy

Related posts:

  • How to Upload a PDF to Google Drive
  • Can I Convert a PDF to a Google Doc? (An Easy 5 Step Guide)
  • How to Do a Hanging Indent on Google Docs
  • How to Insert Text Box in Google Docs
  • How to Subscript in Google Docs (An Easy 4 Step Guide)
  • How to Download a Google Sheet as an Excel File
  • How to Delete a Table in Google Docs (A Quick 5 Step Guide)
  • How to Double Space on Google Docs – iPad, iPhone, and Desktop
  • How to Convert a Google Sheets File to a PDF
  • How to Center a Table in Google Docs (2023 Guide)
  • How to Insert a Horizontal Line in Google Docs
  • How to Save on Google Docs: Expert Document-Saving Tips
  • How to Delete A Google Doc (An Easy 3 Step Guide)
  • How to Create a Folder in Google Docs
  • How to Save a Microsoft Word Document to Google Docs Easily
  • How to Remove Strikethrough in Google Docs (A Simple 4 Step Guide)
  • How to Save Powerpoint as PDF with Notes
  • How to Download an Entire Folder in Google Drive
  • How to Use Google Docs Offline: A Step-by-Step Guide
  • How to Embed a PDF in Word: A Step-by-Step Guide
  • Trending Blogs
  • Geeksforgeeks NEWS
  • Geeksforgeeks Blogs
  • Tips & Tricks
  • Website & Apps
  • ChatGPT Blogs
  • ChatGPT News
  • ChatGPT Tutorial
  • How to Download a Google Doc
  • How to Change the Default Font in Google Docs 2024
  • How to Make A Resume on Google Docs
  • How to Bookmark in Google Docs
  • How to use the Define Tool in Google Docs
  • How to Use Add-Ons in Google Docs 2023
  • How to Make a Chart in Google Docs
  • How To See Who Has Viewed A Google Doc
  • How to Stop Sharing a Google Doc
  • How to Make a Timeline in Google Docs
  • How to Remove Page Breaks in Google Docs
  • Top 10 Google Docs Shortcuts To Make Writing and Editing Easier
  • Best Google Doc Features You Didn't Know Existed
  • How to Flip or Mirror an Image in Google Docs
  • How To Do Tally Marks In Google Docs
  • How to Print Directly from Google Docs
  • How to Enable Dark Mode in Google Docs
  • How To Password Protect A Google Doc
  • How to Create a Hyperlink in Google Docs

How to Save a Document in Google Docs

Google Docs has emerged as a go-to platform for many. However, even in the world of seamless online editing, there comes a time when you must save or export your document for various purposes, be it sharing via email, creating a physical printout, or converting it into a different format. To navigate the ins and outs of this essential process, it’s crucial to understand how to save and export effectively in Google Docs. In this article, we will delve into the complexities of keeping your work, confirming that your documents are securely stored and ready for any future use.

How-to-Save-a-Document-in-Google-Docs-A-Quick-Guide-copy

Different Ways to Save in Google Docs

  • Google Doc Autosave feature.
  • Saving documents locally on the computer.
  • Saving a shared document.

How to Save in Google Docs Using Autosave Feature

Note: A document created or edited in Google Docs do not need to be saved manually. Google Docs has a feature called ‘ Autosave ‘ in online mode. By this feature, whenever any changes in the document content is done, and when the user stops working on it, Google Docs immediately saves the document automatically in Google Drive within seconds. This happens every time the user makes changes in the document. This can be checked using the document status icon above the menu bar in Google Docs. By default, Google Docs saves documents automatically.

Step 1: Launch Google Docs and Open the Document

Open Google Docs and open a new document or an existing document in Google Docs.

picture1

Opened document

Step 2: Edit the Document

As you work on your document, make additions or revisions to your content as needed. While you’re actively editing or typing within the document, you might notice a refreshing icon alongside a message indicating ‘saving’ as the document’s status. This indicates that the document hasn’t been saved manually, but Google Docs is in the process of automatically saving it as soon as you cease your current work on the document.

Step 3: Document Automatically Saved

Upon finishing your work within the document, you’ll observe a transition in the document status icon. It transforms into a cloud symbol accompanied by a checkmark, while a text label reading ‘Saved to drive’ appears alongside it. This signifies the successful automatic saving of your document to Google Drive, ensuring that your document and its data are securely stored.

picture2

Document status displaying “Saved”

Different Methods to Download Google Docs

By default, a document in Google Docs gets saved automatically in Google Drive. Suppose a copy of the document is needed to be saved on your computer or laptop, the document can be downloaded in many formats as needed from Google Docs. The copy of the document can be saved locally by downloading it in the below 7 formats.

The formats which Google Docs support for downloading are, Microsoft word (.docx) OpenDocument format (.odt) Rich Text Format (.rtf) PDF document (.pdf) Plain text (.txt) Web page (.html, zipped) EPUB publication (.epub)

How to Download Your Google Docs Documents

Step 1: open google docs and create the document.

Open Google Docs and open the document to which a copy needs to be saved locally on the device.

Document opened

Step 2: Access the File Tab and Click on the Download

Click the ‘File’ tab from the menu bar in Google Docs. A dropdown appears, select “Download” in it.

picture3

Dropdown opens from ‘Format’ tab

Step 3: Select the Format of Document

A sub dropdown appears from the ‘Download’ option in the menu bar of Google Docs. Select the format in which the document needs to be saved locally to the computer. It can be in any format from the dropdown such as .docx, .odt, .rtf, .pdf, .txt, .html, or .epub. Here we are choosing to download it as a PDF file. Hence, we are choosing “PDF Document” from the dropdown.

picture4

Sub dropdown opens from “Download”

Step 4: Give the Name to the Document in Save As

A window appears as ‘Save as’. Enter the document name if needs to be changed. Here we are saving with file name as ‘myDocument’.

Now a copy of the document gets saved locally in the computer in the folder location selected in selected format as a PDF Document successfully.

Choose the folder location to save this document locally in your computer. Once you have selected the folder location and the file name for the document getting saved locally in the computer, click ‘Save’ button in the window.

picture5

The ‘Save as’ window opens

How to Save in Google Docs with Shared Document Option

Step 1: open google docs.

Open Google Docs and open the shared document in which a copy of it needs to be saved.

saving_shared_doc_pic1

Step 2: Check if the Collaborator is Working

Check if any collaborator is currently making changes to this document by checking the top right side of the Google Docs. If any collaborator is editing now, it shows their profile picture as below:

saving_shared_doc_pic2

Collaborator editing the shared document

Else if no collaborators are editing now, there would not be any profile picture of collaborators displaying. Now as the collaborators have completed making changes to the document, you can save a copy of this shared document locally in your device.

saving_shared_doc_pic3

After editing is stopped by the collaborator, the profile picture of the collaborator is not seen

Step 3: Access the File Tab and Select Download

Click ‘ File’ in the menu bar, and select ‘ Download’ in the drop-down menu consisting of different options. After clicking on download, another sub dropdown menu opens. Select the format of the document you want to save on your device locally.

Here we are selecting ‘PDF’ in it.

saving_shared_doc_pic4

Select the format to save shared documents locally on the device

Step 4: Save by Clicking on Save Button

Now a dialog box appears with ‘Save as’. Select a location to save this file in your local device, and click the ‘Save’ button in the dialog box.

saving_shared_doc_pic5

Select the folder to save shared documents on the device

Step 5: A copy of the Document is Saved

Now a copy of this shared document and its data is saved to your local device in PDF format successfully.

saving_shared_doc_pic6

Shared Document copy saved locally in the device

Saving a document in Google Docs is much easier as it gets saved automatically in Google Drive even after very small changes or additions in the document. This makes it easy for the user to work on documents without worrying about forgetting to save the document and close it as in other document editors. Also in this article, we have discussed how to save a copy of the document we are working on in Google Docs to our local device such as a computer. We have also covered how to save a shared document in Google Docs.

  • How to convert a Google Doc to PDF
  • How to Open a PDF in Google Docs
  • How to track changes in Google Docs

FAQs- How to Save Documents in Google Docs

Is it possible to save the file in google docs document editor.

Yes, Google Docs auto saves our document while we stop working in it within seconds.

Do we manually need to save the document in Google Docs to save the changes made in the document?

No, we do not need to manually save the changes we made in a document in Google Docs. Once we stop making any changes, it autosaves the changes we made in the document within 2 seconds.

How to know if our changes made in the document are saved in the document in Google Docs?

Google Docs has “Document status” icon above the menu bar in the Google Docs. It turns to a cloud icon with a tick symbol. This means that the recent changes we made have been saved in the document.

Can we save a document locally to our device from Google Docs?

Yes, it is possible to save a copy of your document from Google Docs.

Do the editing changes made by collaborators in a shared document in Google Docs save itself automatically or do we need to save it manually?

The editing or the changes made by collaborators in a shared document is saved automatically using the ‘autosave’ feature in Google Docs.

Can a collaborator in a shared document download this file locally? Or it is restricted to download?

No, it is not restricted to download locally a shared document. Collaborators can also be able to download a copy of the shared document from Google Docs.

Please Login to comment...

Similar reads.

author

  • Google Docs
  • Google Docs Tips
  • Google docs
  • Google Workspace

advertisewithusBannerImg

Improve your Coding Skills with Practice

 alt=

What kind of Experience do you want to share?

  • PRO Courses Guides New Tech Help Pro Expert Videos About wikiHow Pro Upgrade Sign In
  • EDIT Edit this Article
  • EXPLORE Tech Help Pro About Us Random Article Quizzes Request a New Article Community Dashboard This Or That Game Popular Categories Arts and Entertainment Artwork Books Movies Computers and Electronics Computers Phone Skills Technology Hacks Health Men's Health Mental Health Women's Health Relationships Dating Love Relationship Issues Hobbies and Crafts Crafts Drawing Games Education & Communication Communication Skills Personal Development Studying Personal Care and Style Fashion Hair Care Personal Hygiene Youth Personal Care School Stuff Dating All Categories Arts and Entertainment Finance and Business Home and Garden Relationship Quizzes Cars & Other Vehicles Food and Entertaining Personal Care and Style Sports and Fitness Computers and Electronics Health Pets and Animals Travel Education & Communication Hobbies and Crafts Philosophy and Religion Work World Family Life Holidays and Traditions Relationships Youth
  • Browse Articles
  • Learn Something New
  • Quizzes Hot
  • This Or That Game New
  • Train Your Brain
  • Explore More
  • Support wikiHow
  • About wikiHow
  • Log in / Sign up
  • Computers and Electronics
  • Website Application Instructions
  • Google Applications
  • Google Docs

How to Save a Google Doc

Last Updated: May 16, 2023 Fact Checked

This article was co-authored by wikiHow staff writer, Jack Lloyd . Jack Lloyd is a Technology Writer and Editor for wikiHow. He has over two years of experience writing and editing technology-related articles. He is technology enthusiast and an English teacher. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 687,104 times. Learn more...

This wikiHow teaches you how to save a Google Docs document. While Google Docs will automatically save your file in Google Drive as soon as you stop working on it, you can also save a copy of a shared Google Docs file into your Google Drive folder or save the Google Docs file onto your computer.

Saving a Document

Step 1 Open Google Docs.

  • If you aren't logged into your Google account, enter your email address and password when prompted before continuing.

Step 2 Open or create a document.

  • You can add a title to the document by selecting the title in the upper-left corner of the page and typing in your preferred title.

Step 4 Wait for confirmation that your changes have been saved.

  • Once you see this confirmation, your document has been saved.

Step 5 Change the document's save location.

  • Select a folder into which you want to move the file (you can double-click a folder to open it).
  • Click Move here at the bottom of the menu.

Saving a Shared Document

Step 1 Open Google Docs.

Downloading a Google Doc

Step 1 Open Google Docs.

  • If you're on a Mac which doesn't have Microsoft Word installed, you can use Pages to open a Microsoft Word file.

Step 6 Wait for your file to download.

  • Depending on your browser's settings, you may first have to select a save location and click Save .

Community Q&A

wikiHow Staff Editor

You Might Also Like

Create a Graph in Google Sheets

  • ↑ https://support.google.com/docs/answer/49114
  • ↑ https://edu.gcfglobal.org/en/googledocuments/creating-google-docs/1/
  • ↑ https://support.google.com/docs/answer/49114#zippy=%2Csave-a-file
  • ↑ https://support.google.com/docs/answer/49114#zippy=%2Cmake-a-copy-of-a-file
  • ↑ https://support.google.com/docs/answer/49114#zippy=%2Cdownload-a-copy-of-a-file
  • ↑ https://edu.gcfglobal.org/en/googledocuments/converting-and-printing-docs/1/

About This Article

Jack Lloyd

1. Go to https://docs.google.com/document/ and select a document. 2. Make any necessary changes to the document. 3. Wait for "All changes saved in Drive" to appear at the top of the page. Did this summary help you? Yes No

  • Send fan mail to authors

Is this article up to date?

Am I a Narcissist or an Empath Quiz

Featured Articles

Invest in Yourself

Trending Articles

How to Set Boundaries with Texting

Watch Articles

Fold Boxer Briefs

  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Do Not Sell or Share My Info
  • Not Selling Info

wikiHow Tech Help Pro:

Level up your tech skills and stay ahead of the curve

Simon Fraser University Engaging the World

Canvas support.

  • A-Z directory
  • How do I submit an assignment using Google Docs?

1. In Course Navigation, click the  Assignments  link.

how to save an assignment on google docs

2. Click the assignment title to open the assignment.

how to save an assignment on google docs

3. Click the  Submit Assignment  link to open the submission window.

how to save an assignment on google docs

4. To upload a Google Doc to your assignment, select the file you wish to upload by clicking on the title.  Note : Before you can submit assignments from Google Docs, you need to  authorize Canvas to access your Google Docs account .

how to save an assignment on google docs

5. Click the  Submit Assignment  button to submit your assignment.

how to save an assignment on google docs

  • How do I submit an online assignment?
  • How do I complete a peer review?
  • How do I use Turnitin?
  • How do I use my webcam to take a photo or an assignment?
  • How do I view instructor feedback?

To revisit this article, visit My Profile, then View saved stories .

  • Backchannel
  • Newsletters
  • WIRED Insider
  • WIRED Consulting

David Nield

The Best Google Docs Keyboard Shortcuts for Boosting Your Productivity

Illustrated folders on a green backdrop

Knowing your way around some keyboard shortcuts —whether for Windows, macOS, or individual programs—is perhaps one of the best time-saving productivity hacks there is. You don't have to reach for the mouse or trackpad to navigate to a new place on the screen, and you don't have to hunt through menus to find options for formatting images and text: Just press the right key combination and you're done.

There aren't many places where keyboard shortcuts are as useful as they are in Google Docs. When you're head-down in a document, these quick key presses can save you a serious amount of time, added up over the course of a day—and it means your brain stays in its creative groove.

These are the most important Google Docs keyboard shortcuts you need to know about, with variations for Windows and macOS. (The macOS shortcut is usually the same as the Windows one, with the Cmd button replacing Ctrl. ) To bring up a full list of keyboard shortcuts while you're in Google Docs, hold down Ctrl or Cmd and press / (the forward slash).

Hold down Ctrl+Shift+Alt (Windows) or Cmd+Shift+Option (macOS), and you can then tap Z to switch to editing, X to switch to suggesting, and C to switch to viewing in the doc.

Use Ctrl+Shift+V or Cmd+Shift+V to paste whatever text is on your clipboard, but without any of its original formatting attached—so you don't suddenly find your document layout ruined.

When you already have some text selected, keep Shift held down and you can extend your text selection by a character at a time with the Left arrow and Right arrow . Hold down Ctrl or Cmd as well, and you go a word at a time.

Highlight any text and press Ctrl+K or Cmd+K to add a link to the text. The same shortcut works for editing links. Hover over a link with the cursor to find the delete link option.

Press Ctrl+Shift+C or Cmd+Shift+C to bring up the total word count, page count, and character count. Check the box on the dialog to have these permanently displayed.

Keep Ctrl+Shift or Cmd+Shift held down on the keyboard, and you can then create a numbered list by tapping 7 , a bulleted list by tapping 8 , and a checklist by tapping 9 .

There are a few keyboard shortcuts you can use when a comment is selected: R to reply to it, J and K to move up and down through comments, E to resolve a comment, and U to exit a comment.

Google Docs has a handy tool finder that you can use to search through all of the options on the menus and in the toolbars: Hold Alt or Option then tap / (forward slash) to show it.

You probably already know that Ctrl+Z or Cmd+Z can undo your last action and correct mistakes. But you can also keep tapping the shortcut to go further back, and even undo everything from the current session if needed.

Here's one that comes in handy in a variety of situations: Press Ctrl+Y or Cmd+Y to repeat the same action again, whether it's inserting a particular character or deleting a sentence.

You can bring up the find and replace dialog by pressing Ctrl+H or Cmd+Shift+H . If you just want to find something (without replacing it), then it's Ctrl+F or Cmd+F instead.

You're able to manipulate images with keyboard shortcuts too. Select an image, hold down Ctrl+Alt or Cmd+Ctrl , then tap K to make an image larger or J to make it smaller.

With text highlighted, hold down Ctrl or Cmd , then tap B for bold, I for italics, U for underline, Shift+X for strikethrough, . (period) for superscript, or , (comma) for subscript.

If you want to apply a set heading style to text in your document, hold down Ctrl+Alt or Cmd+Option , then tap a number (from 1 to 6 ) to apply that particular heading style.

Sometimes you can get your words down more quickly if you're dictating them. Press Ctrl+Shift+S or Cmd+Shift+S and the voice typing dialog should pop up onscreen. Your browser should prompt you to give Google Docs permission to use your microphone; grant that permission and you can start dictating.

You don't need to navigate around the menus to drop a page break into an open document— Ctrl+Enter or Cmd+Enter will insert one at the cursor’s current position.

Tesla Recalls Cybertruck Over Faulty Pedals&-Its Worst Flaw Yet

Brian Barrett

This Chinese Luxury Hybrid SUV Combines a Tank, a Bentley, and a Boat

Alistair Charlton

The Best Podcasts for Everyone

Brenda Stolyar

You Might Also Like …

Navigate election season with our Politics Lab newsletter and podcast

Think Google’s “Incognito mode” protects your privacy? Think again

Blowing the whistle on sexual harassment and assault in Antarctica

The earth will feast on dead cicadas

Upgrading your Mac? Here’s what you should spend your money on

Use Apple Shortcuts to Build the Ultimate Daily Digital Journal

Medea Giordano

Here’s How to Take Advantage of Samsung’s Buy-One, Get-One-Free TV Promotion

Parker Hall

Skip the Paste&-You Should Chomp Down on a Toothpaste Tablet

Nena Farrell

You Can Clamp Your Phone Into Razer’s Fancy New Game Controller

Boone Ashworth

I’m a New Homeowner. An App Called Thumbtack Has Become a Lifesaver for Me

Julian Chokkattu

A First Look at Samsung’s 2024 TV Lineup

Ryan Waniata

What It Will Take for Airchat to Take Flight

Michael Calore

WIRED COUPONS

https://www.wired.com/coupons/static/shop/30208/logo/_0047_Dyson--coupons.png

Extra 20% off sitewide - Dyson promo code

https://www.wired.com/coupons/static/shop/31565/logo/GoPro_Logo_-_WIRED_-_8.png

GoPro Promo Code: 15% off Cameras and Accessories

https://www.wired.com/coupons/static/shop/30173/logo/Samsung_promo_code.png

Up to +30% Off with your Samsung student promo code

https://www.wired.com/coupons/static/shop/30178/logo/_0049_Dell-coupons.png

10% Off Everything w/ Dell Promo Code

https://www.wired.com/coupons/static/shop/32722/logo/VistaPrint_promo_code.png

VistaPrint Promo Code: $10 Off $50+

https://www.wired.com/coupons/static/shop/30169/logo/newegg_logo.png

50% off Select Products - Newegg Promo Code

how to save an assignment on google docs

How to Save a Document in Google Docs: A Quick Guide

  • Last updated May 30, 2023

Google Docs is a text editor that allows you to create documents straight from your browser and collaborate with other users in real-time. In addition, every word you type and every change you make is saved automatically, so you don’t have to worry about losing your work.

That said, do you know any other solution on how to save a document in Google Docs? If you want to save a copy of a shared file, simply click on  “File” > “Make a copy,”  and then re-name the new document., and that’s it!

You also have the option to download a Google Doc from different locations and using different devices. And that’s what we’re going to talk about in this article. Read on as we discuss each method in greater detail.

Table of Contents

How to Save a Document in Google Docs

You can save a document in Google Docs in three different ways: using the platform’s native autosave function, making a copy of a shared document, and downloading your file to have an offline copy on your computer.

Let’s take a closer look at each of the methods below:

Create and Save a Google Doc

You really don’t have to do anything in this method other than create your document, as Google Docs does most of the work. But to demonstrate how the platform autosaves your work, here’s a detailed process with a few screenshots for visuals.

  • To get started, open Google Docs in your file browser by going to https://docs.google.com/  and then log into your account.
  • Create a new file by clicking on the  “Blank”  icon.

Google Docs blank document

  • Next, edit the name of the document in the text box located in the upper-right corner of the screen, and then start editing the text.

Google Docs untitled document

  • While you’re editing the name of the file or the body of the document, you’ll see the “Saving…”  prompt at the top of the screen.

Google Docs document automatically saving screenshot

  • Right after the saving process is done, you’ll see the  “Saved to Drive”  prompt, which will disappear once your document has been saved.

Google Docs document save to drive

  • If you want to change the location of the file, click on the “folder”  icon, usually located next to the star icon at the top of the document.

Where to find Google Docs document folder icon

  • Then, click on the  “folder”  icon with an arrow to create a new folder or select from the existing ones.

Where to find Google Docs document create new folder icon

  • If you decide to create a new folder, type its name in the text box at the top, click on the blue check mark to its right, and then click on  “Move here.”

Google Docs document name untitled folder

Save a Shared Document

The changes you’ve made on a document shared with you by someone would also be automatically saved by the platform. However, the file remains owned and linked to the original creator — all private and personal changes you want to include would be seen by everyone who has access to it.

If you want to have a personal copy, here’s how to save a shared Google Doc.

  • First, open Google Docs in your browser and select the shared file.
  • Click on the “File”  tab at the upper left part of the screen to access a drop-down menu, and then select  “Make a Copy”  from the available options.

Make a copy of Google Docs file

  • Next, type in the file name that you want to use, select the folder that you want to save the file in, and then click on “Make a Copy.”

Make a copy of Google Docs document

  • After this, the copied document will appear in a new tab, which is already saved in your specified folder.

How to Save a Google Doc to Desktop

Downloading your Google file on your computer is one of the best ways to have a backup of your work. Keep in mind that any changes you make on the online version will not be saved on your offline copy.

Follow these steps if you want to download a Google Docs document from your computer’s browser.

  • Open Google Docs in your browser and double-click on the file that you want to download.
  • Next, click on the “File”  tab at the upper left part of the screen and hover the cursor over the “Download”  option.

Download Google Docs file

  • From the selection of different file formats that appear, choose your preferred format.

Different file formats in Google Docs

  • After clicking on a specific file format, Google Docs will save it in the default folder or your chosen download destination.

Download a Google Doc on Your Mobile Device

Similarly, saving a copy on your mobile device would be handy when you need to access your document on the go. Below is the process for downloading a file on your Android or Apple device.

  • Open the Google Docs app on your device.
  • Then, scroll down to the file that you want to download.
  • Once you have identified the file, click on the three dots next to it.

How to save a document in Google Docs on mobile

  • Next, click on “Save as Word”  from the menu.

How to save a document as Word in Google Docs mobile

  • Once you have clicked on this option, your document will be saved in Word format.

How to Save a Google Doc as a PDF

PDF is one of the go-to file formats for most people today, especially since it preserves the formatting and appearance of documents. If you want to save a Google Doc as PDF, here’s what you need to do.

  • Open Google Docs in your browser.
  • Create a new file or choose from your existing documents.
  • Make all the necessary changes.
  • Once you’re ready to save the file, click on the “File” tab in the upper-left corner, hover the cursor over the  “Download”  option, and then click on the “PDF Document”  option.

How to save a document in Google Docs as a PDF file

  • After that, Google Docs will save your document in PDF format in the default file destination.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does google docs automatically save changes on all documents.

Yes. Google Docs automatically saves all your changes as you work on your document, provided you are connected to the internet. This is true whether you create a file, add text, or insert images. Every time you type something or edit the file, a  “Saving” prompt will appear at the top of the page. After two seconds, it will change to “Saved to Drive” before disappearing shortly afterward.

Why Can’t I Save My Google Docs?

Google Docs saves all changes to your documents automatically, but it has to be online to do this. If your connection is unstable or disrupted, then you won’t be able to save your file or make changes to it. Other reasons that impact Google Docs from automatically saving include bugs, which it has yet to resolve, or if your antivirus software thinks that your file is harmful and proceeds to remove it.

Wrapping Up

We’ve discussed how to save a document in Google Docs, so you should now have no problem creating files and then sharing them in various formats. However, it’s only a small part of what the word processor is really capable of.

Try to explore its other functionalities and discover more features or learn more about Google Sheets and other Google apps.

After working on your documents, polishing is a necessary step. Transform your writing from good to great with Grammarly  — the world’s leading writing assistant. Sign up now and start crafting flawless documents, emails, and messages in minutes!

  • How to Save Google Sheets: 3 Simple Ways
  • Easily Insert a Google Sheet Into Google Docs
  • How to Use Google Sheets Offline in a Few Clicks
  • How to Highlight in Google Docs [Step-by-Step Guide]
  • How to Share Google Docs [Quick Step-by-Step Guide]
  • How To Transfer Ownership of a Google Doc [Step-By-Step Guide]

Most Popular Posts

how to save an assignment on google docs

How To Highlight Duplicates in Google Sheets

Copy and Paste the code in the code editor

How to Make Multiple Selection in Drop-down Lists in Google Sheets

GOOGLEFINANCE to Fetch Currency Exchange Rates over a Time Period

Google Sheets Currency Conversion: The Easy Method

A 2024 guide to google sheets date picker, related posts.

How to Insert a Google Sheets Hyperlink in 5 Seconds

  • Chris Daniel
  • April 15, 2024

How to Import Stock Prices into Google Sheets

  • April 2, 2024

How to Calculate Age in Google Sheets (2 Easy Methods)

  • Sumit Bansal
  • February 21, 2024

How to Hide Gridlines in Google Sheets

  • February 14, 2024

Thanks for visiting! We’re happy to answer your spreadsheet questions. We specialize in formulas for Google Sheets, our own spreadsheet templates, and time-saving Excel tips.

Note that we’re supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn commission at no extra cost to you.

Like what we do? Share this article!

  • Help Center
  • Google Docs Editors
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Service
  • Submit feedback
  • Google Docs

Assign tasks from Google Docs

Tasks in Docs are only available for eligible work or school accounts, and you’re not currently signed in. Learn more about work and school accounts .

Sign in to your work account

Assign a task in Google Docs

  • On your computer, in Google Docs, open a doc.
  • In the document, enter @task and press Enter.

and then

  • In the document, enter @checklist and press Enter .
  • Enter a task in the checklist.

how to save an assignment on google docs

  • You can assign a task to yourself or other users in your domain.
  • Optional: To set a date for the task, click Date and pick a date from the calendar.
  • To assign the task, click Add .
  • When you assign a task to someone, they receive an email notification that includes your email address. They can view the task in their personal Tasks list and on their Google Calendar if the task has a set date. Learn more about shared tasks .
  • Anonymous users can't assign or edit Tasks in a Google Doc.

View or edit a task in Docs

  • If a task is completed, its title will be crossed out.
  • Title: Type in the checklist item text and press Tab to update. 
  • If you edit the user the task is assigned to, both the previous assignee and the new assignee will receive an email notification. 

Mark a task complete in Docs

  • In Google Docs, open a doc with assigned tasks.
  • Find an assigned checklist item.
  • If a task is marked as completed in the doc, it'll show as completed in the assignee’s personal Tasks list and they’ll get an email notification.

Delete a task in Docs

  • On the left of an assigned checklist item, point to the icon.

Remove

Tips : 

  • If a task is deleted in the doc, it won't appear in the assignee’s personal Tasks list. If the task wasn’t already completed, the assignee will receive an email notification.

Manage updates to tasks in Docs

On the icon to the left of the checklist item, a blue dot may appear. This can happen when:

  • Someone updates the checklist item in the doc but doesn’t update the task.
  • The assignee of a task updates the task title in Tasks, but doesn’t update the checklist text in the doc.
  • Someone reverts the document to an earlier version.

To fix the issue and remove the blue dot:

  • Point to the task with a blue dot.
  • At the bottom right of the pop up window, click Update .

Tip: A blue dot may also appear on a task icon if the assignee updates or deletes the task in their personal Tasks list, but doesn’t have edit access to the doc.

  • To fix this, point to the blue dot and click Yes .
  • To prevent this, make sure the assignee has edit access to the doc .

Change task notifications

You can change the notifications you receive for tasks in a document.

  • On your computer, open a Google Doc, Sheet, or Slide.

Open comments

  • All comments and tasks: When any tasks are created or changed.
  • Comments and tasks for you: When others reply to tasks or comments you're added to.
  • None: Never receive emails about comments or tasks for that file.

Related articles

  • Get started with Shared Google Tasks

Need more help?

Try these next steps:.

how to save an assignment on google docs

Using Google products, like Google Docs, at work or school? Try powerful tips, tutorials, and templates. Learn to work on Office files without installing Office, create dynamic project plans and team calendars, auto-organize your inbox, and more.

Google Docs Assignments

When your teacher assigns you a Google Docs™ assignment in Google Classroom™, you can make changes directly in the Realize assignment viewer.

Complete a Google Docs Assignment

Type your answers in the document, and use the Google Docs toolbar to apply bullets, numbering, or any other available formatting options. When you are done editing the document, click the Mark as Complete button in the tab.

If you see a Google Docs message indicating that you need permission, you may need to reestablish your connection to Google Classroom.

  • Open a new browser tab and sign in to Google Classroom.
  • Return to the Realize browser tab and refresh your browser. Do not click the Request Access or Switch accounts buttons.

If you see a message that Google cannot connect, your teacher may need to click Sync with Google to re-sync the assignment.

If the Google Docs assignment was assigned to you in Realize , and your class is not synced with Google Classroom, the document is View only ; however, you can download a local copy of the document.

View a Completed Google Docs Assignment

Once you have turned in a Google Docs assignment, you can no longer edit the document, but you can use the Google Doc commenting features to add comments your teacher can later review.

Assignment Viewer

View Completed Assignments

Copyright © 2023 Savvas Learning Company LLC. All rights reserved.

23.2.4 - 4/3/2024 - 10:43 AM

Instructure Logo

You're signed out

Sign in to ask questions, follow content, and engage with the Community

  • Canvas Student
  • Student Guide
  • How do I upload a file from Google Drive as an ass...
  • Subscribe to RSS Feed
  • Printer Friendly Page
  • Report Inappropriate Content

How do I upload a file from Google Drive as an assignment submission in Canvas?

in Student Guide

Note: You can only embed guides in Canvas courses. Embedding on other sites is not supported.

Community Help

View our top guides and resources:.

To participate in the Instructurer Community, you need to sign up or log in:

How-To Geek

How to assign checklist items in google docs.

Make sure everyone does their part by tracking assigned tasks in your document.

Quick Links

Create a checklist in google docs, assign checklist items, what the assignee sees, edit or remove an assigned task.

Ready to start delegating? Google implemented the checklist feature in Google Docs as an easy way to manage tasks in your document. To go with it, you now have the ability to assign items on your checklist.

When you collaborate with others in Google Docs , you can make sure that everyone does their part. Create a checklist of tasks or duties, assign them to the appropriate team members, and even include due dates.

The feature is available to Google Workspace and legacy G Suite Basic and Business customers. It is not available to those with personal Google accounts.

Just like using a numbered or bulleted list in Google Docs , a checklist works basically the same way. You can choose the list type and enter your list items or select existing text and apply the checklist.

Related: How to Create a Checklist in Google Docs

To start a checklist , select the Checklist button in the toolbar or Format > Bullets & Numbering > Checklist in the menu.

You'll see your first checkbox added and ready for your first list item. Type the list item, press Enter or Return, and type the next item until your list is complete.

Alternatively, if you already have your items in the document, you can turn them into a checklist. Select the text containing the items you want in the list.

Click the Checklist button in the toolbar or select Format > Bullets & Numbering > Checklist in the menu.

You'll then have your checklist and can start assigning items.

Once you have a checklist set up in Google Docs, assigning items is easy.

Related: How to Assign Document Tasks in Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides

Place your cursor on the list item you want to assign or hover your cursor to the left of the checkbox. Then, click the Assign as a Task icon that appears on the left.

Select the Assignee field and choose a contact from the list. If you haven't shared the document with your assignee yet, you'll be prompted to do so when you assign the item.

If you want to include a due date, select the Date field and pick one from the pop-up calendar.

Select "Assign as a Task" when you finish.

You'll see the person's Google icon or profile image display next to the checklist item.

If you have Google Tasks turned on for those in your domain, they can manage assigned checklist items in their Tasks list .

Related: How to Print Your Tasks From Google Docs, Chat, and Gmail

When those you share with view the document, they can hover their cursor over an assigned task for details.

After an assignee completes a task on the list, they simply check the box which then strikes through and dims the text indicating it's complete.

You'll also receive an email notification when checklist items are marked complete.

Related: How to Get Notifications for Comments and Edits in Google Docs

You can change the assignee or due date or remove the task assignment. Place your cursor over the assignee's icon for the task to view the details.

  • To make a change, select "Edit." Change the assignee or due date and click "Save."
  • To remove the assignment, select the Delete icon (trash can).

Assigning tasks for checklist items in Google Docs is a terrific way to keep everyone on track. For more, look at how to assign tasks in Google Drive .

  • My Playlists
  • My Analytics

Penn Foster Group

Using Google Docs for Writing Assignments on a PC

Related media.

IMAGES

  1. How to save Google Docs file as PDF on iPhone and web

    how to save an assignment on google docs

  2. 3 Ways to Save a Google Doc

    how to save an assignment on google docs

  3. How to Create Doc for Assignment in Google Classroom

    how to save an assignment on google docs

  4. How to Save Google Docs as PDF on Desktop and Mobile

    how to save an assignment on google docs

  5. Writing Assignment in Google Docs

    how to save an assignment on google docs

  6. How to Save a Google Doc as a Word File

    how to save an assignment on google docs

VIDEO

  1. Assignment Formatting in Google Docs

  2. LIB50 Submitting Files Using Google Docs

  3. How To Insert Video In Google Docs (WORKING 2024)

  4. Submitting assignments in Google Classroom

  5. Sample Google Assignment

  6. How to make assignment in mobile phone

COMMENTS

  1. How to Save Document on Google Docs: A Step-by-Step Guide

    Step 3: Manually save if working offline. If you're not connected to the internet, you can still manually save your document. Just go to the File menu and click 'Save'. When you're working offline, Google Docs won't automatically save your document. Instead, you'll need to go to the 'File' menu and select 'Save' every so ...

  2. Start, revise & submit assignments

    To start your assignment, you first need to link your Google Account to Assignments. You can then open your assignment and, when you are finished, submit it for grading. If you edit your work before the due date, you can resubmit your assignment. You can attach any file type from Google Drive or your hard drive to your assignment, including:

  3. How to Save a Document in Google Docs

    Step 3: Access the File Tab and Select Download. Click ' File' in the menu bar, select ' Download' in the drop down menu consisting of different options. After clicking on download, another sub dropdown menu opens. Select the format of the document you want to save in your device locally. Here we are selecting 'PDF' in it.

  4. 3 Ways to Save a Google Doc

    2. Open or create a document. Double-click an existing document to open it, or click Blank in the upper-left side of the page to create a new document. [1] 3. Add information to the document if needed. If you want to add content to the document before saving it, do so now.

  5. Open & review assignments

    Important: Any assignment from Google Assignments only displays students in the roster who opened the assignment from their LMS. Go to your LMS. Click the assignment you want to grade. Click the student's assignment. Optional: To grade another student assignment in the grading tool, click the Down arrow . Then, select the student's name.

  6. Learn how Assignments works

    Assignments is an add-on application for learning management systems (LMSs) to help you distribute, analyze, and grade student work with Google Workspace for Education. For file submissions, Assignments make Google Docs, Google Sheets, Google Slides, and Google Drive compatible with your LMS. You can use Assignments to save time distributing ...

  7. The Beginner's Guide to Google Docs

    From the Google Docs homepage, click the folder icon in the top right, then click the "Upload" tab. Once the Word file uploads, Docs opens it automatically, ready for you to start to edit, share, and collaborate. To open a Word document that you want to edit, click the file with the blue 'W' next to the filename from your Google Docs homepage.

  8. PDF Get starte d wit h Assignment s

    Create new classwork. First, make sure your admin has turned on Assignments within your learning management system (LMS) Open your LMS and navigate to where you would create a new classwork. Fill in any important information as usual - for example, classwork name, description, and point value. Click the box for External Tools and select ...

  9. Work with a doc assigned to you

    Click the class and then choose an option: Click the assignment or question. Click View all on the assignment or question, click View details. Under Your work, click Unsubmit and confirm. Note: After you unsubmit, you can continue working on your previous copy of the doc. To start over with a new copy, continue to the next step.

  10. How do I submit an assignment using Google Docs?

    1. In Course Navigation, click the Assignments link. 2. Click the assignment title to open the assignment. 3. Click the Submit Assignment link to open the submission window. 4. To upload a Google Doc to your assignment, select the file you wish to upload by clicking on the title. Note: Before you can submit assignments from Google Docs, you ...

  11. How instructors and students share files

    If the student has unshared the file, the instructor can ask them to share it again in Docs or Drive. To view files in their returned state, instructors can go to the Assignments folder in Drive and open the backup file. Backup file names begin with the prefix "Copy of.".

  12. The Best Google Docs Keyboard Shortcuts for Boosting Your ...

    Hold down Ctrl+Shift+Alt (Windows) or Cmd+Shift+Option (macOS), and you can then tap Z to switch to editing, X to switch to suggesting, and C to switch to viewing in the doc.

  13. Create an assignment

    Create an assignment (details above). Under Due, click the Down arrow . Next to No due date, click the Down arrow . Click a date on the calendar. (Optional) To set a due time, click Time enter a time and specify AM or PM. Note: Work is marked Missing or Turned in late as soon as the due date and time arrive.

  14. Student: How do I submit a Google Document to an assignment?

    Click the Google Doc tab. This displays your Google Docs. Note: If you are not currently logged into Google Docs, you will be asked to do so. If this is the first time you have added a Google Doc to an assignment, you will be asked to allow Canvas to access your Google Docs.

  15. How to Save a Document in Google Docs: A Quick Guide

    First, open Google Docs in your browser and select the shared file. Click on the "File" tab at the upper left part of the screen to access a drop-down menu, and then select "Make a Copy" from the available options. Next, type in the file name that you want to use, select the folder that you want to save the file in, and then click on ...

  16. Assign tasks from Google Docs

    In the document, enter @checklist and press Enter. Enter a task in the checklist. To the left of the checklist item, click Add to Tasks . A pop-up window will appear. In the "Assignee" field, enter the name of the user you want to assign the task to. You can assign a task to yourself or other users in your domain.

  17. Create an assignment using Google Docs

    From the Options menu, click Add Assignment or Add Ungraded Assignment. In the Resources Provided by the Teacher field, click Select Google Doc. From the Google Docs pick list, select the document you want to associate with the assignment. Select Make Student Editable, and then click Save. From the Options menu, click Add Assignment or Add ...

  18. Assignments using google docs in google classroom

    Give assignments to students online. Assignments can be created using google docs. _____#googledocs#googledocsforstudents#assignme...

  19. Google Docs Assignments

    Complete a Google Docs Assignment. Type your answers in the document, and use the Google Docs toolbar to apply bullets, numbering, or any other available formatting options. When you are done editing the document, click the Mark as Complete button in the tab. If you see a Google Docs message indicating that you need permission, you may need to ...

  20. Submitting a Google Doc as a FLVS Assignment

    Students may choose to complete their FLVS assignments with Google Docs. This video will walk through the steps for submitting a Google Doc as an assignment ...

  21. How do I upload a file from Google Drive as an ass...

    Submit Assignment. Google Drive will display a list of all allowed file types. Click the name of the file [1], then click the Select button [2]. Note: When the Allow Multiple file AGS submissions count as one submission is enabled, you can select multiple files to be uploaded to a third-party assignment in Canvas.

  22. Google Docs

    Create and edit web-based documents, spreadsheets, and presentations. Store documents online and access them from any computer.

  23. How to Assign Checklist Items in Google Docs

    Alternatively, if you already have your items in the document, you can turn them into a checklist. Select the text containing the items you want in the list. Click the Checklist button in the toolbar or select Format > Bullets & Numbering > Checklist in the menu. You'll then have your checklist and can start assigning items.

  24. Using Google Docs for Writing Assignments on a PC

    Using Google Docs for Writing Assignments on a PC. From Laura Recene February 15th, 2023. 0 likes 0. 366 plays 366 0 comments 0. Details. Clear Search. To search for an exact match, please use Quotation Marks. Example: "computer".