Need to send a Google Doc to someone who uses Microsoft Word, submit a .docx file, or keep an offline copy? Google Docs can convert any document to Word format in a couple of clicks, keeping most formatting, images, tables, and comments. This guide covers every method on a computer and phone, what to check after converting, and how to handle formatting differences.
Quick Answer
Open the document in Google Docs and click File > Download > Microsoft Word (.docx). The Word file downloads to your computer, usually to the Downloads folder.
Method 1: Download as Word From Google Docs
- Open the document in Google Docs.
- Click File > Download.
- Choose Microsoft Word (.docx).
- Open the downloaded file in Word to review it.
Method 2: Download From Google Drive
- Go to drive.google.com.
- Right-click the Google Doc (or select several).
- Click Download. Google Docs files are converted to .docx automatically. Multiple files download as a ZIP.
Method 3: Email as a Word Attachment
- In Google Docs, click File > Email > Email this file.
- Enter the recipient and choose Microsoft Word as the attachment format.
- Click Send.
Method 4: On Android or iPhone
- Open the document in the Google Docs app.
- Tap the three-dot menu, then Share & export.
- Tap Save as Word (.docx) to create a Word copy in Drive, or Send a copy and choose Word format to share it.
What Converts Well (and What Might Not)
| Usually converts well | May need adjusting |
|---|---|
| Text, headings, lists, and styles | Fonts not installed on the other computer |
| Images and tables | Drawings made with Google Drawings |
| Comments and suggestions | Smart chips (people, dates, dropdowns) |
| Headers, footers, page numbers | Complex layouts and page breaks |
Open the Word file after converting and check page breaks, fonts, and any special elements before sending it.
Tips for Better Results
- Use common fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman to avoid substitutions.
- Accept or reject suggestions first if you want a clean copy.
- Switch from Pageless to Pages format in File > Page setup if the layout matters.
- Resolve comments you do not want the recipient to see.
Edit Word Files Without Converting
Google Docs can open and edit .docx files directly in Office editing mode, keeping them as Word files. Upload the file to Drive, open it, and edit; the file stays in Word format unless you choose File > Save as Google Docs.
For every export option, see Google Docs file formats.
Going the other way? See moving Word content to Google Docs.
Going the other direction? Here’s how to upload a Word document to Google Docs.
Related: Convert WordPerfect to Word.
Related: Download a Google Doc.
Fix common problems after converting
| Problem in Word | Why it happens | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Text looks different | A Google font isn’t installed on your PC, so Word substitutes another | Download the font from Google Fonts and install it, or change the font in Word |
| Pages break in different places | Word and Docs use slightly different line spacing and margins | Check Layout > Margins and paragraph spacing; adjust page breaks |
| Pageless document looks odd | Word has no pageless mode | In Google Docs, choose File > Page setup > Pages before downloading |
| Drawings or smart chips are missing | Some Google-only features don’t exist in Word | Replace chips with plain text; insert drawings as images |
| Suggestions show as tracked changes | Google suggestions convert to Word revisions | Accept or reject them in Word’s Review tab |
Keep working in both apps
Once downloaded, the Word file and the Google Doc are separate copies; edits to one don’t update the other. If a team needs one shared file, decide which app is the “home” for it. You can also upload the .docx back to Drive and edit it in Office-compatible mode without converting it, which keeps it as a Word file. To go the other way, see turning a Word document into a Google Doc.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does converting change my Google Doc?
No. The original Google Doc stays the same; you get a separate Word copy.
Can I convert many Google Docs at once?
Yes. Select them in Google Drive and click Download, or use Google Takeout for your whole Drive.
Will the Word file keep comments?
Yes. Comments and suggested edits are usually included and appear in Word's Review pane.
Summary
- Click File > Download > Microsoft Word (.docx).
- Or download from Google Drive, which converts automatically.
- Use Email this file to send a Word attachment directly.
- Review fonts and layout in Word before sharing.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.