Sending your Google Doc via email directly from Google Docs is a quick and hassle-free way to share your documents with colleagues, friends, or anyone who needs access. This guide will walk you through the process step-by-step, so you can send your document without leaving Google Docs.
Whether you need to email your notes as a PDF, share a draft in Word format, or simply let someone view your original document, Google Docs has built-in features to do it efficiently. By following these steps, you’ll be able to send your document in the format you choose, directly from the editing interface.
Sending a Google Doc Through Email
Go to the File menu at the top left of your Google Docs window. Scroll down and hover over Email; a sub-menu will appear.
Select Email this file from the sub-menu. A prompt will open automatically. Here you will be able to choose your recipient and customize your message.
Under the To field, select or type the recipient you want to send it to. You can add multiple addresses if you'd like to send your doc to more than one person. Type in your message in the provided area. This will appear as the body of the email sent with your document attached. Just below the message, locate the file format options. Choose the desired file format—options typically include PDF, Open Document, HTML, Microsoft Word, and sometimes plain text. Pick the one that best suits your recipient's needs. After reviewing your selections, simply click Send to deliver your Google Doc to the specified recipients. The document will be attached in the selected format and your message will appear in the email. Your document has now been sent. The recipients will receive an email with your custom message and the attached file, and you'll remain in your document ready to continue working.
Tips for Emailing Google Docs
Use the PDF format if you want your recipients to see your document exactly as it appears, with layout and formatting preserved.
Choose Microsoft Word or Open Document if your recipients need to edit the file in other word processors.
The default email sent will come from your Google account’s address, making it easy for recipients to reply directly if they need to.
Formatting and content will reflect the current state of your Google Doc at the moment you send it, so double-check your content and formatting before selecting Send.
Attachments are generated real-time by Google Docs and are included securely with the email; you do not need to download the file first unless you want a copy for other purposes.
If you want your recipient to collaborate directly on the Google Doc rather than just receive a file, consider using the Share button instead, which allows real-time editing and commenting.
Common Uses for Emailing Your Google Doc
Sending meeting notes to a distribution list immediately after compiling them in Google Docs.
Delivering class assignments or reports in a required file format without additional conversion steps.
Sharing drafts with colleagues for review, especially if they use different document editors or require offline access.
Providing printable copies of documents to individuals who may not have Google account access.
Including a custom message to explain your document’s contents or specific actions requested of the recipients.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I send my Google Doc via email to multiple recipients? Yes, simply enter all intended email addresses, separated by commas, in the To field when prompted.
Will my document be sent as a Google Doc or as an attachment? Your document will be sent as an email attachment in the format you choose, such as PDF or DOCX. The recipient does not need to have Google Docs to open it.
Can I schedule the send time? This feature only sends emails immediately. If you want to schedule delivery, download your document and use a scheduling feature in your email client.
Will formatting be preserved? Yes, choosing PDF preserves formatting precisely; other formats (like Microsoft Word) retain most formatting, but minor differences can sometimes occur.
