Google Docs may offer a very easy way to create and share a range of different document types, but the humble PDF remains a popular method of sharing information. Now Google is improving how Docs handles PDF conversions.
In a post on the Google Workspace Updates blog, Google announced a range of updates are rolling out for Google Docs aimed specifically at improving PDF conversion. The improvements fall into three different categories: images, text styles and formatting, and layout conversion.
Carrying out a conversion will now see any images converted, but taking into consideration “text wrapping related to images.” Google also states that for text styles and formatting, all underline, strikethrough, background color, and fonts will be included in the conversion so you don’t lose any of the detail. This is especially important in longer documents because it can be a pain to go through each page and check for missing formatting.
Finally, layouts will convert over with more precision. There’s now support for “multi-column layouts, custom page sizes, tables with borders, and improved content ordering.” If it works as planned, the Google Docs version should look exactly the same as the source PDF.
The improved conversion is available to Google Workspace Essentials, Business Starter, Business Standard, Business Plus, Enterprise Essentials, Enterprise Standard, and Enterprise Plus, as well as G Suite Basic, Business, Education, Enterprise for Education, and Nonprofits customers. Google says it will take up to three days for feature visibility and the roll out started on Nov. 30.