How to Print from Google Docs: Step-by-Step Guide

What You’ll Need

A Google account (free) with a document saved in Google Docs
A printer that is set up and connected to your computer or phone (wireless, USB, or network)
A computer, phone, or tablet with a web browser or the Google Docs app

Step-by-Step

Open your document. Go to docs.google.com and sign in if needed. Click on the document you want to print. If you’re using the mobile app, open the app and tap the document.
Open the Print dialog. On a computer, click File in the top-left menu, then select Print. Alternatively, press Ctrl+P (Windows) or Cmd+P (Mac). On the mobile app, tap the three-dot menu (⋯) in the top-right corner and choose Share & export > Print.
Choose your printer. In the print dialog, select the correct printer from the drop-down list. If you don’t see your printer, click See more or Add printer to find it. Make sure the printer is turned on and connected to the same network as your device.
Adjust print settings. Set your preferences: pages (All, Custom, or a range), number of copies, layout (Portrait or Landscape), paper size (Letter, A4, etc.), and margins. You can also choose Color or Black & white under “Color.” For a cleaner look, enable Background graphics if you want to print images or colors, but note this may use more ink.
Preview and confirm. Look at the preview on the right side of the dialog to ensure the document looks correct. If something is off, adjust the settings. Once satisfied, click Print (or Save if you choose “Save as PDF” as the printer).
Collect your printout. Wait for the printer to finish. If you saved as a PDF, choose a location on your computer and open the file to view or share it.

Common Mistakes

Choosing the wrong printer – If you have multiple printers, you might accidentally send the job to the wrong one. Double-check the printer name before clicking Print.
Missing margins or cut-off text – If your document has wide tables or images, they may get cut off. Use the preview to check and adjust margins or scale in the print settings.
Printing background colors unnecessarily – Google Docs may omit background colors by default. If you want them, enable “Background graphics.” If you don’t, leave it off to save ink.
Forgetting to check page size – If your document is set to A4 but your printer uses Letter, the layout may shift. Choose the correct paper size in the print dialog.
Not saving as PDF when needed – If you need to email a copy or print later, use “Save as PDF” instead of a physical printer.

Tips

Use “Save as PDF” – This is great for sharing documents electronically or printing them later without changes.
Print only what you need – Under “Pages,” select “Custom” and enter a range (e.g., 1-3) to avoid printing extra pages.
Check printer ink and paper – Before printing, ensure the printer has enough ink and paper to avoid a mid-job failure.
Adjust margins for dense documents – If your document is long, reduce margins slightly to fit more content per page, but keep them readable.
Use the mobile app for quick prints – The print option is available on Android and iOS, but you may need to adjust settings like paper size on the system print dialog.

Troubleshooting

Printer not showing up – Make sure your printer is turned on and connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your device. Restart the printer and your computer, then try again. On Windows, check “Printers & scanners” in Settings; on Mac, check “Printers & Scanners” in System Preferences.
Print job stuck in queue – Open your system’s print queue (Windows: Settings > Devices > Printers & scanners > your printer > Open queue; Mac: System Preferences > Printers & Scanners > your printer > Open Print Queue). Cancel the stuck job and try printing again.
Document prints with blank pages – This often happens due to extra paragraph marks or page breaks. In Google Docs, click View > Show print layout to see page breaks. Delete unnecessary breaks or adjust the print range.
Text is too small or cut off – In the print dialog, try setting “Scale” to “Fit to page” or reduce the scale percentage. Also check that the paper size matches your printer’s tray.
Mobile app doesn’t have Print option – Some Android devices require you to install the “HP Print Service” or “Canon Print Service” plugin. On iOS, ensure the printer supports AirPrint. Alternatively, use “Save as PDF” and then print from the PDF app.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I print from Google Docs on my phone?

Yes. Open the document in the Google Docs app, tap the three-dot menu, select “Share & export,” then “Print.” You may need to install a print service plugin depending on your printer brand.

How do I print double-sided from Google Docs?

Google Docs itself doesn’t have a double-sided option, but you can set it in the print dialog. Look for “Two-sided” or “Duplex” in the printer properties. If you don’t see it, check your printer’s manual – not all printers support duplex printing.

Can I print a Google Doc as a PDF?

Yes. In the print dialog, choose “Save as PDF” as the printer instead of a physical printer. This will download the document as a PDF file.

Why is my Google Doc not printing background colors?

By default, Google Docs omits background colors to save ink. In the print dialog, check the “Background graphics” box to include them. Note that this may increase ink usage.

How do I print only certain pages?

In the print dialog, under “Pages,” select “Custom” and enter the page range (e.g., 2-4). This will print only the specified pages.

Can I print from Google Docs without a printer?

Yes, you can save the document as a PDF and then take it to a print shop or use a cloud printing service. Alternatively, you can use “Save as PDF” and print later from any device.

Sources: Google Docs Help. Menus and buttons can differ slightly by version. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.