How to Convert Google Sheets to PDF Using PDF.co and Zapier

5 Minutes Read

Create a PDF copy of a Google Sheets spreadsheet automatically with Zapier. This workflow exports the spreadsheet as an Excel file, converts it with PDF.co, and saves the PDF in Google Drive.

Prerequisites

Google Sheets, Google Drive, PDF.co, and Zapier accounts.
A spreadsheet containing sample data.
A Google Drive folder for the generated PDFs.

IN THIS TUTORIAL

Set Up the Google Sheets Trigger

Export the Spreadsheet as Excel

Convert the Excel File to PDF

Test the PDF Output

Save the PDF in Google Drive

Publish the Zap

Step 1: Set Up the Google Sheets Trigger

Create a Zap and select Google Sheets → New Worksheet.

Connect your Google account.
Select the spreadsheet to monitor.
Test the trigger and select a sample worksheet.

This trigger runs when a new worksheet tab is created—not when existing cells are edited. The workflow below converts the spreadsheet workbook, not just the new tab.

Step 2: Export the Spreadsheet as Excel

Add Google Drive → Export File and connect the account that has access to your spreadsheet.

Configure:

File: Select the same spreadsheet used in the trigger.
Export Format: Choose Microsoft Excel (.xlsx).

Test the action to obtain the exported file. This uses your connected Google account, so the spreadsheet does not need to be publicly shared. Google Drive’s export action supports Google Sheets files. Google Drive action reference

Step 3: Convert the Excel File to PDF

Add PDF.co → Anything to PDF Converter.

Connect your PDF.co account through OAuth, sign in, and authorize access.

Configure the conversion:

Input Format: Select the spreadsheet option for CSV, XLS, XLSX, or TXT files.
Source File: Map the exported XLSX file or its downloadable URL from the Google Drive step.
File Name: Enter a name such as spreadsheet-report.pdf.
Custom Profiles: Leave blank for the default conversion settings.

Use the exported file, not the Google Sheets editing link. Refer to the Anything to PDF documentation for conversion options.

Step 4: Test the PDF Output

Test the PDF.co action and open the returned PDF URL.

Check that the expected worksheets, columns, and data appear correctly. Review page breaks and readability before continuing.

Step 5: Save the PDF in Google Drive

Add Google Drive → Upload File.

Folder: Select your destination folder.
File: Map the PDF output URL from PDF.co.
File Name: Enter or map the desired output name.

Test the upload and open the saved PDF. This stores a lasting copy before PDF.co’s temporary output link expires.

Step 6: Publish the Zap

Publish the Zap after all tests succeed. Each new worksheet will trigger an export of the spreadsheet, conversion to PDF, and upload to your selected folder.

For a straightforward Google Sheets PDF export without PDF.co processing, you can also select PDF in Google Drive’s Export File action and save that output directly.