Overview
You can automatically convert a Google Doc to a Microsoft Word (.docx) file in Zapier using a Google Docs trigger combined with a Google Drive Upload File action. Zapier can upload the Google Doc as a .docx file, so no manual downloading or conversion is required. You can also go the other direction and convert a Word file into a Google Doc using the Google Drive and Google Docs apps.
Step-by-step guide
- Create a new Zap and add a Google Docs trigger. In the Zap editor, click to add a trigger. Search for and select Google Docs. Choose New Document or New Document in Folder as the trigger event depending on whether you want to watch all new docs or just docs in a specific folder.
- Connect your Google account and set up the trigger. Select the Google account that contains the docs you want to convert. If using New Document in Folder, select the folder to watch. Click Continue.
- Test the trigger. Click Test trigger to pull in a recent document. Confirm the output includes a File Docx field.
- Add a Google Drive Upload File action. Click the + icon to add an action. Search for and select Google Drive. Choose Upload File as the action event.
- Configure the Upload File action. In the File field, map the .docx file output from the Google Docs trigger step. Set the destination folder where you want the Word file to be saved in Google Drive. Give it a name using the document title from the trigger if you want it to match the original. For the Convert to Document field, select False to prevent the Zap from converting the Word file in to a Google Doc format before uploading.
- Test and activate your Zap. Click Test step to confirm the Word file uploads correctly, then turn on your Zap.
Key notes and limitations
- The Google Docs New Document trigger watches for new documents only. It does not trigger on existing documents or documents that are edited rather than newly created. If you want to convert existing Google Docs, use the New Document in Folder trigger instead of the New Document trigger and move the file into the relevant folder. This will allow the Zap to run for existing files added to that folder.
- Google Drive requires you to be the owner of the destination folder to upload files into it via Zapier.
- If using the New Document in Folder trigger, it will only trigger for documents added directly to the selected folder, not its subfolders.
Frequently asked questions
Q: Does the conversion preserve formatting?
A: Most standard formatting carries over, including headings, paragraph styles, bold, italic, and basic tables. Complex layouts, custom fonts, or embedded objects may not convert perfectly. Always check the output if formatting fidelity matters.
Q: How can I convert Word files into Google Docs?
When using the Upload File action, if the Convert to Document field is set to True, then it will convert the selected Word file into a Google Doc before uploading it to your Google Drive.
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