How to Convert Gmail to PDF & Save Emails? Top 6 Methods
- Save Gmail emails to PDF using the print option.
- For exporting the complete email thread, use the Print All feature method.
- Free Chrome Extension Way to Save Gmail as PDFa
- Methods to Save Gmail as PDF on iPhone and iPad.
- Save Email as PDF on Android Using Gmail App.
- Automated bulk exporter for Mac and Windows
Now, before continuing to the step-by-step guide, first let’s have a short discussion about the reasons why users need to convert Gmail to PDF format and common prerequisites.
Why Users Save Gmail Emails as PDF? (Top Reasons)
There are several needs to export Gmail to PDF depending on different users’ needs and professions. Some of the common goals behind keeping Gmail emails as a local PDF copy include.
- For Legal Documentation: Criminal defence attorneys and legal professionals often need to convert Gmail to PDF to make the evidence in a court-presentable format.
- To Backup Gmail Emails to Hard Drive: PDF is the most stable, highly used and globally acceptable format. By keeping Gmail emails as PDF, we can make sure to keep our Gmail data secure and accessible over time.
- Easy Shareability Nature of PDF Format: PDF are globally used file format for sharing sensitive information. Therefore, many users need to save Gmail emails as PDF to share sensitive email information across different platforms.
- Save Gmail Emails Offline for Local Access: PDF format records are easily accessible even without an internet connection. Therefore, this is also one of the major reasons for exporting Gmail emails to PDF format.
Prerequisites Before Converting Gmail to PDF
- Make sure you have the correct credentials for the Gmail account to convert emails to PDF. If not, forget the password and create a new one.
- A stable internet connection is a must. It is recommended to bulk export Gmail emails to PDF at night since the internet stays stable at that time.
- Cross-check that all those email files and folders are present in Gmail, which you want to further convert to PDF.
- Another very important prerequisite is enough storage space on your device to store the output files.
- For a hassle-free export experience, keep the browser and Gmail application up to date.
How to Convert Gmail Email to PDF? Free & DIY 5 Methods
You can save Gmail email as PDF using the built-in print option. In the following, we have step-by-step discussed how to change a single or multiple Gmail emails to PDF on Desktop, iPhone/ iPad, Android, using the built-in feature and print all option, Chrome extension, and more.
1 Method. How to Export Gmail Emails to PDF using the Built-in Print Option?
Follow these steps to convert Gmail email to PDF Adobe using the print feature on your Desktop:
- Go to your Gmail account and open the email you wish to convert to a PDF.
- Click the three dots in the top right corner and click Print (press Ctrl+P on PCs, Cmd+P on Mac).
- Next, choose the Print option from the dropdown list.
- Select the “Save as PDF” option from the Destination.
- Click on the Save button to save Gmail to PDF file.
- Browse to a location to store the PDF and click Save.
- Get the Gmail exported PDF from the selected location.
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.2 Method: Convert Gmail Message to PDF via Print All Option
Gmail understands the need for users to save a Gmail email as a PDF; thus, it has directly given a Print All option on the top right corner of Gmail. This method is most helpful when you need to save Gmail thread as PDF, including all replies, instead of saving one Gmail at a time. If you are wondering how to download email thread from Gmail as PDF, simply follow the steps below:
- Open Gmail Email: Log in to your Gmail and choose an email.
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Click on Print All: After opening the Gmail email, press Print All.
- Save Gmail as PDF: Next, select Destination i.e., Save as PDF.
- Click Save to export Gmail to PDF document.
- Select a destination path and tap Save.
- Open the destination folder to get the exported PDF.
3 Method: Convert Gmail to PDF using the Extension
This method to change Gmail to PDF is highly useful for quick conversion.
- Open the Chrome Web Store and search for Gmail Message Backup Extension.
- Add the Gmail Message Backup plugin to Chrome to convert Gmail to PDF.
- Now, open an email in Gmail and choose the PDF icon.
- Lastly, see the Gmail exported PDF document in Downloads.
4 Method. How to Convert Gmail Email to PDF on iPhone & iPad?
If you’re on the go and wondering how to save Gmail email as PDF on iPad or iPhone, Apple has a hidden shortcut built right into iOS:
- Access your email through Gmail.
- Use the three-dots menu (…) to access AirPrint.
- Pinch out (zoom in) to open the PDF on the preview image with two fingers.
- Click the Share icon (square with arrow up) at the right of the page.
- Click Save to Files and select your storage location.
5 Method. How to Convert Gmail to PDF on Android?
Follow these steps to convert Gmail messages to PDF on Android if you want to download Gmail emails to PDF directly to your mobile device:
- Open the Gmail app and tap the Three Dots in the top-right corner of the message.
Select Print. - Tap the drop-down menu at the very top of your screen and select Save as PDF.
- Tap the circular PDF download icon to save it to your phone’s local storage.
The Hidden Cost and the Major Challenges of Free Methods
The above steps are generally fine for a quick export of your receipts, but when it comes time to change Gmail to PDF for legal, client handoff, or tax purposes, there are some significant issues with Gmail’s built-in PDF attachment printing process.
The three largest issues with Gmail’s built-in PDF printing process are:
- The Attachment Trap: Nevertheless, you are likely to create a static image rather than an actual PDF of your email. Therefore, when you create an attachment to your email, such as a contract, business proposal, or invoice, you will lose the actual attachments. This attachment mishandling limit of the free ways is not suitable for legal professionals, record keeping, data integrity, etc.
- Messy Formatting: When you convert Gmail email to PDF Adobe, it also treats any of the images in your email as if they were standard web pages. Therefore, you will likely have odd page breaks and large blank areas between text and non-functional HTML email signatures when you open your new PDF.
- Bulk Conversion: If a project is completed and you need to save all the Gmail emails to PDF for one client in a specific client folder, you cannot change them all using Gmail’s native service. You will need to open and print each email to create your client folder.
Method 6: The Professional Tool to Convert Gmail Email to PDF in Bulk with Attachments
For a safe, fast, and advanced drill to convert Gmail messages to PDF, the ultimate solution is the BitRecover Gmail Backup Software, which is the obvious choice for serious individuals. It is certified for its data safety and accuracy throughout the process. Plus, it has a range of saving options, which makes it a one-stop solution to deal with Gmail emails efficiently.
The tool is designed specifically to safely convert multiple Gmail emails to PDF format (or just a single email, which can be very complex) while ensuring that your data stays on your local computer. It is certified as virus-free and thoroughly tested. It is a scalable application that any non-technical expert, individual, lawyer, or project manager can use for the Gmail to PDF export process.
You can also download its free demo version to test its efficiency without paying a single penny in advance.
How to Batch Convert Gmail Email to PDF Automatically?
- Download and start the Gmail to PDF converter software on your Mac or Windows computer.
- Log in to your Gmail account safely with the software and preview all your folders.
- Choose PDF as your saving option and directly export all Gmail emails to PDF.
- Select the desired destination path and hit the Backup button to initiate the process.
- Here is your converted data in Adobe PDF document format.
Why Smart People Use a Dedicated Gmail to PDF Converter:
- Direct PDF Export: Instantly convert Gmail emails to PDF/A that everyone can open anywhere.
- Batch Conversions: Export from multiple Gmail accounts at the same time.
- Attachment Preservation: Save attachments inside the PDF or extract them to another folder.
- Maintain Hierarchy: Maintain the same look and formatting, metadata, and folder structure as the email.
- Advanced Filtering: Filter on Date, Sender, and Subject to create custom exports.
- 100% Secure & Local: Process your data completely offline to ensure your total privacy.
- 24/7 Support: Have access to chat, email, and telephone support 24/7.
- Feature Customization: In case you want to add any new feature as per your work requirements, then connect with the support team and discuss the same.
FAQs: Convert Gmail to PDF
Q1: What are the best tools to convert Gmail emails to PDF?
BitRecover Gmail to PDF converter is the best tool to convert Gmail messages to PDF with attachments and in bulk. The software is secure with advanced and powerful features.
Q2: How can I save a Gmail email as a PDF file?
To save Gmail emails as PDF file, you can use the built-in Print option or use dedicated software like BitRecover Gmail to PDF converter.
Q3: Why is my Gmail not saving as a PDF?
Gmail might not be saving your emails as PDF due to a browser glitch, an excessive attachment size, the HTML being corrupt, or Ad blockers that conflict with each other.
Q4: Why is BitRecover Gmail to PDF Exporter globally recommended?
It saves users’ hours of manual work, prevents data loss, maintains metadata accuracy, and supports bulk Gmail account migration. It also maintains folder hierarchy, provides around-the-clock support, and ensures user satisfaction.
Q5: How is the process to export Gmail emails to PDF beneficial in other aspects?
Doing this export helps in drills such as compilation, managing business records, and taking backup in a readable format.
Q6: How to convert Gmail to PDF on Android?
Open Gmail on your Android mobile and click on the email that you want to save as a PDF. Now, click on the three dots icon and select the print option. After this, again click on the three-dot icon and choose Save as PDF. After this, give it a saving name and click on Save to convert Gmail email to PDF on Android phone.
Q7: How to convert Gmail to PDF on iPhone?
To save Gmail email as PDF on iPhone, first click on the email that you want to convert to PDF. Once done, click on the three dots icon and select the Print All option. After this, click on the share icon mentioned above and select Save to Files option. Finally, choose the saving folder and click on the Save button to convert Gmail email to PDF on iPhone models.
The Bottom Line
If you just need to know how to convert Gmail email to PDF to save a receipt, use the ctrl+p shortcut. It is fast, free, and gets the job done.
As a professional who cannot risk losing essential files when trying to export Gmail email to PDF, most people prefer using a specialized tool like BitRecover Gmail email to PDF converter. This desktop Gmail to PDF tool was created for you to not only convert Gmail message to PDF but also safeguard your attachments, give you peace of mind regarding your privacy, and allow you to get back countless hours from your workday.
