Google Docs → Word or PDF
- Open the document in Google Docs.
- Select File → Download.
- Choose Microsoft Word (.docx) or PDF Document (.pdf), as required.
- Find the downloaded file on your device.
Google Files to Blackboard
Turn a Google Doc or Slides presentation into a file you can upload. Use these steps in a computer or Chromebook web browser.
Links open in a new tab.
1. Check what the assignment accepts
Read the directions and the accepted file types before downloading. Blackboard may offer file upload, a text editor, or both. A missing text box or upload option may be intentional.
| Your work | If the assignment asks for | Download as |
|---|---|---|
| Google Docs | A Word document | Microsoft Word (.docx) |
| Google Docs | A PDF | PDF Document (.pdf) |
| Google Slides | A PowerPoint presentation | Microsoft PowerPoint (.pptx) |
| Google Slides | A PDF of the slides | PDF Document (.pdf) |
These formats serve different purposes. Choose the one your instructor requires. Changing the letters at the end of a file name does not convert the file.
2. Download a copy from Google
Google Slides → PowerPoint or PDF
- Open the presentation in Google Slides.
- Select File → Download.
- Choose Microsoft PowerPoint (.pptx) or PDF Document (.pdf), as required.
- Find the downloaded file on your device.
On a Chromebook: Open the Files app and look under Downloads (usually within My files), unless you chose another location. On other computers, check your browser’s downloads list or Downloads folder.
3. Open and check the downloaded file
- Check the content. Look for missing pages, shifted formatting, cut-off text, images, and working links.
- Check presentations carefully. A PDF is a static version; it does not preserve slide animations or interactive playback. PowerPoint conversion may also change features.
- Use a clear file name. Follow any naming instructions. Otherwise, something like LastName_Essay1.docx helps identify your work. Keep the actual file extension.
- Keep the original. The downloaded file is a separate copy. Later changes to your Google original do not update it; download a new copy if you revise before submitting.
4. Upload and confirm in Blackboard
- Open the correct assignment and choose its file-upload option.
- Select the downloaded .docx, .pdf, or .pptx file—not a pasted sharing URL or a Google shortcut such as .gdoc or .gslides.
- Wait for the upload to finish and verify the attached file name.
- Select Submit. Attaching a file or saving a draft alone does not finish the submission.
- Check the submission confirmation and reopen or review the submitted file when available. Keep your receipt or confirmation number.
An uploaded file preserves the copy you submitted. A pasted link points to an original that may change later and may require access permission. If you revise after submitting, follow the assignment’s attempt and late-work rules; editing the Google original does not replace your uploaded submission.
If something goes wrong
Blackboard rejects my file
Check the allowed file types and download again in an accepted format. Do not try to fix the type by renaming its extension. If the directions and accepted types conflict, contact your instructor before the deadline when possible.
I cannot find or download my file
Check your browser’s download list and where it saved the file. If a high school manages your Chromebook, download restrictions may require help from the school’s IT team. See Chromebook Tips (opens in a new tab).
If you do not own the Google file, its owner may restrict downloading. Ask for an appropriate copy or contact your instructor about the next step.
I already submitted a sharing link
Check whether another attempt is allowed. If so, submit the required file using the assignment’s instructions. If not, contact your instructor promptly and explain what happened. Do not assume a corrected upload is accepted automatically or that a deadline has changed.
More help: Technology Tips & Help (opens in a new tab) · Google’s download instructions (opens in a new tab) · Blackboard’s submission options (opens in a new tab)
Suggest an addition or correction: email Stephanie Self.
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