Overview
This tutorial explains how to download a view-only Google Doc by using the browser's "Save As" feature on the mobile basic version of the document, bypassing download restrictions.
Steps to Download a View-Only Google Doc
- Open the desired Google Doc in your browser.
- Confirm that downloading, copying, and copy-pasting options are disabled.
- Go to the document's URL and locate the segment beginning with "/edit" and any characters after it.
- Delete everything from "/edit" onward in the URL.
- Replace the deleted section with "/mobilebasic" and press Enter to load the mobile basic version of the document.
- Right-click anywhere on the page and select "Save as."
- Name the file with a ".html" extension and choose "Webpage, Complete" as the file type.
- Save the file to your computer.
- Open the saved HTML file directly from your downloads folder or use "Open with" to select a browser (e.g., Google Chrome).
- The local copy will display the entire contents of the Google Doc, including text and images.
Privacy and Usage Notes
- This method does not notify the document owner or creator about the download.
- The technique is useful for saving documents you are only allowed to view but cannot officially download or copy.
Recommendations / Advice
- Always ensure you have permission to retain or use the content from view-only documents, especially in workplace or sensitive contexts.