Quick wins for a faster PC:
Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →You can’t download a Google Doc directly as a PDF with its comments included. Docs comments sit outside the printable page, so the standard PDF download and print workflows leave them out. To deliver comments alongside a PDF, you’ll need to transfer them into the PDF yourself or use a different export-and-print route.
Why Google Docs PDFs leave out comments
A Google Docs community Product Expert explains that comments exist outside the document and cannot be included in a PDF download: Google Docs discussion about downloading a PDF with comments. A separate Product Expert explains that comments are outside the printable canvas, so ordinary printing omits them too: Google Docs discussion about printing comments. These are peer-to-peer explanations, not statements from Google employees.
Ways to preserve comments with a PDF
Keep PDF as the required deliverable
Download the document as a PDF, then add the comments as annotations in a PDF application. This is a manual transfer: Docs comments are not automatically embedded, so copy or recreate the comment text you need to preserve.
Use another export format for a printout
A community Product Expert suggests exporting as OpenDocument Text (.odt) and printing from compatible software; the comments may appear as footnotes. The response cautions that this route may omit the commenter’s identity and the date of the comment. See the ODT export and comments guidance.
#1 Best Overall
- PORTABLE SCANNER FOR USE ON-THE-GO — The fastest and lightest mobile single-sheet-fed compact document scanner in its class¹
- QUICK DOCUMENT SCANNING ― This Epson ultra-fast scanner scans a single page as quickly as 5.5 seconds²; Windows and Mac compatible
- VERSATILE PAPER HANDLING ― Portable scanner scans documents up to 8.5 x 72 in; Also easily digitizes receipts and ID cards to make accounting, bookkeeping, and organizing simpler
- INTUITIVE, HIGH-SPEED SOFTWARE — Epson ScanSmart Software³ is a smart tool allowing you to easily scan, review, and save; Stay organized easily with the help of this Epson scanner
- EASY SETUP — USB-powered connect to your computer for quick and simple scanning; No batteries or external power supply required to operate portable document scanner; Standard Connectivity: USB 2.0
Another community response suggests exporting as Microsoft Word (.docx), OpenDocument (.odt), or webpage (.html), then printing from compatible software. It describes HTML comments as appearing in a footer. Layout and comment details can vary by app, so check the exported file and its print preview before relying on it: Google Docs export-format discussion.
Use an account-data export for an archive
Google Drive Help says a broader data export can include Google Docs text, open and resolved comments, and open and resolved suggestions. This creates an archive, not a PDF containing comments. Some work or school account data may be unavailable, and exports can fail when files exceed size limits. See Google’s instructions for downloading your data.
Rank #2
- FAST SPEEDS - Scans color and black and white documents a blazing speed up to 16ppm (1). Color scanning won’t slow you down as the color scan speed is the same as the black and white scan speed.
- ULTRA COMPACT – At less than 1 foot in length and only about 1. 5lbs in weight you can fit this device virtually anywhere (a bag, a purse, even a pocket).
- READY WHENEVER YOU ARE – The DS-640 mobile scanner is powered via an included micro USB 3. 0 cable allowing you to use it even where there is no outlet available. Plug it into you PC or laptop and you are ready to scan.
- WORKS YOUR WAY – Use the Brother free iPrint&Scan desktop app for scanning to multiple “Scan-to” destinations like PC, Network, cloud services, Email and OCR. (2) Supports Windows, Mac and Linux and TWAIN/WIA for PC/ICA for Mac/SANE drivers. (3)
- OPTIMIZE IMAGES AND TEXT – Automatic color detection/adjustment, image rotation (PC only), bleed through prevention/background removal, text enhancement, color drop to enhance scans. Software suite includes document management and OCR software. (4)
Review comments before choosing a workaround
Use Docs’ comments panel to inspect the content you need to carry over. Google’s Help instructions explain how to open or close the panel, hide, minimize, or expand comments, and search by keyword or username: Google Docs Help: Use comments, action items, and emoji reactions.
- Open the document’s comments panel and review the comments you need to preserve.
- Choose whether the final deliverable must be PDF or whether a printout from another format is acceptable.
- If you use ODT, DOCX, or HTML, open the exported file in compatible software and inspect the comments and print preview.
- If author identity or timestamps matter, verify that they appear in the output. If they do not, transfer the needed information manually or choose a different approach.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I save Google Docs comments as a PDF?
Not directly. Google Docs’ PDF download does not include comments; transfer them into a PDF separately or use an alternate export-and-print workflow.
Recommended Free Tools
Rank #3
- STAY ORGANIZED – Easily convert your paper documents into digital formats like searchable PDF files, JPEGs, and more.Power Consumption : 2.5W or less (Energy Saving Mode: 0.7W). Suggested Daily Volume : 500 scans..Does it contain liquid: no
- CONVENIENT AND PORTABLE –lightweight and small in size, you can take the scanner anywhere from home offices, classrooms, remote offices, and anywhere in between
- HANDLES VARIOUS MEDIA TYPES – Digitize receipts, business cards, plastic or embossed cards, reports, legal documents, and more
- FAST AND EFFICIENT – No technical hurdles or complicated setups here; easily scan both sides of a document at the same time, in color or black-and-white, at up to 12 pages-per-minute, and with a 20 sheet automatic feeder
- BROAD COMPATIBILITY – Works with both Windows and Mac devices, be it laptop or computer
How do I print a Google Doc with comments?
Regular Docs printing omits comments. A community-recommended alternative is to export as ODT, DOCX, or HTML and print from compatible software, then check the result because formatting and comment details can vary.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Scanner type: Document
- Connectivity technology: USB
- With Auto Scan Mode, the scanner automatically detects what you're scanning
- Digitize documents and images
Rank #4
- IRIScan Express, portable scanner : scans color and black and white documents a blazing speed up to 8ppm simplex. Color scanning won’t slow you down as the color scan speed is the same as the black and white scan speed.
- IRIScan Express mobile scanner is powered via an included micro USB 2. 0 cable allowing you to use it even where there is no outlet available. Plug it into you PC or laptop and you are ready to scan. USB cable provided. AC Adapter not provided and not needed.
- IRIScan flatbed scanner uses a simplex scanning mode allows for quick and straightforward scanning of single-sided documents. IRIScan with its full portable features is the ideal document scanners for computers.
- IRIScan document scanner : Versatile scanning capabilities, including scanning to Word, PDF, and Excel formats with companion software provided Readiris OCR
- Receipt scanner and card scanner with Additional features include scanning business cards directly to Outlook, photo scanning, and receipt scanning for efficient document management
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
