How to Convert Microsoft Word or Google Docs to EPUB Format

EPUB is the standard ebook format: text reflows to fit any screen, unlike a PDF’s fixed pages. Google Docs exports it natively; Word needs a detour.

• Google Docs: download as EPUB in two clicks
• Word: convert through Google Docs, or use WordToEPUB on Windows
• Many chapters: merge them first, then export one EPUB

Downloading a Google Doc as EPUB

Use this when your book or document is already in Google Docs.

1. Open the document in Google Docs.
2. Click File > Download > EPUB Publication (.epub).
3. If the document has tabs, choose Current Tab or All Tabs, then click Export.

Result: An .epub file downloads to your computer, ready to open in an ebook reader. Google introduced this export in its EPUB announcement.

Converting a Word document to EPUB with Google Docs

Use this when you have a .docx file and no dedicated ebook software.

1. Upload the .docx to Google Drive.
2. Right-click it and choose Open with > Google Docs.
3. Click File > Save as Google Docs to convert the Word file to Google Docs.
4. In the new Google Doc, check headings, images and page breaks.
5. Click File > Download > EPUB Publication (.epub).

Result: An EPUB built from your Word content. The original .docx stays in Drive unchanged.

Converting a Word document to EPUB with WordToEPUB

Use this when you work in Word on Windows and want an accessible EPUB without leaving your PC.

WordToEPUB is a free app from the DAISY Consortium, a non-profit focused on accessible publishing. It runs on Windows and can convert a .docx straight from File Explorer.

1. Download and install it from DAISY’s WordToEPUB page.
2. Make sure your Word document uses Heading styles for chapters.
3. Open WordToEPUB, choose your .docx and follow the prompts.

Result: An EPUB file you can open in an ebook reader or reading app.

Merging several chapters into one EPUB

Use this when each chapter lives in its own Google Doc or Word file and you need one ebook.

Google Docs exports one document at a time, so the chapters must become one document first. You can merge chapters into one Google Doc by hand, or use an add-on.

Merge Docs Pro is a Google Docs and Sheets add-on that merges Google Docs and Word files into one Google Doc and can export the result as EPUB.

1. Open the add-on and select the chapter files in order. Word files must be in Google Drive; see how to merge Word chapters in Google Drive.

   

2. In Options, check Save merged Docs as ePUB, then click Merge Docs.

   

3. Under Merge Destination, choose where the merged Google Doc should be created.

   

Result: One merged Google Doc and an EPUB of the whole book. The current steps are in the Merge Docs Pro help docs.

Note: The Beta Copy comments option can bring reviewers’ comments into the merged Google Doc, but EPUB files don’t carry comments. Resolve them before you publish.

Comparing the methods

Preparing a document for EPUB

• Use Heading styles for chapter and section titles so readers can navigate. You can also build a table of contents for the start of the book.
• Add alt text to images so the ebook is accessible.
• Avoid layout tricks such as text boxes, columns and manual line breaks; EPUB text reflows.
• Don’t rely on headers, footers or page numbers. Reflowable EPUBs don’t show fixed pages.
• Test the file in at least one ebook reader before you publish it.

The format itself is defined by the W3C in the EPUB 3.3 specification.

Troubleshooting

• There’s no table of contents. Apply Heading 1 and Heading 2 styles, then export again.
• Images are missing or huge. Resize images in the document before exporting, and keep them in line with text.
• Only one tab was exported. Choose All Tabs in the export dialog.
• The Word formatting changed. Check fonts and text boxes after converting to Google Docs, before downloading the EPUB.

If you need a Word file rather than an ebook, see how to convert Google Docs to Word. More export guides are in the convert and export hub.