Google Sheets is a powerful tool for analyzing and presenting data in the form of charts. You may want to download the charts as images for your reports, presentations, or other uses. While you can technically do this with your computer’s screenshot function, it’s not the most elegant solution.
In this article, I’ll show you how to easily export Google Sheets charts as PNG and SVG images.
Method 1 – Downloading a Google Sheets Chart Directly
Google Sheets allows you to download your charts in PNG or SVG format. This method is the simplest and easiest to execute.
Step 1: On your computer, click on the chart you want to export. You should see a three-dot icon in the upper right corner. This opens the dropdown menu which includes the download option.
Step 2: Download the chart in PNG or SVG format.
Most people prefer to use the PNG format, which is universally supported by most visualization applications. However, charts are often downloaded as low-resolution PNG images that may appear pixelated or of poor quality. But don’t worry, we have a solution for that in the second method.
If you’re working with graphic or editing applications and specifically need to resize your chart, you may want to save it in SVG format, which allows you to infinitely resize your charts as SVG is an editable vector format.
Method 2 – Exporting High-Resolution Google Sheets Charts using Publish to the Web
While Google Sheets allows you to download images in PNG format, it doesn’t give you the best results, especially if you want to use them in a professional and elegant presentation. A workaround you can use to generate high-resolution PNG files is to use Publish to the Web and download that output.
This may require a few extra steps, but if you want crisp, usable PNG files right from the start without using SVG files, you can use this method that significantly enhances the quality of your downloads.
Step 1: Click on your chart and press the three-dot icon to display the dropdown menu.
Step 2: In the dropdown menu, select “Publish.” You’ll be greeted with the “Publish to the Web” menu.
It’s important that the link is set to “Interactive” to get high-resolution PNG files.
Step 3: Click “Publish” and copy the generated link. Paste the link into another browser tab.
Step 4: Right-click anywhere on the chart and select “Save Image As.” This allows you to choose a download destination and a name for your file.
Voila! You have ready-to-use images for your presentations!
Here’s a quality comparison between direct PNG download and using the Publish to the Web method. Notice the sharpness of the outlines and text in the second image, which uses the Publish to the Web method.
Step 5: When you’ve downloaded your image, you may want to cancel the publication of your chart to the web. To do this, go back to Sheets and revisit the Publish menu accessible from the three-dot dropdown. Click on “Stop publishing,” and you’re good to go.
Exporting a Google Sheets Chart as a PDF
Another option offered by Google Sheets is the ability to export as a PDF. You can find it by clicking on the chart, then the three-dot icon, and then “Download > PDF Document.”
While it’s not an image format, this allows you to view your chart in high resolution. What happens is that your chart is exported as an SVG embedded in a lightweight PDF file, which is useful as it can be read by most modern browsers and document readers.
Conclusion on Exporting Google Sheets Charts as Images
Now that you’ve learned how to export your charts in Google Sheets as high-resolution images, you no longer have to worry about pixelated and poor-quality images slowing you down. No more back-and-forth with your computer’s screenshot tools or other complicated tricks that waste your time.
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