Introducing Google Docs drawings

As we announced yesterday, we just launched a new tool for making drawings in Google Docs. You can use Google Docs drawings to make charts, diagrams, designs, and more. We’ve been using this tool at Google to create everything from project timelines to launch plans. Here are some examples of what you could make:


Create a drawing now!

Many of you previously tried the Insert Drawing feature in Google Docs and said you wanted to be able to collaborate on drawings. We heard you, and collaboration is what this launch is about. The new drawing editor lets you share drawings just like you share spreadsheets, documents, and presentations. You can also simultaneously edit drawings with your friends and chat with them right in the editor. Here’s what we mean:



With drawings, you can insert text, shapes, arrows, scribbles, and add images from your hard drive or from the Web. You can also use alignment guides, snap to grid, and auto distribution to lay out drawings with precision.


Once you’ve perfected your drawing, use it pretty much anywhere -- copy and paste your drawings into other document types using the web clipboard and then make edits with the embedded drawing editor, publish them as images hosted by Google, insert them into other web pages, or download them as PNGs, JPGs, PDFs, and SVG. Note: the new Google documents editor doesn’t have support for drawings yet, but we’re working on it.

Already have a drawing in another Google doc that you want to share with others? Just use the web clipboard to copy and paste it into the new drawing editor.

Please note that if you want to edit your drawings in the new editor, you need a browser that supports the SVG standard, like the latest versions of Safari, Firefox, or Chrome, or to install Chrome Frame if you are using Internet Explorer. You can learn more about browser requirements here.

We’re excited to hear how you and your friends use Google Docs drawings. If you have a cool drawing, share the publish URLs in comments or tell us what you think in the forums.

Posted by: Chris Nokleberg, Software Engineer