Google is adding a Gemini AI image generator to the sidebar of Google Docs.
Google Workspace is stepping up its AI game. If you’ve ever found yourself searching for the perfect visual to complement your document, you’re in luck. Google is introducing a new AI image generator, powered by its cutting-edge Gemini model, directly into Google Docs. This exciting feature lets you create custom visuals for your writeups, presentations, and more—all without leaving your document. Think of it as a modern take on clip art but smarter, more versatile, and tailored to your needs.
This addition follows the trend of integrating AI-generated art into productivity tools, similar to Microsoft’s AI art feature in Office products. Here’s everything you need to know about Google’s new feature and how it can elevate your document creation process.
What Is the AI Image Generator in Google Docs?
Google’s new feature, dubbed “Create an image,” leverages its advanced Imagen 3 generator. It’s designed to produce high-quality, visually appealing images with sharper details, better lighting, and fewer artifacts compared to earlier models. Whether you’re drafting a flier, brochure, menu, or even a pageless document, this tool lets you whip up visuals that perfectly suit your content.
Gone are the days of generic clip art. Instead, you can generate images tailored to your exact specifications by typing in a description. Want a hand-drawn sketch of a cozy coffee shop? Or perhaps a sleek photo of a laptop on a minimalist desk? Simply describe it, and Google’s AI will bring your vision to life.
Who Gets Access to This Feature?
This feature is exclusive to paid Workspace accounts and is available for those with one of the following add-ons:
- Gemini Business
- Enterprise
- Education or Education Premium
- Google One AI Premium
If your account qualifies, you can find the feature under Insert > Image > Help me create an image. This opens the “Create an image” sidebar, where you can type your description and select from various customization options.
Customization Options to Fit Your Needs
The “Create an image” tool is designed with flexibility in mind. Users can:
- Choose Art Styles
Select from different art styles like Photography, Sketch, and more. This ensures that the visuals match the tone and style of your project. - Adjust Aspect Ratios
Opt for square, horizontal, or vertical aspect ratios to perfectly fit your layout. Whether you need a banner, a sidebar image, or a full-bleed cover for a pageless document, this tool has you covered. - Create Full-Bleed Images
For a professional and polished look, generate images that span the entire width of your document—ideal for cover pages or impactful headers.
Why This Matters for Productivity
Visuals are a powerful tool for communication, and the ability to generate them directly within Google Docs can save users significant time and effort. No more juggling between apps or scouring stock photo sites to find an image that’s close to what you need. Now, you can create visuals that are uniquely tailored to your content, streamlining your workflow.
For educators, businesses, or creatives, this feature opens up new possibilities. Imagine crafting marketing materials, lesson plans, or proposals with visuals that are both professional and custom-made. It’s creativity and efficiency, all rolled into one.
When Can You Start Using It?
The rollout for this feature is already underway:
- Rapid Release Domains: Starting today, users in these domains may see the feature appear within the next 15 days.
- Scheduled Release Domains: Gradual rollout begins on December 16, 2024.
If you don’t see the feature immediately, hang tight—it’s on its way.
Google’s Expanding AI Ecosystem
This new feature is just one part of Google Workspace’s growing suite of AI tools. Earlier, Google Slides introduced a presentation slide generator powered by Duet AI. Now, with the Gemini-powered “Create an image,” Google Docs is catching up in the race to make productivity tools smarter and more user-friendly.
Final Thoughts: A Game-Changer for Document Design
With the integration of AI-powered visuals, Google is making it easier than ever to create professional-looking documents that stand out. The addition of this clip art-style generator could transform how businesses, educators, and creatives approach their projects.
Whether you’re a marketer designing a brochure, a teacher crafting a lesson plan, or a student adding polish to a report, the new “Create an image” tool promises to make the process quicker, easier, and more intuitive.
So, say goodbye to boring visuals and hello to custom-made graphics, all within Google Docs. If you’re on a Workspace plan with the required add-ons, give it a try—you might never go back to stock images again.
