How to Draw on Google Docs

Google Docs is an incredibly versatile tool. Most people know it as a word processor and document creation software, but it can also function as a basic graphic design program. The built-in drawing capabilities allow users to illustrate documents, presentations, notes, and more right within Google Docs.

Whether you want to create simple sketches, flowcharts, diagrams, or other graphics, the drawing features make it possible without needing to use another design program. Keep reading to learn how to harness the power of drawing in Google Docs.

Accessing the Drawing Tools in Google Docs

The drawing capabilities in Google Docs aren’t immediately obvious like in programs specifically for graphic design. However, the features are easy to locate.

To access the drawing tools:

1. Open a document in Google Docs or create a new blank document
2. Click on the “Insert” menu at the top
3. Select “Drawing”
4. Choose “New”

A drawing window will then open up over your document. This is where you can create illustrations using the built-in tools.

Key Features of the Drawing Tools

In the drawing window, you’ll find everything you need to start sketching right on the pop-up canvas. Here are some of the essential features:

• Actions menu: Provides options like adding text boxes, inserting images, manipulating order of objects, and more
• Shapes: Allows you to insert various shapes onto the canvas
• Lines: Enables drawing straight, curved, and freeform lines
• Text boxes: Lets you add text elements and manipulate fonts
• Colors: Offers color options to customize lines, shapes, and text

With these basic features, you can create a wide variety of graphics.

Drawing in Google Docs Step-by-Step

Once you open the drawing window, getting started is simple. Follow these steps to begin illustrating:

1. Select a Drawing Tool

The first step is choosing what you want to draw. You can add shapes, lines, text, or images. Click the respective icon for the element you want.

For example, click the text box icon to insert writable text onto the canvas. Or click the shape icon to add squares, circles, arrows, stars, and more.

Pro tip: If you want to draw freeform lines instead of structured shapes, select the line or scribble tools.

2. Click and Drag to Draw

With your desired drawing tool selected, simply click and drag on the canvas to begin illustrating.

• For shapes and text boxes, click and drag to size the element where you want it to go.
• For lines and scribbles, click and drag to draw the path of the line.

Tip: You can hold Shift while dragging to draw a perfectly straight line or constrain proportions of shapes.

3. Customize Formatting

Once your shapes, lines, text, and other elements are inserted, you can format them to perfection.

Use the formatting options to:

• Change size, rotation, and position
• Alter colors and line thickness
• Add borders or shadows
• Adjust text fonts, styles, alignment, and more

Format elements by clicking on them and using the toolbar settings. Tweak them until your drawing is complete!

Saving and Inserting Drawings

When you finish your illustration in the drawing window, you need to save it to add it to your Google Doc.

To save and insert a drawing:

1. Click the blue “Save and close” button at the top of the window
2. The drawing will instantly appear at the cursor location in your document
3. You can now edit text and elements around the graphic

Once inserted, the drawing acts just like any other embedded object within Google Docs. You can freely reposition it by clicking and dragging the frame.

Pro tip: Right-click the drawing and select “Edit” to reopen the drawing window and modify elements at any time.

Advanced Tips and Tricks

With the basics down, here are some pro tips for taking drawings in Google Docs to the next level:

Use Google Drawings for Complex Illustrations

The built-in Google Docs drawing features are great for simple graphics. But for more advanced illustrations, use the standalone Google Drawings program instead. It provides more robust tools.

To do this:

1. Open Google Drawings and create your illustration
2. Save it to Google Drive when complete
3. Insert the saved drawing file to Docs from Google Drive

Draw in Slides, Sheets, and More

You can use the same drawing techniques covered above in Google Slides, Sheets, Forms, and other G Suite programs. The process works the same way. Simply locate the “Insert > Drawing” menu in any app.

Employ Drawings For Organization

Incorporate graphics into documents to visually organize information. For example, use shapes and lines to create flowcharts to demonstrate processes, relationships, hierarchies, and more.

Unleash Your Creativity!

As you can see, Google Docs accommodates basic graphic design through intuitive drawing capabilities. With some practice, you’ll be able to create amazing illustrations to enhance all your documents.

Use shapes, lines, text, and custom formatting to bring visual flair to any project. Making boring papers come alive with unique drawings that capture attention!

So next time you use Google Docs, don’t just think written words. Unleash your inner creativity with the built-in drawing features to take your documents to the next level.