When you see a robust word-processing app like Google Docs, the first thing that comes to mind is text, articles, and stories. And with so many text editing tools constantly being added, the software is more than enough for all your writing needs. But what if you're constructing a technical piece that needs a flow chart or writing a captivating story that requires a few simple diagrams? For such write-ups, a picture can convey more information than text and make your article easier to understand.

Google's word processor has a built-in drawing tool for adding illustrations to your documents. So, if you prefer to use the Google Docs web version on your PC or top-of-the-line Chromebook, keep reading to learn how it works.

The drawing tool is only available on the Google Docs web version. You can't use it on the iOS or Android applications.

Create drawings in Google Docs

The Drawing feature is the easiest way to create a simple diagram or illustration in Google Docs. And we say simple because its capabilities are limited to shapes, word art, and basic graphics. Here's how you do it:

  1. Create a new document in Google Docs. Alternatively, you can use an already created one.
  2. Place the cursor where you want the drawing to appear.
  3. Select the Insert tab.
  4. Choose Drawing from the options.
  5. Click New.
    Select Insert > Drawing > New to start a new drawing in Google Docs

A checkered drawing window opens with a toolbar at the top showing image, text, line, and shape tools alongside a drop-down Action tab.

The Google Docs drawing arrow showing the different line styles

Each option does exactly what the name says. For example, you can type words with the text tool, make lines with the line tool, and add shapes with the shape tool.

The Google Docs drawing area showing a shape that's been drawn

Once a tool has been used, you get a few more customization options, such as color and border thickness for lines and fonts for text.

The Google Docs drawing area showing the available color choices for drawing objects

Meanwhile, the Action bar houses typical options found in the File tab of Google Docs, like the ability to check version history or download items. It also houses general cut, copy, and paste operations and a word art tool for creating fancy-looking customizable texts.

An example of how to create text in a Google Docs drawing

You can combine multiple tools to achieve different effects. For example, you can add word art on top of shapes or place text on lines. Once you're done with your drawing, click Save and Close. The artwork is automatically inserted into your document at the cursor's location.

An example of different effects that can be used on text and how to stack objects

If you wish to make changes to your illustration, click on it and select Edit to return to the drawing board (pun intended).

Click Edit when you can to make changes to the illustration in Google Docs

One would assume that a feature of this nature would benefit from a stylus or pen for granular controls. However, neither is supported, and you are limited to mouse controls regardless of the illustration you create.

Insert illustrations from Google Drawings

The built-in Docs drawing tool is limited in what you can do. However, you can improve on this by opening the full Google Drawings service in a new tab on your web browser. While this won't give you Corel Draw-like capabilities, you get a couple more useful options.

You get a full-page checkered drawing board to do your scribbling. Also, the toolbar expands to the default option that appears on Docs, Sheets, Slides, and other Google apps, complete with File, Edit, View, Insert, Format, and Tools tabs. Each one contains the usual assortment of options: Share, New, and Open for the File tab; Undo, Redo, and Copy-Paste operations for the Edit tab; and so on.

Go to the Edit menu to paste an illustration you copied from someplace else

However, the Insert tab is where you'll find several new items as far as actual drawing options go. Here, you can add tables, charts, and diagrams in addition to the other options in the built-in tool.

Go to the Insert menu to find other types of objects that can be inserted in a Google Docs drawing

The tool automatically syncs to your Drive like other Google services, so all your changes are saved as you go. This also means that once you're finished with an illustration, you can close and exit Drawings. You can then insert the finished work into your Google Doc by placing the cursor where you want the drawing to appear and selecting Insert > Drawing > From Drive.

Insert a drawing from Google Drive into a Google Docs document

Once you've selected the drawing, you're prompted to either link to the source or insert it plain and unlinked.

Choose how to insert the drawing, either linked or unlinked, into a Google Docs document

Linking to the source allows collaborators direct access to the illustration in Google Drawings and the ability to alter it for those with edit access. However, you can remove the link or revoke editing permissions where necessary.

Add flare to your Google Documents using Drawings

The saying that a picture is worth more than a thousand words is as accurate as ever. And thanks to Google Docs, you can create and add illustrations to your documents without exiting Google Docs and opening another platform. Follow the steps mentioned in this article to ensure you're showing and not just talking. If you're a Google Docs pro user, learn how to create a table of contents in the app and check out several other Google Docs top features.