Google Docs is more than just a text editor—it also allows you to add drawings to make your documents visually appealing. Whether you want to include diagrams, flowcharts, or simple sketches, the built-in drawing tool makes it easy to create and insert illustrations directly within your document.
This guide will walk you through how to create a drawing in Google Docs and offer tips for customizing it to fit your needs.
Why Use Drawings in Google Docs?
Adding drawings to your document can help you:
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Explain ideas visually
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Create charts and diagrams
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Highlight important information
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Make your document more engaging
Since Google Docs is cloud-based, all your drawings are automatically saved and easy to edit anytime.
Step 1: Open Your Google Docs Document
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Go to Google Docs
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Open an existing document or create a new one
Step 2: Access the Drawing Tool
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Click on Insert in the top menu.
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Select Drawing → + New from the dropdown.
A drawing canvas will open in a pop-up window.
Step 3: Use Drawing Tools
The drawing canvas provides several tools to create your illustration:
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Select Tool – Move or resize objects
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Shape Tool – Add rectangles, circles, arrows, callouts, and more
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Line Tool – Draw straight, curved, or freehand lines
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Text Box – Insert text anywhere in your drawing
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Image – Upload or insert an image from your computer or Google Drive
Simply click on the tool you want and start drawing on the canvas.
Step 4: Customize Your Drawing
Once your shapes or text are added, you can customize them:
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Change fill color
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Adjust border color and thickness
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Modify font style and size
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Rotate or resize shapes
These options are available in the toolbar at the top of the drawing canvas.
Step 5: Save and Insert Your Drawing
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When your drawing is complete, click Save and Close.
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The drawing will now appear in your Google Docs document.
You can click on the drawing at any time and choose Edit to make changes.
Step 6: Resize or Move the Drawing
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Click on the drawing to select it.
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Drag the corners to resize or drag the whole drawing to reposition it in the document.
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Use the Text Wrapping option to align it with text as needed.
Tips for Using Google Docs Drawings
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Layer Objects: Use the “Arrange” menu to bring elements forward or backward.
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Keyboard Shortcuts: Hold Shift to maintain proportions while resizing shapes.
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Copy Drawings: Use Ctrl+C / Ctrl+V (Cmd+C / Cmd+V on Mac) to duplicate drawings within the document.
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Collaborate in Real-Time: Multiple users can edit the drawing if the document is shared.
Final Thoughts
Creating drawings in Google Docs is simple yet powerful. With its easy-to-use tools and customization options, you can create diagrams, flowcharts, and other visuals to enhance your documents. The best part? Your drawings are stored in the cloud, ready to edit whenever you need.
Using these steps, anyone can add professional-looking drawings to their Google Docs without extra software.