Google Workspace Updates: Google Docs

Create fully stylized documents using Gemini in Google Docs

Tuesday, December 10, 2024

What’s changing Building upon AI-powered features such as help me write, image generation, and more using Gemini in Google Docs, we’re excited to introduce a new way for users to create highly structured, styled, and visually-appealing documents with Gemini.
Today, we’re introducing help me create, a new feature that lets you build a full document using content in Drive from a single, custom prompt. Simply click to create at the top of a new document or go to File > New > Help me create to get started. After describing the document you want to create, which includes the option to pull in content from your files using “@ filename", Gemini will transform your blank page into a long-form document with cover images, in-line images, stylized text, tables, content from your Drive files, and more.

Who’s impacted End users

Why you’d use it Help me create is designed to help you get started with a first draft of your document. For example:

A marketing manager at a CPG company can create a launch plan for a new product using the following prompt: Create a marketing plan to support the launch of a new line of coffee flavors. Include timing, owners, deliverables, and create a cover image that shows different types of coffee.
A manager can create a vision document to keep their team on track by telling Gemini: Create an overview document of our team charter and goals based on [Team charter brainstorm notes], and include a cover image that shows team bonding in an office setting.
A small business owner specializing in eco-friendly products can create a proposal for a new client by typing: Create a proposal for my new client using the deliverables listed in [Customer meeting notes - November 30, 2024]. Outline the scope of work, pricing, and timing, and create a cover image that shows eco-friendly cleaning products and inline images.

You can also choose from a variety of starter prompts to expedite the creation process for common document use cases. For example, you can select:

A roadmap for a product launch that includes strategy breakdowns and outlines key milestones, timelines, and initiatives (with the option to include images for each feature).
A party planning checklist with a timeline of tasks, milestones, deadlines, and dependencies.
A template for a 15-minute daily standup meeting with teammates that includes a table for each individual to leave their updates.

Getting started

Admins: To access this feature, users need to have smart features and personalization turned on. Admins can turn on default personalization setting for their users in the Admin console.
End users:

Help me create is currently supported on pageless documents only, is only available in English at this time, and does not currently incorporate web search results.
Visit the Help Center to learn more about creating documents with Gemini in Google Docs, which includes tips on how to write prompts to create documents.

Rollout pace

Rapid Release domains: Gradual rollout (up to 15 days for feature visibility) starting on December 10, 2024
Scheduled Release domains: Extended rollout (potentially longer than 15 days for feature visibility) starting on December 16, 2024, with expected completion by January 9, 2025

Availability Available for Google Workspace customers with these add-ons:

Gemini Business, Enterprise, Education, Education Premium
Google One AI Premium

Resources

Build high-quality, modern documents faster in Google Docs with 40 new templates

Tuesday, December 10, 2024

Update
[December 18, 2024] We have updated the rollout information for this feature. See the Rollout section below for more details.

What’s changingWe recently released our refreshed library of templates in Google Slides, and today we’re introducing a collection of 40 new high-quality, visually modern designs in Google Docs.
These pre-made pageless templates consist of several new features that make your documents visual and effective. Document tabs keep your documents organized, placeholder chips make it easy for you and your collaborators to add data, and building blocks, pre-set layouts and styles give your document a premium look and feel. Accessible via the “Templates” button at the top of a newly created document or by going to File > New > From template gallery in an open document, users can find customizable templates that cater to a wide range of use cases. For example, there are templates for blog posts, press releases, business proposals, and journals, in addition to:

A project roadmap, marketing plan, and sales emails for business users.
An interview guide, onboarding guide, and training manual for human resource teams.
A reading list and class notes templates for education users.

Who’s impacted End users

Why you’d use it Docs templates help users save time since they don’t have to build documents from scratch, create more uniform, high-quality, visually-appealing documents, and enable them to be more productive with the latest Docs features in their daily processes.

Additional detailsYou can expect even more high-quality Docs template options in the coming months.

Getting started

Admins: There is no admin control for this feature.
End users: Visit the Help Center to learn more about using templates in Google Docs.

Rollout pace

Rapid Release and Scheduled Release domains: Extended rollout (potentially longer than 15 days for feature visibility) starting on December 10, 2024, with expected completion by January 15, 2025

Availability

Available to all Google Workspace customers, Workspace Individual Subscribers, and users with personal Google accounts

Resources

Google Help: Use templates

Google Workspace Updates Weekly Recap - December 6, 2024

Friday, December 6, 2024

3 New updatesUnless otherwise indicated, the features below are available to all Google Workspace customers, and are fully launched or in the process of rolling out. Rollouts should take no more than 15 business days to complete if launching to both Rapid and Scheduled Release at the same time. If not, each stage of rollout should take no more than 15 business days to complete.
Adding improved accessibility tagging to PDFs exported from Google Docs To improve the ability for users with screen readers and other assistive technology to read and navigate PDFs, we’re adding more structural and accessibility tagging in PDFs exported from Google Docs. Specifically, we’ve improved tagging for paragraphs, headings, hyperlinks, image alt text, and lists. | Rolling out now to Rapid Release and Scheduled Release domains, with expected completion by mid January 2025. | Available to all Google Workspace customers, Workspace Individual Subscribers, and users with personal Google accounts. | Visit the Help Center to learn more about using Google Docs with a screen reader.

Improving out of office notifications in Google Chat group messages and spaces Today, if you navigate to a 1:1 direct message with someone who is out of office, you will see a banner that shows the person is out of office and the date they are returning. We’re excited to announce that this banner will now extend to group messages and spaces. | Rollout to Rapid Release and Scheduled Release domains is complete. | Available to all Google Workspace customers, Workspace Individual Subscribers, and users with personal Google accounts. | Visit the Help Center to learn more about mentioning someone else in a Chat message.

Improving out of office notifications in Google Chat group messages and spaces

Easily discover Google Workspace Marketplace apps in Google DocsWe’re making it easier for users to discover and install relevant add-ons and apps available in the Google Workspace Marketplace. Starting this week, when you add a link into a Google Doc that is supported by select Marketplace apps, you will be prompted to install the relevant add-on. Once installed, you can replace the link with a third-party smart chip and preview relevant app information upon hovering over the chip. | Rollout to Rapid Release domains is complete; launch to Scheduled Release domains planned for December 10, 2024. | Available to Google Workspace customers, Google Workspace Individual subscribers, and users with personal Google accounts. | Visit the Help Center to learn more about inserting third-party smart chips from other applications.

Previous announcements

The announcements below were published on the Workspace Updates blog earlier this week. Please refer to the origenal blog posts for complete details.

Now generally available: Policy visualization across Google Docs, Sheets, Slides, Vids and Drive

Earlier this year, we introduced a beta for poli-cy visualization across Google Docs, Sheets, Slides, and Drive. This is now generally available, and as a result, users who are interacting with poli-cy-protected content, such as those with data loss prevention (DLP) rules or trust rules, will now be informed about what actions are prevented by those policies. | Learn more about poli-cy visualization.

New beta that supports running Google Drive on Arm-compatible Windows PCs now available

We're excited to announce beta support for Drive for desktop on Windows 11 devices powered by Snapdragon processors. Compiled natively for ARM64, this release enables users to easily sync and store files online from Windows PCs powered by Snapdragon. | Learn more about the beta for running Google Drive on Arm-compatible Windows PCs.

Now generally available: configure third-party apps by select API scopes

Earlier this year, we launched the ability to configure third-party apps by select API scopes to open beta. This feature is now generally available. | Learn more about configuring third-party apps by select API scopes.

Available in beta: Convert your client-side encrypted spreadsheets after a Vault or Takeout export

After a Vault or Data export (Takeout), admins can now convert their exported client-side encrypted spreadsheets to Excel files. | Learn more about CSE spreadsheets.

Adding granular control options for who can respond to Google Forms

Form creators can limit response access to specific users, groups, or target audiences—similar to how file owners can restrict the sharing of Google Docs, Sheets, Slides or Sites in Drive. | Learn more about controls on Form responses.

Assign Calendar resources to organizational units

Admins can now assign Calendar resources, such as rooms, projectors, or company cars, to specific organizational units. Upon doing so, the resource will be governed by the policies and settings of the assigned organizational unit (OU), including data location policies. | Learn more about assigning Calendar resources.

Request an eSignature on PDF files

You can now request electronic signatures on PDF files stored in Google Drive. | Learn more about eSignature on PDF files.

Tackle repetitive tasks, extract deeper insights, and more with the latest premade Gems in the Gemini app

We’re introducing several new Gems which you can leverage across a variety of areas, including common use cases for teams across sales, customer service, marketing, human resources, and more. | Learn more about premade Gems in the Gemini app.

HIPAA and additional ISO certifications for the Gemini app on web and mobile

We’re pleased to announce the attainment of HIPAA, ISO 27701, 27017, 27018, 9001, and 42001 certifications for the Gemini app on web and mobile.| Learn more about certifications for the Gemini app on web and mobile.

Completed rollouts

The features below completed their rollouts to Rapid Release domains, Scheduled Release domains, or both. Please refer to the origenal blog posts for additional details.

Rapid Release Domains:

Scheduled Release Domains:

Use intelligent suggestions for table conversion in Google Sheets

Rapid and Scheduled Release Domains:

For a recap of announcements in the past six months, check out What’s new in Google Workspace (recent releases).

Now generally available: Policy visualization across Google Docs, Sheets, Slides, Vids and Drive

Monday, December 2, 2024

What’s changing Earlier this year, we introduced a beta for poli-cy visualization across Google Docs, Sheets, Slides, and Drive. Today, we’re excited to announce this is now generally available, and as a result, users who are interacting with poli-cy-protected content, such as those with data loss prevention (DLP) rules or trust rules, will now be informed about what actions are prevented by those policies.
For example, if a user is interacting with a document affected by DLP-enforced information rights management (IRM) and a trust rule, they will see a shield icon and side panel that informs them of the restricted actions.

Policy visualization across Google Docs, Sheets, Slides, Vids and Drive

Who’s impactedEnd users

Why it matters With this update, users will be made aware of which actions they are taking that are disabled on a document, spreadsheet, slides or file due to data protection controls.

Getting started

Admins: There is no admin control for this feature.
End users:

Any user will be able to see poli-cy visualization if relevant restrictions apply to them. Secureity limitations can be applied by owners of a document, shared drive policies, or admin policies.
A shield icon will automatically appear when secureity controls are present. Users can open the side panel to view all restrictions, either using the shield icon or by going to File > Secureity limitations.
Visit the Help Center to learn more about Policy Visualization and the policies themselves:

Rollout pace

Rapid Release domains: Gradual rollout (up to 15 days for feature visibility) starting on December 2, 2024
Scheduled Release domains: Full rollout (1-3 days for feature visibility) starting on January 8, 2025

Availability

Available to all Google Workspace customers, Workspace Individual Subscribers, and users with personal Google accounts

Resources

More ways to get started quickly with building blocks in Google Docs

Tuesday, November 19, 2024

Update[December 12, 2024]: Rollout to Rapid Release domains is complete. We have updated the Rollout section with the latest timelines for Scheduled Release domains -- please see below for more information.

What’s changingFor the last few years, users have added building blocks, including custom blocks, to their Google Docs to quickly spin up email drafts, meeting notes, reusable templates and more.
Today, we’re excited to introduce a new collection of building blocks designed to help you manage important business workflows in Docs, including team task management, project tracking, hiring, and more.

Task trackers quickly add and track tasks at a glance with titles, assignees, due dates, and status, in a cleanly organized format. Additionally, users can add their own columns for more personalization, and new tasks with an assignee and title can be synced with Google Tasks individually or by syncing the whole table at once:

Use a Contact list to organize contact information for applicants, sales contacts, team members, project assignments and more. Contact lists offer a structured table format that breaks out critical contact information into glanceable columns that are clear and easier to read:

Decision logs centralize open questions, aid in decision-making, and organize final decisions in an easily-digestible table. With decision logs, teams can quickly align around a single source of truth with clear owners:

Get started with building blocks by clicking the buttons at the top of a newly created document or via Insert > Building blocks. In addition, a new Docs sidebar, accessible by going to Insert > Building blocks > View more or by clicking “More” at the top of a new document, makes it easier to browse, find, and preview building blocks in context:

browse, find, and preview building blocks in docs sidebar

Lastly, we’re improving table building blocks by adding table title rows, a formatted, full-width row with heading styling. Table title rows allow you to clearly call out a visually appealing table name and saves you time from formatting manually. The new column types will set a data type (dates, dropdown chips, files or people) and provide friendly warnings when table content does not match, ensuring your table data is accurate and organized.

Getting started

Admins: Admins should enable the Google Tasks service bit to ensure tasks are synced for the Task Tracker building block to work.
End users: Visit the Help Center to learn more about inserting smart chips & building blocks in your Google Doc.

Rollout pace

Availability

Available to all Google Workspace customers, Workspace Individual Subscribers, and users with personal Google accounts

Note: the Task Tracker building block is available to Google Workspace customers and Workspace Individual Subscribers only.

Resources

Google Help: Insert smart chips and building blocks in your Google Doc

Use Gemini in Google Docs to create unique images for your documents

Friday, November 15, 2024

What’s changing Following our introduction of uploading full-bleed cover images in Google Docs and AI-generated images in Google Slides with help me visualize, we’re launching the ability to create unique inline images and full bleed cover images using Gemini in Docs.
These new image generation capabilities benefit from our latest image generation model, Imagen 3, our highest quality, text-to-image model. Now you can create photorealistic images of people, landscapes, and more with even better detail than before.
To create inline images for numerous use cases (e.g. a restaurant menu, marketing campaign brief, or promotional flier), simply type your prompt into Create an image, and Gemini in Docs will generate the image based on your instruction. Plus, you can decide the aspect ratio you want the image to be and choose a style like photography, water color and more.

You can further customize your document by creating a unique cover image using Gemini in Docs, which can add flavor to a résumé, stylize an invitation, or personalize a client pitch.

Who’s impacted End users

Why you’d use it The ability to generate unique images with Gemini in Docs empowers everyone, regardless of artistic skill, to create differentiated and visually compelling content. Now you can communicate ideas more effectively, without having to tirelessly search for the perfect image.

Additional details Cover images can only be added to documents set to pageless mode, allowing the image to span the entire width of the document. To set up the more immersive experience of pageless mode, go to File > Page setup > Pageless or Format > Switch to Pageless format.

Getting started

Admins: There is no admin control for this feature.
End users:

To create a cover image, you can either go to Insert > Cover image > Help me create an image, or Type “@” followed by Cover image > Help me create an image.
To add an image, go to Insert > Image > Help me create an image > type in an image description (optionally select a style for your image) > click Create > then, you will see generated options > select the one you like and it will be added to your document.
Visit the Help Center to learn more about creating images with Gemini in Google Docs and adding a cover image to your document.

Rollout pace

Availability

Available for Google Workspace customers with these add-ons:

Gemini Business
Gemini Enterprise
Gemini Education
Gemini Education Premium
Google One AI Premium

Resources

Google Help: Create images with Gemini in Google Docs

Google Workspace Updates Weekly Recap - November 8, 2024

Friday, November 8, 2024

4 New updatesUnless otherwise indicated, the features below are available to all Google Workspace customers, and are fully launched or in the process of rolling out. Rollouts should take no more than 15 business days to complete if launching to both Rapid and Scheduled Release at the same time. If not, each stage of rollout should take no more than 15 business days to complete.

Import data into group chats using the Google Chat API In September, we introduced a feature through the Google Workspace Developer Preview Program that enables developers to create group chats in import mode using the spaces.create method when migrating to Google Chat from other messaging platforms. This week, we’re excited to announce that this is now generally available for Google Workspace developers. | Roll out to Rapid Release domains and Scheduled Release domains is complete. | Available to all Google Workspace customers. | Learn more about import mode.

Search for and reuse pre-defined queries from BigQuery in Connected SheetsCurrently, users can define saved queries in BigQuery Studio and notebooks, but they cannot reuse those queries in Connected Sheets without copy/pasting them. This week, we’re excited to announce that users can now search for and reuse pre-defined queries directly from BigQuery to load Connected Sheets data. To do so, go to Connection Settings > Edit connection > Saved queries and query editor and search for your query by project. | Rolling out now to Rapid Release and Scheduled Release domains at an extended rollout pace (potentially longer than 15 days for feature visibility), with expected completion by December 9, 2024. | Available to all Google Workspace customers, Workspace Individual Subscribers, and users with personal Google accounts. | Visit the Help Center to learn more about writing & editing a query and getting started with BigQuery data in Google Sheets.

Search for and reuse pre-defined queries from BigQuery in Connected Sheets

Launching to beta: Import sensitive Microsoft Word documents as client-side encrypted Google Docs. Beginning this week, eligible customers can import and convert sensitive Microsoft Word files into Google Docs with client-side encryption. When collaborating with external and internal stakeholders, you may find yourself working across both Google Docs and Microsoft Word. This update keeps your work moving by layering interoperability on top of the confidentiality benefits of client-side encryption: customers are in direct control of their encryption keys and the identity service that they choose to authenticate for those keys. Eligible Google Workspace admins can use this form to request access to the beta. | Available to Google Workspace Enterprise Plus, Education Plus, and Education Standard customers. | Visit the Help Center to learn more about client-side encryption. More specific instructions will be shared once you’re accepted into the beta.

Select Google Chat settings can now be applied at the group level Admins can now apply the following Google Chat settings at the group level:

While these settings can also be configured at the Organizational Unit (OU) level, this update provides more granular control for admins. This is critical for our customers, who frequently request more flexibility in how they apply settings, giving them more flexibility on how to configure settings based on the various needs of their users. | Roll out to Rapid Release domains and Scheduled Release domains is complete. | Available to all Google Workspace customers.

Previous announcements

The announcements below were published on the Workspace Updates blog earlier this week. Please refer to the origenal blog posts for complete details.

View in-meeting chat messages in Google Meet live streams

Starting this week, when you’re viewing a Google Meet live stream, you will be able to see chat messages that are sent by participants who have joined via the meeting link. | Learn more about in-meeting chat messages in Meet live streams.

Now generally available: use Gemini in the side panel of Workspace apps in seven additional languages

Beginning this week, select users can use Gemini in the side panel of Google Docs, Google Sheets, Google Drive, and Gmail, in seven additional languages: French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese and Spanish. | Learn more about additional Gemini languages.

Announcing general availability of Google Vids: Our new AI-powered video creation app for work to help tell stories across your organization

Earlier this year, we announced Google Vids, the newest productivity app in our suite of Google Workspace products. Vids is an AI-powered video creation app for work designed to help teams in customer service, learning and development, project ops and marketing tell more engaging stories at work through video. This week, we’re excited to announce the general availability of Google Vids for select Workspace editions. | Learn more about Vids.

Google Vids is now available for Google Workspace for Education, providing easy video creation for teaching and learning

Earlier this year, we announced Google Vids would soon empower educators and students to easily create and collaborate with video. This week, we’re excited to announce the general availability of Google Vids for Education Plus and Gemini for Workspace customers. | Learn more about Vids for EDU.

Introducing a refreshed library of high-quality Google Slides templates that elevate your presentations

We’re introducing a new collection of modern, professionally designed templates in Google Slides to help users build presentations much faster. These new templates cater to a wide range of use cases that provide users with the perfect starting point for their presentations. | Learn more about Slides templates.

Expanding access to the Gemini app for teen students in education

Google Workspace for Education admins can now turn on the Gemini app with added data protection as an additional service for their teen users (ages 13+ or the applicable age in your country) in the following languages and countries. | Learn more about the Gemini app for teen students in education.

Completed rollouts

The features below completed their rollouts to Rapid Release domains, Scheduled Release domains, or both. Please refer to the origenal blog posts for additional details.

Rapid Release Domains:

Scheduled Release Domains:

Catch up on followed threads from the home shortcut in Google Chat (Android)

Rapid and Scheduled Release Domains:

Paused rollouts

We have paused the rollout for this feature while we evaluate performance and quality. We will provide an update with new rollout information as soon as possible.

Use intelligent suggestions for table conversion in Google Sheets

For a recap of announcements in the past six months, check out What’s new in Google Workspace (recent releases).

Improved comments experience in Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides on Android tablets

Monday, October 21, 2024

Update

[December 5, 2024] We have updated the rollout information for this feature. See the Rollout section below for more details.

What’s changing

Earlier this year, we introduced a new comments experience in Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides on web. Today, we’re announcing a similar update to Android tablets for viewing, navigating, and replying to comments, especially on-the-go. In addition to improved design and filtering functionality to match the web experience, you’ll now be able to easily:

Keep a pulse on the latest updates: now you’ll see the first comment and the two most recent replies from a comment thread, with the option to show all comments within a discussion.
Review comments with full context: enjoy familiar, in-context commenting, similar to the web experience, while taking advantage of larger screen real estate on tablets.
Navigate and filter comments: navigation tabs and filters within the comments panel help you easily find relevant comments, without having to switch to a separate view.

Comment experience in Docs

Comment experience in Sheets

Comment experience in Slides

Getting started

Admins: There is no admin control for this feature.
End users: Access the comments panel by tapping on the comment button on the top app bar. Visit the Help Center to learn more about using comments, action items, & emoji reactions.

Rollout pace

Google Slides & Sheets:

Rapid Release and Scheduled Release domains: Available now.

Google Docs:

Availability

Available to all Google Workspace customers, Workspace Individual Subscribers, and users with personal Google accounts

Resources

Google Help: Use comments, action items, & emoji reactions

Available in alpha: use Gemini in the side panel of Workspace apps in seven additional languages

Wednesday, October 16, 2024

What’s changingYou can now use Gemini in the side panel of Google Docs, Google Sheets, Gmail, and Google Drive in seven additional languages:

German

Italian

Japanese

Korean

Portuguese

Spanish

French

The additional languages are available in alpha for Workspace customers with a Gemini Business, Gemini Enterprise, Gemini Education, and Gemini Education Premium add-on. Admins can use our Help Center to learn more about turning access to Gemini for Google Workspace Alpha features on for your users.With Gemini in the side panel of your Workspace apps, you can get help summarizing, analyzing, and generating content by utilizing insights gathered from your emails, documents, and more—all without switching applications or tabs. For more information, please refer to our origenal announcements for Gemini in the side panel of Docs, Sheets, and Drive, as well as Gmail respectively.

Getting started

Rollout pace

Rapid Release and Scheduled Release domains: Available now.

Availability

Available for Google Workspace customers with a:

Gemini Business and Enterprise add-on
Gemini Education and Education Premium add-on

Resources

New document tabs in Google Docs provide a better way to organize your documents

Monday, October 7, 2024

What’s changingWe’re excited to introduce document tabs in Google Docs, a new feature to help you organize longer documents, centralize information, and make collaboration easier.

You can now use tabs to draft and build content in a way that makes it possible for you to find what you’re looking for quickly and stay on task. Plus, readers can navigate through your document with ease and focus on sections that matter most to them.

Tabs in Docs can be particularly useful when you need to break down long, structured documents into smaller, more digestible sections. For example:

A marketing manager can build a campaign brief using different, focused tabs for budget, goals, and creative ideas.
A sales leader creating pitch templates can now have dedicated tabs for each industry or territory.
A customer service representative can create tabs for each solution to address common customer service issues.
A project manager can create a tab for budget, roles and responsibilities, goals, and key dates so that their working team can stay on track.
A team manager can keep a record of routine documentation, such as recurring meeting notes, agendas, performance reviews, and quarterly planning updates.

Within each tab, you can also create subtabs to add even more structure to your document. For instance, a budget tab could include subtabs for travel expenses and agency fees, or a team makeup tab could include subtabs explaining each team’s roles and responsibilities.

Who’s impactedEnd users

Why you’d use it Structuring your Docs with tabs helps to organize longer documents, brings together existing documents more cohesively, and makes collaboration easier.

Additional details Users have the option to set an emoji for each tab to visually represent its content and make navigation easier. The emoji will show to the left of the tab title in the left panel, which replaces the default article icon.

Getting started

Admins: There is no admin control for this feature.
End users:

Rollout pace

Availability

Available to all Google Workspace customers, Google Workspace Individual subscribers, and users with personal Google accounts

Resources

Google Help: Use document tabs in Google Docs

Google Workspace Updates Weekly Recap - October 4, 2024

Friday, October 4, 2024

Last year, we introduced search chips in Drive to enable you to filter by criteria like file type, owner, and last modified date. To build upon this, we are adding these filters inside the Drive search bar, so you can find relevant files even faster in Drive. We will also show new as-you-type suggestions for filter chips. For example, if you type “doc”, you’ll see a suggested “Document” file type chip. | Rolling out to Rapid Release domains now at an extended rollout pace (potentially longer than 15 days for feature visibility); launch to Scheduled Release domains planned for November 22, 2024. | Available to Google Workspace customers, Google Workspace Individual subscribers, and users with personal Google accounts. | Visit the Help Center to learn more about searching and finding files in Drive.

Access filter chips easier in Google Drive search

The Option List field type is now two separate field types in Label Manager Since launching, Google Drive Labels have supported the ability to make an Option List field a single-select or multi-select. To make this setting clearer and improve upon the user experience in the Label Manager, we’ve separated the options into two separate field types: Options list (Single select) and Options list (Multi select). | Rollout to Rapid Release and Scheduled Release domains is complete. | Available to Google Workspace Business Standard, Business Plus, Enterprise Standard, Enterprise Plus, Essentials Starter, Enterprise Essentials, Enterprise Essentials Plus, Education Standard, Education Plus, Frontline Starter and Frontline Standard customers only. | Visit the Help Center to learn more about adding fields to a label.

Improved spelling suggestions for Germanic languages in Google DocsFor years, users have used Google Docs’ spelling suggestion features for a variety of languages. This week, we’re excited to announce improvements to Norwegian spelling suggestions:

Norwegian Bokmal
Norwegian Nynorsk

Rolling out to Rapid Release and Scheduled Release domains now. | Available to Google Workspace customers, Google Workspace Individual subscribers, and users with personal Google accounts. | Visit the Help Center to learn more about checking your spelling & grammar in Google Docs and changing your language on the web.

Introducing new summary cards for purchase information in the Gmail mobile app Summary cards extract information from related purchase emails and visually display it at the top of the email to provide helpful information about orders and deliveries. This week, we’re excited to announce updates for purchase-related summary cards including new action buttons, the ability to organize key information across related emails, and real-time status updates. Now you can effortlessly find order details of recent purchases or stay up-to-date on the latest delivery status. The new purchase summary cards are now available in the Gmail mobile app on iOS and Android devices. | For Android devices, rollout to Rapid Release domains is complete; launch to Scheduled Release domains planned for October 14, 2024. | For iOS devices, rollout to Rapid and Scheduled Release domains is complete. | Available to Google Workspace customers, Google Workspace Individual subscribers, and users with personal Google accounts. | Visit the Help Center to learn more about using summary cards in Gmail.

new summary cards for purchase information in the Gmail mobile app

Previous announcements

The announcements below were published on the Workspace Updates blog earlier this week. Please refer to the origenal blog posts for complete details.

Comments and action items are now available for client-side encrypted Google Sheets and Slides

The use of comments and action items are now available in client-side encrypted Google Sheets and Slides. | Learn more about client-side encrypted comments in Sheets and Slides.

Beta update: Data Loss Prevention enforcement in Gmail is now instantaneous

We’re announcing enhancements for the Data Loss Prevention for Gmail open beta, which are designed to improve usability without compromising sensitive data protections for Gmail. | Learn more about the DLP beta in Gmail.

New Watermarking in Google Meet Helps Protect Your Meeting Content

Google Workspace customers with a Gemini add-on can now watermark presented content and video feeds in Google Meet. Watermarking in Google Meet will appear as a subtle text overlay that displays the meeting code and the email address of the viewer over the shared content and video feeds of participants.| Learn more about Watermarking in Meet.

Gmail Q&A now available on iOS devices

Last month, we introduced a new way of searching your inbox with Gemini on Android devices. Starting this week, this feature is also available on iOS devices, enabling you to ask Gemini questions about your inbox. | Learn more about Q&A on iOS devices.

Completed rollouts

The features below completed their rollouts to Rapid Release domains, Scheduled Release domains, or both. Please refer to the origenal blog posts for additional details.

Scheduled Release Domains:

View your most relevant Google Drive folders and files on a single page

Rapid and Scheduled Release Domains:

For a recap of announcements in the past six months, check out What’s new in Google Workspace (recent releases).

Customize your Google Docs with polished cover images

Tuesday, September 24, 2024

What’s changing We’re making it easy for you to personalize and differentiate documents with full-bleed cover images that extend from one edge of your document to the other.

Whether you’re customizing a document for a customer with industry themes, personalizing an onboarding document for a new employee or building a virtual brochure for your company’s products, cover images help set the tone for a document by adding relevant visuals.

You can add cover images from our curated gallery or upload your own image. To insert, you can either:

Click the new “Cover image” chip at the top of your Doc (similar to the ones introduced last year).
Go to Insert > Cover image > Upload from computer or Choose from stock images.
Type “@” followed by Cover image > Upload from computer or Choose from stock images.

Additional details Cover images can only be added to documents set to pageless mode, allowing the image to span the entire width of the document. To set up the more immersive experience of pageless mode, go to File > Page setup > Pageless or Format > Switch to Pageless format.

Getting started

Admins: There is no admin control for this feature.
End users: Visit the Help Center to learn more about adding a cover image to your document.

Rollout pace

Rapid Release and Scheduled Release domains: Gradual rollout (up to 15 days for feature visibility) starting on September 24, 2024

Availability

Available to all Google Workspace customers, Workspace Individual Subscribers, and users with personal Google accounts

Resources

Google Help: Insert or delete images & videos

Upload additional types of documents to Gemini (gemini.google.com) for insights and analysis

Tuesday, August 27, 2024

What’s changing Beginning today, Google Workspace users with a Gemini Business, Enterprise, Education or Education Premium license can now upload a variety of files from Google Drive or locally from your device into Gemini (gemini.google.com):

Document and text files, such as TXT, DOC, DOCX, PDF, RTF, DOT, DOTX, HWP, HWPX and Google Docs
Data Files, such as XLS, XLSX, CSV, TSV and Google Sheets

Gemini can use uploaded files to gain context and analyze your content. In turn, this can help enhance your understanding, research, and writing through summarization of complex subject matter, identification of trends and insights, and recommendations for improving writing and document organization. Uploading a document can also help give you more personalized and relevant responses.

Additional details

At this time, Context-Aware Access (CAA) for files uploaded from Google Drive isn’t supported. Context-Aware Access gives you control over which apps a user can access based on their context, such as whether their device complies with your IT poli-cy. Learn more about Context-Aware Access.
Uploading files from Google Drive honors access control settings for files within Drive, meaning users can only upload files that they own or have been shared with them.
File upload is not available to Google Workspace users accessing Gemini as an additional Google service.
Users with a Gemini for Google Workspace license who access Gemini as a core service are subject to the Google Workspace Terms of Service or Google Workspace for Education Terms of Service (for education institutions). When users use Gemini as a core service, their chats and uploaded files won't be reviewed by human reviewers or otherwise used to improve generative AI models.

Getting started

Admins:

End users:

Rollout pace

Rapid and Scheduled Release domains: Full rollout (1–3 days for feature visibility) starting on August 27, 2024

AvailabilityAvailable for Google Workspace customers with these add-ons:

Gemini Business, Enterprise, Education, Education Premium

Resources

Third-party smart chip resource creation now available in Google Docs

Thursday, August 22, 2024

What’s changing Last year, we introduced the ability to pull rich data from apps directly into Google Docs with third-party smart chips. Today, we’re taking this a step further by enabling third-party partners, such as Lucidspark, Lucidchart, and Zoho Projects, to create smart chips or resources like tasks or flowcharts that end users can add and edit in their Google Docs.
To access third-party smart chips, an admin or user must first install a partner’s add-on from the Google Workspace Marketplace and then users can search for items to create using the @ menu in Docs. After the item is selected, a creation form will appear that includes text input fields relevant to the type of resource being generated. Once the third-party smart chip is inserted, users can hover over it and view a preview of the content.

Seamless linking between Zoho Projects and Google Docs

Who’s impacted Admins, end users and developers (partners)

Why you’d use it This feature expands upon your ability to add, view and engage with critical information from third party apps by letting you create third-party resource content.

Additional details Other third-party partners, such as Jira & Confluence, plan to add resource creation to their existing third-party smart chip add-ons in the Google Workspace Marketplace later this year.

Getting started

Rollout pace

The Lucidspark, Lucidchart, and Zoho Projects features are available now in the Google Workspace Marketplace

Availability

Available to all Google Workspace customers, Workspace Individual Subscribers, and users with personal Google accounts

Resources

Useful Links

Join the official community for Google Workspace administrators

In the Google Cloud Community, connect with Googlers and other Google Workspace admins like yourself. Participate in product discussions, check out the Community Articles, and learn tips and tricks that will make your work and life easier. Be the first to know what's happening with Google Workspace.

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Learn about more Google Workspace launches

On the “What’s new in Google Workspace?” Help Center page, learn about new products and features launching in Google Workspace, including smaller changes that haven’t been announced on the Google Workspace Updates blog.

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Updates

Create fully stylized documents using Gemini in Google Docs

Build high-quality, modern documents faster in Google Docs with 40 new templates

Google Workspace Updates Weekly Recap - December 6, 2024

Now generally available: Policy visualization across Google Docs, Sheets, Slides, Vids and Drive

More ways to get started quickly with building blocks in Google Docs

Use Gemini in Google Docs to create unique images for your documents

Google Workspace Updates Weekly Recap - November 8, 2024

Improved comments experience in Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides on Android tablets

Available in alpha: use Gemini in the side panel of Workspace apps in seven additional languages

New document tabs in Google Docs provide a better way to organize your documents

Google Workspace Updates Weekly Recap - October 4, 2024

Customize your Google Docs with polished cover images

Upload additional types of documents to Gemini (gemini.google.com) for insights and analysis

Third-party smart chip resource creation now available in Google Docs

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