Google Workspace Changes

Revamped first open experience for Google Docs on Android foldable and tablet devices.

The Google Docs app for Android foldable and tablet devices now opens directly in edit mode. This update includes a more visible formatting toolbar, an I-beam cursor, and automatic on-screen keyboard exposure when tapping, unless a physical keyboard is connected.

Ability to paste HTML elements into Google Docs on Android.

To improve the user experience on large screen devices, Google is introducing the ability for users to copy HTML elements to the clipboard and paste them into a Google Doc on Android while maintaining the original formatting elements.

Gain consensus from collaborators quickly with voting chips in Google Docs

Google Docs now supports smart chips containing emojis that act as voting indicators. This feature allows teams to rank or compare ideas more efficiently while collaborating within a document.

Third-party smart chips are now generally available in Google Docs.

Google Docs has introduced third-party smart chips, enabling users to integrate and preview critical information from external applications directly within their documents. By installing partner add-ons from the Google Workspace Marketplace and pasting a link from a supported third-party source (such as Atlassian, Figma, Miro, or Whimsical), users can convert links into smart chips by pressing 'tab', streamlining workflows and collaboration.

Improved table positioning and layout options in Google Docs pages format.

Google Docs is introducing enhanced table positioning options for documents set in pages format, enabling users to drag tables to specific locations, wrap text around tables (with adjustable directions and margins), set fixed positions, and utilize quick layouts for preset positioning. Additionally, the import and export functionality for Microsoft Word documents with tables has been improved to ensure better consistency.

View documents in paginated mode on Android devices

Google Docs on tablets and foldable devices will now open in paginated mode by default, unless the document is specifically set to pageless. This ensures a more cohesive visual design and consistent page breaks between the web, tablet, and foldable versions of the app.

Vertical context menu for Google Docs and Slides on Android

Google is improving the experience on large screen Android devices by adding the ability to access a vertical context menu when using mouse right-clicking in the Google Docs and Slides apps.

Introducing variable chips, a new feature that makes document creation for things like invoices, contracts, or broader communications much easier.

Today, we’re introducing variable chips, a new feature that makes document creation for things like invoices, contracts, or broader communications much easier. Simply pre-define and insert placeholders such as a client name, contract number, or an address, and then update it throughout an entire document by editing the value in one place.

Introduction of variable chips in Google Docs to simplify document creation with dynamic placeholders.

Google Docs is introducing variable chips, a new feature that allows users to pre-define and insert placeholders—such as client names, contract numbers, or addresses—and update them throughout an entire document by editing the value in one place. This makes the creation of templates for invoices, contracts, and broader communications more straightforward.

New timer and time-of-day chips in Google Docs

Google Docs is introducing new timer chips to help users timebox activities and ensure productivity, as well as a time-of-day chip that can be added to date chips by typing "@today" and selecting "Set time".

Collaborate on Google Calendar invites using a new building block in Google Docs.

Google Docs has introduced a new building block that allows users to collaborate with others to draft calendar invites. This feature is useful for stakeholders to coordinate dates, times, attendees, and event descriptions before sending. Users can access this by typing '@Calendar event draft' or navigating to Insert > Building blocks > Calendar event draft, and then clicking the Calendar icon to transfer the details to Google Calendar.

Introduction of custom building blocks in Google Docs for reusable content.

Google Docs now allows users to create custom building blocks by saving specific snippets of text, tables, and chips as reusable components. These blocks are stored in a dedicated Google Drive folder and can be easily inserted into other documents using the '@' menu, streamlining workflows for common templates like project kickoffs or checklists.

Rolling out an enhanced tool finder at the top of Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides to make it easier for users to discover commonly used tools and features.

Starting today, we’re rolling out an enhanced tool finder at the top of Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides to make it easier for users to discover commonly used tools and features. These refined tool-finding capabilities aim to help you quickly locate relevant features or functionality using your own words.

Improvements to voice typing in Google Docs

Improving the features that enable you to type and edit by speaking in Google Docs. These enhancements will help reduce transcription errors and minimize lost audio during transcription. The improvements also include expanded availability to most major browsers.

Insert Google Maps place chips into Google Docs using the @ menu.

You can now insert Google Maps place chips into your Docs using the @ menu, in addition to pasting a Maps link directly into the document.