Google launches AI design suite for Workspace users
Google has launched Google Pics, a new suite of AI-powered creative design tools for Workspace users, aimed at making it easier for businesses to generate and edit "professional-grade" images. Built on Gemini and the Nano Banana generative AI model, the tool offers more precise control over image creation and editing than typical chatbot-generated visuals, letting users select specific objects or text within an image and describe the changes they want. This positions Google Pics as a direct rival to established design platforms such as Canva and Adobe Express, potentially reducing the need for Workspace users to rely on third-party services.
Google Pics is available as a standalone Workspace app and as an integration within Google Docs and Slides, with support for Drive expected in the coming weeks. Its features include generating images from scratch, editing individual elements via prompts, upscaling to 2K or 4K resolution, cropping for different formats, and collaborative sharing. Following a testing phase after Google I/O in May, the tool is now rolling out to users on Business Standard, Business Plus, Enterprise Standard and Enterprise Plus Workspace plans, as well as Google AI Pro, Ultra and Pro for Education subscribers.
- Google launches Google Pics, an AI design tool for Workspace users
- Built on Gemini and Nano Banana AI models for precise editing
- Rolling out now across various Workspace and Google AI plans
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Google Workspace is a set of online tools for businesses and schools, including Docs, Slides and Drive. Google Pics is a design app built to help people create and edit images using written instructions, including changes to specific parts of a picture.
The tool uses Google’s Gemini and Nano Banana AI models. Its launch puts Google in competition with services such as Canva and Adobe Express, which are used to make and edit designs. For organisations already using Workspace, the new app could bring some design work into the same set of tools.
Both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Google Pics could help businesses create and adapt polished visuals without needing specialist design software or skills, saving time and making creative work more accessible across teams. Its integration with Workspace and tools for editing specific image elements may also make collaboration and routine document or presentation design more convenient.
The case against
AI-generated design tools may make it easier to produce visuals, but businesses could still need the control, consistency and specialised features offered by established design platforms. Wider use also raises reasonable questions about the originality and quality of generated images and how they fit into professional workflows; some teams may prefer to retain existing tools rather than move creative work into Workspace.
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Originally published by The Verge as “Google Pics is like Canva, but with even more AI”.