When writing a report, a simple block of text is often not enough to explain a complex workflow or a structural concept. While you could create a diagram in a separate design software like Photoshop and paste it in, Google Docs actually includes a surprisingly powerful, built-in vector drawing tool. You can use it to create flowcharts, Venn diagrams, and custom shapes directly inside your document without ever leaving your browser tab.
How to Open the Drawing Tool
The Google Drawings integration is completely free and automatically saves your artwork directly into the document.
- Open your document in Google Docs on a desktop computer.
- Click on the exact spot in the document where you want your new diagram to appear.
- In the top toolbar, click on Insert.
- Hover your mouse over Drawing, then select New from the flyout menu.
- A massive popup canvas will appear on your screen with a checkerboard background.
Creating Your Diagram
Along the top of this new canvas, you will see a toolbar with various design tools. You can use the Shape icon (a circle overlapping a square) to add boxes, arrows, callouts, and flowchart symbols. Use the Text box icon (a T inside a square) to type words inside your shapes.
Once you are completely finished designing your graphic, click the blue Save and Close button in the top right corner. The drawing tool will close, and your custom diagram will instantly be embedded into your document as an image. If you ever need to change a word or move a box later, simply double-click the image to instantly reopen the drawing canvas.