Google Workspace Updates: Google Docs

Enhance Your Organization’s Security with Out-of-Domain File Warnings in Google Workspace

Monday, April 28, 2025

What’s changingToday we’re launching Out-of-Domain file-level warnings, now publicly available to all Google Workspace users. Specifically, a badge will be displayed on Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides files when the file is owned by or shared with someone outside of your ___domain. You'll also see a pop-up with more details and the option to report the externally owned file for abuse.

An image showing a Google Doc with the word "External" displayed in a small yellow badge next to the document title. The badge has been clicked, and a pop-up window appears with more information stating that “This document is owned by someone outside your organization. Be cautious about sharing sensitive information

Image of "External" badge displayed in Google Docs
This feature helps users identify potentially risky files and avoid phishing scams when working with files shared from outside your organization.

Additional details

Known Limitations:

For externally shared content, the badge will not be displayed if any internal Google Groups have access to the document, even if these groups have external members.
If any service accounts have access to the document, the External badge will be displayed, even if the service account is owned internally.

Getting started

Admins: This feature will be ON by default and can be disabled at the ___domain and organizational level. Visit the Help Center to learn more about turning Out-of-Domain Warnings on or off for your organization.

Screenshot of the Google Workspace Admin console, navigated to Sharing settings. At the bottom of the page, a new section labeled "Highlight external files" is highlighted. The checkbox is checked, and the description reads: "Mark external files shared or owned externally as “external” to flag that content may be viewable outside your organization.

Image of the Google Workspace Admin console, Sharing settings, showing the "Highlight external files" option enabled

End users: This feature is ON by default unless otherwise configured by your admin. There is no end user setting for this feature. Visit the Help Center to learn more about Out-of-Domain file warnings.

Rollout pace

Admin setting:

Rapid Release and Scheduled Release domains: The admin setting will start rolling out today, April 28, 2025, and continue over the next several days.

End user visibility:

Rapid Release and Scheduled Release domains: End user visibility will begin on May 5, 2025 and is expected to take one week to complete.

Availability

Available for all Google Workspace customers, as well as Cloud Identity customers

Resources

Google Docs code blocks now available in additional programming languages

Monday, April 14, 2025

What’s changingIn 2022, we introduced a smart canvas feature that enables you to format and display code in Google Docs with code blocks.
We’re adding support for additional code languages to give even more users the ability to easily visualize code, making more code readable and collaboration much easier. Starting today, users can now format code blocks in the following additional programming languages:

C#
Go
Kotlin
PHP
Rust
TypeScript
HTML
CSS
XML
JSON
Protobuf
Textproto
SQL
Bash/Shell

additional Docs code blocks programming languages

Getting started

Admins: There is no admin control for this feature.
End users: To format and display code in a Doc, select Insert > Building blocks > Code blocks > choose your programming language or search @ > Code blocks > choose your programming language. Visit the Help Center to learn more about inserting smart chips & building blocks in your Google Doc.

Rollout pace

Rapid Release domains: Gradual rollout (up to 15 days for feature visibility starting on April 14, 2025
Scheduled Release domains: Gradual rollout (up to 15 days for feature visibility) starting on April 29, 2025

Availability

Available for Google Workspace:

Business Standard and Plus
Enterprise Starter, Standard and Plus
Enterprise Essentials Plus
Education Standard and Plus

Resources

Help me write in Google Docs now available in four additional languages

Monday, April 7, 2025

What’s changingIn 2023, we introduced Help me write, an AI-powered writing feature that helps get you started by writing something new in Google Docs or quickly refining existing text. Last May, we rolled out the ability to use Help me write in Spanish and Portuguese and today, we’re excited to announce that Help me write is now available in four additional languages:

Japanese
Italian
French
German

Using Help me write in Docs, you can:

Simply type a few words describing a topic you’d like to write about and a draft will be instantly generated for you. You then have a few options to adjust the results’ length, tone, or format.
Select specific text and refine it to catch typos, polish word choice, and ensure a smooth, natural flow. Plus you can adjust the text’s length, tone, or even use your own prompt to modify it.

Who’s impacted End users
Why you’d use it Whether you’re a recruiter drafting a customized job description or an account executive drafting a sales pitch, Help me write saves you the time and effort of writing the first version of a document by enabling you to focus on bringing your ideas to life instead of conquering a blank page. Now, you can use Help me write in English, Spanish, Portuguese, Japanese, Italian, French, and German.
Getting started

Rollout pace

Rapid Release and Scheduled Release domains: Gradual rollout (up to 15 days for feature visibility) starting on April 7, 2025

Availability

Available for Google Workspace:

Business Standard and Plus
Enterprise Standard and Plus
Google One AI Premium
Customers with the Gemini Education or Gemini Education Premium add-on
Customers with the Gemini Business or Gemini Enterprise add-on*

*As of January 15, 2025, we’re no longer offering the Gemini Business and Gemini Enterprise add-ons for sale. Please refer to this announcement for more details.

Resources

Help me create in Google Docs now available in seven additional languages

Monday, March 31, 2025

What’s changingLast year, we introduced a new way for users to create highly structured, stylized, and visually-appealing documents with Gemini using Help me create.

After describing the document you want to create, which includes the option to pull in content from your files using “@ filename", Gemini transforms your blank page into a long-form document with cover images, in-line images, stylized text, tables, content from your chosen Drive files, and more.

Today, we’re excited to announce that Help me create is now available in seven additional languages:

Spanish
Portuguese
Japanese
Korean
Italian
French
German

Who’s impactedEnd 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

Rollout pace

Rapid Release and Scheduled Release domains: Gradual rollout (up to 15 days for feature visibility) starting on March 31, 2025

Availability Available for Google Workspace:

Business Standard and Plus
Enterprise Standard and Plus
Google One AI Premium
Customers with the Gemini Education or Gemini Education Premium add-on
Customers with the Gemini Business or Gemini Enterprise add-on*

*As of January 15, 2025, we’re no longer offering the Gemini Business and Gemini Enterprise add-ons for sale. Please refer to this announcement for more details.

Resources

Introducing a new building block that summarizes content with Gemini in Google Docs

Monday, March 17, 2025

What’s changingLast year, we introduced a collection of building blocks designed to help you manage important business workflows in Google Docs, including team task management, project tracking, hiring, and more.
Today, we’re excited to announce an additional building block that adds an AI-generated summary to your content using Gemini in Docs. By going to Insert > Building Blocks > AI Summary or typing “@” followed by “AI summary,” Gemini will provide a summary that you can instantly insert or edit alongside other document collaborators. In addition, you can select the refresh option to update your summary when you make changes to your document.
These AI-generated summaries make it easier to consume long documents and can be particularly useful for content such as technical documents, meeting notes, strategy documents, marketing briefs, and more.

new building block that summarizes content with Gemini in Google Docs

Getting started

Rollout pace

Rapid Release and Scheduled Release domains: Extended rollout (potentially longer than 15 days for feature visibility) starting March 17, 2025, with expected completion by April 7, 2025.

Availability Available for Google Workspace:

Business Standard and Plus
Enterprise Standard and Plus
Google One AI Premium
Customers with the Gemini Education or Gemini Education Premium add-on
Customers with the Gemini Business or Gemini Enterprise add-on*

*As of January 15, 2025, we’re no longer offering the Gemini Business and Gemini Enterprise add-ons for sale. Please refer to this announcement for more details.

Resources

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

Google Workspace Updates Weekly Recap - March 14, 2025

Friday, March 14, 2025

On Android, in addition to the current options for attaching a file or inserting an item from Drive, you’ll now notice a dedicated menu item for Camera.

On iOS, we recently replaced the attachment sheet that previously appeared at the bottom of your screen after clicking the attachment icon. Now, iOS users will see a menu experience similar to the one on Android devices that includes: Photos, Camera, Files, and Drive.

Rollout to Rapid Release and Scheduled Release domains is complete for iOS devices. | Rolling out now to Rapid Release and Scheduled Release domains for Android devices. | Available to Google Workspace customers, Google Workspace Individual subscribers, and users with personal Google accounts. | Visit the Help Center to learn more about sending attachments with your Gmail message.
Additional accessibility tags for Tables, Equations, and Checkboxes in PDFs exported from Google DocsLast year, we added structural and accessibility tagging in 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 building upon this by introducing support for tables, equations, and checkboxes. As a result, users will be able to export a wider range of content in an accessible format. | Rolling out now to Rapid Release and Scheduled Release domains. | 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.

2.0 Flash Thinking Experimental model upgrades in the Gemini app and Deep Research
Additionally, we're upgrading Gemini Deep Research to use the 2.0 Flash Thinking Experimental model. With advanced reasoning from 2.0 Flash Thinking Experimental, Gemini is even better at all stages of research from planning to delivering even more insightful and detailed reports.
Rollout to Rapid Release and Scheduled Release domains is complete. | The improved version of 2.0 Flash Thinking Experimental and Deep Research with 2.0 Flash Thinking Experimental is available for Google Workspace Business Starter, Standard and Plus; Enterprise Starter, Standard and Plus; Frontline Starter and Standard; Essentials, Enterprise Essentials, Enterprise Essentials Plus; Education Standard and Plus; and Google Workspace for Nonprofits and customers with a Gemini Education or Gemini Education Premium add-on, and anyone who previously purchased a Gemini Business or Gemini Enterprise add-on. | Visit the Help Center to learn more about using the Gemini app with a work or school account in general, as well as for in-depth research.

Previous announcements

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

Quickly add events to Google Calendar based on your emails with Gemini in Gmail

In addition to asking Gemini in Gmail to perform calendar related actions or answer questions about your calendar, you can now add an event to your calendar directly from an email. | Learn more about adding events to your calendar from Gmail using Gemini.

Create files and folders using Gemini in the side panel of Google Drive

We're excited to expand Gemini in Drive capabilities by introducing the ability to create new Google Docs, Sheets, Slides and folders in your Drive. | Learn more about creating files and folders in Drive using Gemini.

View invited meeting participants on Google Meet hardware

You can now see participants who were invited to the meeting but have yet to join the call right on Google Meet hardware. | Learn more about invited Meet participants.

Use Gemini in the side panel of Workspace apps in four more languages

Gemini in the side panel of Google Docs, Google Sheets, Google Drive, and Gmail can now be used in four additional languages: Greek, Catalan, Indonesian, and Malay. | Learn more about new languages for Gemini in the side panel of Workspace apps.

More AI-powered features in Google Meet and Google Chat are coming to Google Workspace Business and Enterprise editions

Earlier this year, we announced that we’re including the best of Google AI in Workspace Business and Enterprise plans without the need to purchase a separate Gemini add-on. Beginning this week, even more AI-powered features are available for Business and Enterprise editions. | Learn more about additional AI-powered features.

Export your client-side encrypted documents to Microsoft Word files

Launching in beta, you can now export client-side encrypted Google Docs to Word files. This means you'll continue to own the encryption keys that protect your files to prevent unauthorized access from any third party (including Google or foreign governments) but convert your files as needed. | Learn more about exporting your client-side encrypted documents to Microsoft Word files.

Embed AppSheet apps directly in Google Sites

You can now embed authenticated AppSheet applications as iframes directly within Google Sites pages. | Learn more about AppSheet apps in Sites.

More languages are available for recorded captions and transcripts in Google Meet

Transcripts in Google Meet are now available in seven additional languages: French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, and Spanish. | Learn more about recorded captions and transcripts in Google Meet.

"Take notes for me" in Google Meet is available in seven additional languages

We’re rolling out support “take notes for me” in the following seven additional languages: French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, and Spanish. | Learn more about “Take notes for me” in Google Meet.

Deep Research and Gems in the Gemini app are now available for more Google Workspace customers

We’re expanding the availability of Deep Research and Gems in the Gemini app to Google Workspace:

Business Starter
Enterprise Starter
Education Fundamentals, Standard, and Plus
Frontline Starter and Standard
Essentials, Enterprise Essentials, and Enterprise Essentials Plus
Nonprofits

Learn more about Deep Research and Gems.

Introducing AppSheet User Pass

You can now license any user of your apps with AppSheet User Pass. | Learn more about the AppSheet User Pass.

Consent re-confirmation for under 18 users accessing Additional Services will soon be required

In September 2024, we communicated that we now require admins who have Additional Services enabled for users under the age of 18 to re-review them on an annual basis. Admins are always in control of which services their users have access to, and this gives admins an opportunity to ensure the right users have access to the right services. | Learn more about consent re-confirmation for under 18 users accessing Additional Services.

Completed rollouts

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

Rapid Release Domains:

Adding real-time Markdown styling and code formatting support in Google Chat

Scheduled Release Domains:

Scroll through live captions and translated captions in Google Meet

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).

Export your client-side encrypted documents to Microsoft Word files

Wednesday, March 12, 2025

What’s changing Launching in beta, you can now export client-side encrypted Google Docs to Word files. This means you'll continue to own the encryption keys that protect your files to prevent unauthorized access from any third party (including Google or foreign governments) but convert your files as needed.

Eligible Google Workspace admins can use this form to request access to the beta. We’ll share more specific instructions once you’re accepted into the beta.

In Google Docs, navigate to File > Download and decrypt.

Getting started

Admins: Client-side encryption can be enabled at the ___domain, OU, and Group levels (Admin console > Data > Compliance > Client-side encryption). Visit our Help Center to learn more about client-side encryption.
End users: To export your client-side encrypted Google Doc to a Microsoft Word file go to File > Download and decrypt > Microsoft Word (.docx).

Rollout pace

The feature will be available immediately once you're accepted into the beta.

Availability

Available to Google Workspace Enterprise Plus, Education Standard and Education Plus customers

Resources

Use Gemini in the side panel of Workspace apps in four more languages

Monday, March 10, 2025

What’s changingBeginning today, Gemini in the side panel of Google Docs, Google Sheets, Google Drive, and Gmail can be used in four additional languages:

Greek
Catalan
Indonesian
Malay

With Gemini in the side panel of your Workspace apps, you can get help summarizing, brainstorming, and generating content by utilizing insights gathered from your emails, documents, and more—all without switching applications or tabs. Check out our original announcements for Gemini in the side panel of Docs, Sheets, and Drive, and Gmail for even more information. Image generation is supported in these languages as well.

Additional details

Users may see the “Alpha” badge as we bring more features into Gemini in the side panel of Google Workspace.
Image generation of people is not supported in these additional languages at this time.

Getting started

Rollout pace

Availability Gemini in the side panel of Docs, Sheets, Drive is available to Google Workspace:

Business Standard and Plus
Enterprise Standard and Plus
Customers with the Gemini Education or Gemini Education Premium add-on
Customers with the Gemini Business or Gemini Enterprise add-on*

Gemini in the side panel of Gmail is available to Google Workspace:

Business Starter, Standard and Plus
Enterprise Starter, Standard and Plus
Customers with the Gemini Education or Gemini Education Premium add-on
Customers with the Gemini Business or Gemini Enterprise add-on*

*As of January 15, 2025, we’re no longer offering the Gemini Business and Gemini Enterprise add-ons for sale. Please refer to this announcement for more details.
Resources

Use Gemini in the side panel of Workspace apps in seventeen more languages

Wednesday, February 19, 2025

What’s changing Beginning today, Gemini in the side panel of Google Docs, Google Sheets, Google Drive, and Gmail can be used in seventeen additional languages:

Arabic
Chinese
Czech
Danish
Dutch
Finnish
Hebrew
Hungarian
Norwegian
Polish
Romanian
Russian
Swedish
Thai
Turkish
Ukrainian
Vietnamese

Additional details

While Gemini in the side panel of Docs, Sheets, Drive, and Gmail, is generally available in these additional languages - as we keep rolling out more Gemini alpha features in the side panel, end users with Gemini alpha features turned on may continue to see the “Alpha” badge.
Gemini in the side panel of Slides and Chat is only available in English at this time.
Image generation of people is not supported in these additional languages at this time.

Getting started

Gemini in the side panel will work according to the language you set in your Google account (myaccount.google.com/language). If you’re accessing other Gemini for Google Workspace features that are supported in English only, you will need to set your Google Account language to English.
You can access the side panel by clicking on “Ask Gemini” (spark button) in the top right corner of Docs, Sheets, Drive, and Gmail on the web. Visit the Help Center to learn more about collaborating with Gemini in the side panel of Docs, Sheets, Drive, and Gmail.

Rollout pace

Availability

Available to Google Workspace:

Business Standard and Plus
Enterprise Standard and Plus
Customers with the Gemini Education or Gemini Education Premium add-on
Customers with the Gemini Business or Gemini Enterprise add-on*

Available for Gemini in the side panel of Gmail for:

Business Starter
Enterprise Starter

*As of January 15, 2025, we’re no longer offering the Gemini Business and Gemini Enterprise add-ons for sale. Please refer to this announcement for more details.

Resources

Improving the cover images experience in Google Docs

Tuesday, February 11, 2025

What’s changingLast year, we made it easier for you to personalize and differentiate documents with full-bleed cover images that extend from one edge of your document to the other. Since then, many users have added cover images to help set the tone for a document, and today we’re announcing the following updates:

In addition to the “Choose from stock images” and “Upload from computer”, insertion options, users can now add images via:

Searching the web
Uploading from Drive
Importing from Google Photos
Pasting a URL

The addition of 100+ new stock images to provide users with more options. The stock image gallery will also include filtering options for categories like art, food, and abstract

When clicking the “Cover image” chip at the top of your Doc, a placeholder image will appear, followed by the menu with options to create with Gemini or insert a different image via the options outlined in #1.

When clicking the “Cover image” chip at the top of your Doc, a placeholder image will appear

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:

Rollout pace

Rapid Release and Scheduled Release domains: Extended rollout (potentially longer than 15 days for feature visibility) starting on February 11, 2025

Availability

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

Resources

Google Help: Insert or delete images & videos

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

Rollout pace

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

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 23, 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 direct messages and spaces. If a group direct message or space has more than 6 users, out of office status will only be shown if the user is @ mentioned. | 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 original 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 policy visualization across Google Docs, Sheets, Slides, and Drive. This is now generally available, and as a result, users who are interacting with policy-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 policy 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 original 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 policy 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 policy-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

Rollout pace

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

What’s changing

For 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:

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

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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

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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

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