Google Pics Web App Aims to Rival Canva and Photoshop
Google launches Google Pics for Workspace AI subscribers, bringing prompt-based image creation and editing directly into Google Drive.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
- Google Pics is now available for Google AI Pro and Ultra subscribers.
- The tool handles image creation and editing entirely through text prompts.
- It combines graphic design and photo editing features within Google Workspace.
- Lacks advanced drawing tools, meaning Photoshop and Canva are still required for complex tasks.
Google has expanded its ecosystem further by introducing Google Pics, a new web application designed specifically for image creation and editing. The service is available to users subscribed to the Google AI Pro package at 19.99 dollars a month, or the Google AI Ultra package ranging from 99.99 to 199.99 dollars a month.
Integrated directly into Google Drive Workspace alongside Google Docs, Slides, and Sheets, the app sits somewhere between Canva and Photoshop. It performs graphic design tasks, such as putting together event posters, and handles photo editing tasks, like removing unwanted objects from your vacation pictures.
Powered by the Nano Banana AI image generation model, the web app can also pop up inside other Google Workspace apps whenever needed. All primary functions are driven through text prompts, whether you are generating a brand new image from scratch or making edits to existing graphics.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
The interface includes a Style box for overall image aesthetics, upload links for Google Drive and Photos, and an aspect ratio drop-down menu at the very top. When generating new artwork, the system presents four or five alternative thumbnails to choose from, with Google noting that higher access limits will remain available to users until February 2027.
Google's entry into the design space with Google Pics highlights its strategy of embedding generative AI deeper into everyday productivity suites to challenge established giants like Canva and Adobe. However, relying purely on text prompts targets quick turnarounds and general users rather than professional designers needing precise manual control.
During testing, prompting the app to create a children's birthday party flyer with specific time and location details generated vibrant, ready-to-use promotional flyers within seconds. Users can also transform their personal photographs into watercolors or comic styles effortlessly, functioning much like an unlimited collection of filters.
Despite these capabilities, the app remains bare-bones. Users can undo edits, zoom in and out, and change aspect ratios, but without traditional drawing tools, retouching brushes, or layer support, creative professionals will still need to keep Photoshop and Canva in their workflows.
"Any edit you can describe, you can make (or at least attempt)."
David Nield, Lifehacker
The editing tools are where Google Pics truly shines, activating automatically after an image is created or loaded. The app intelligently identifies clickable elements like skies or mountains, and lets users drag selection boxes around specific objects to issue quick text prompts for modifications.
Source: Lifehacker
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