Following the success of its AI-driven visual tools, Google introduced the “Help me visualize” feature in Google Slides last August. With this new update, users can easily generate unique inline images or full-bleed cover images by simply entering text prompts. This advancement simplifies the process of enhancing documents with eye-catching, personalized visuals.
This functionality is especially beneficial for professionals aiming to produce visually striking documents, such as restaurant menus, marketing briefs, or promotional materials. In a recent blog post, Google highlighted the potential of this feature to revolutionize how users personalize their content, effectively merging creativity with practicality.
To utilize AI-generated cover images in Google Docs, users must enable pageless mode, allowing the image to extend across the entire width of the document.
It is important to note that this feature is not accessible to free users. Currently, text-to-image generation in Docs is restricted to paid subscribers, including those on Google Workspace Business, Enterprise, Education Premium, or Google One AI Premium plans. Google has indicated that the rollout will occur gradually, and eligible accounts, particularly those on scheduled Workspace release timelines, may experience a delay before accessing this feature.
These improvements demonstrate Google’s continuous dedication to enhancing its Workspace tools with smarter and more innovative features. Since the introduction of the Gemini AI model into Google Workspace in June 2024, the company has been actively incorporating AI-driven functionalities across its applications, including Docs, Slides, Sheets, and Drive. These new capabilities encompass tasks such as summarization, analysis, and content generation, reinforcing Workspace’s role as a robust platform for productivity and creativity.
In contrast, Microsoft, Google’s main rival, has already implemented AI-powered image generation in its Word and PowerPoint applications via Microsoft Designer and Copilot. By leveraging OpenAI’s DALL-E 3, users can easily create and insert AI-generated images into their documents or presentations simply by describing the visuals they want.
Moreover, Microsoft has broadened the functionality of its AI assistant, Copilot, across its entire suite of tools. From Word and Excel to PowerPoint, Outlook, and Teams, Copilot significantly boosts productivity by integrating AI-driven features throughout the platform.
Although Google’s introduction of these AI functionalities has been more gradual, its recent updates indicate that the company is making notable progress to narrow the gap and remain competitive in this swiftly changing landscape.