Google Challenges Canva with Release of Google Pics, Simplifying Design via AI Prompts

Google is making another significant move with the introduction of a new editing tool called Google Pics. This artificial intelligence (AI) based tool allows users to design images creatively, positioning itself as a challenger to currently dominant design applications such as Canva and Adobe Express.

According to a report by TechCrunch on Tuesday (1/9) local time, Google Pics will be integrated into Google Workspace and will be available to Google Workspace subscribers, as well as customers of the Google AI Pro and Google AI Ultra packages. The new service is primarily powered by Google’s Nano Banana AI model and will become available to users in the coming weeks.

Similar to popular design applications, Google Pics can be utilised by users for daily tasks or promotional activities. For instance, users can create posters, social media posts, and various other illustrations.

While it shares similar functions, its workflow differs from Canva and Adobe Express. On Canva, creators can independently create and design works using available tools and publish their designs to earn royalties. In Google Pics, the design process is largely performed by AI that has been pre-trained using the works of artists.

Users primarily act as guides by providing design prompts for what they desire, meaning users do not have to design something entirely from scratch. Nevertheless, users can make changes to the generated designs as other editing tools are available, such as tools to alter objects, modify elements, and even translate text within images.

The application also supports collaborative editing and the ability to generate multiple image options based on the provided guidance, allowing users to select the best design according to their preference. Google Pics is integrated into Google Workspace and will initially be found in Docs and Slides, with the service eventually becoming available in Google Drive as well.