You can now add drawing objects like flowcharts, arrows, callouts, banners and even freehand scribbles to your documents in Google Docs using the new "Insert Drawing" command available from the menu bar.
This new feature in Google Docs is like the "Drawing Canvas" of Microsoft Office and, on a closer look, you’ll find that the shapes drop-down in Google Docs is remarkably similar to what you have in Office (see screenshot above). Why re-invent when Microsoft has already determined shapes that are most frequently used in documents.
Other than drawing, Google Docs has added WordArt as well – see the colored "T" symbol inside the Shapes drop-down – but it’s pretty basic at the moment. You can have different typefaces and choose different fill colors for the outline and interiors.
To create a drawing in Google Docs, open a document, presentation, or a spreadsheet, and click Insert > Drawing. Then, select the type of object you’d like to insert from the toolbar.
Also see: Google Docs Guide
Find this article at: http://www.labnol.org/internet/office/create-flowcharts-in-google-docs/8051/
Tags: Archives, drawing, flowcharts, google docs, Office Online
Reader Comments
I really like Google Docs, but every now and then I’ll go to post something, but because my internet goes down or at least isn’t 100% stable, I’ll lose my work in the process of saving. I’ve had the same issues using Wordpress. This doesn’t diminish Google docs by any means, but it is one of the dangers of working online instead of having it hosted on your PC.
Written by Davis Freeberg on 03.25.09
Shouldn’t google gears help you deal with being offline and saving your work?
Written by abbad0n on 03.25.09
Its not about reinventing the wheel. Google Docs needs this feature as its important for those who use Google Docs for their daily use than Microsoft Office. If it was reinventing the wheel why should Google even create Google Docs?
Written by Sajesh on 03.26.09
Seems like everything is being offered online now. If service providers continue to improve broadband and its reach whose to say that google docs won’t slowly wittle away at office?
Written by Alec Stolz on 03.26.09
Google certainly is copying a lot from Microsoft Word…
Written by Quikboy on 03.26.09
I am happy that google is offering such a good service. Just that don’t want their dominance over the web.
Written by unitechy on 03.31.09