Google Launches AI-Powered Pics Tool to Challenge Canva and Adobe Express

Google is entering the AI-powered creative design market with a new image creation and editing tool called Google Pics, designed to help users generate visuals through text prompts rather than traditional manual design workflows.

The tool will become part of Google Workspace for business customers and will also be available to subscribers of Google AI Pro and Ultra plans. Google said Pics will roll out gradually over the coming weeks and is powered by the company’s Nano Banana image-generation model.

Google Pics is designed for everyday creative tasks such as creating posters, social media graphics, illustrations and other visual content. The product puts Google in competition with popular design platforms, including Canva and Adobe Express, but its approach focuses on AI-generated content rather than traditional template-based design.

Google shifts design creation toward AI prompts

Unlike traditional design platforms, where users often build projects from templates or create artwork manually, Google Pics lets users describe what they want and generate images using AI. The tool is built around prompt-based creation, in which users guide the system with written instructions.

The software also includes editing features that allow users to isolate and transform objects, modify text within images and translate text elements. Google said users can generate multiple versions of an image and select the version that best fits their needs.

The tool also supports collaborative editing, allowing teams to work together on visual projects within Google’s productivity ecosystem.

Google adds AI design features to Workspace

Google plans to integrate Pics into Workspace applications, beginning with Docs and Slides. The company said the tool will later expand to Google Drive, giving users more options for creating and managing AI-generated visual content.

The launch comes as technology companies increasingly add generative AI features to creative software. While platforms such as Canva and Adobe Express provide tools for creating professional visuals, Google is positioning Pics around AI-assisted generation and editing.

Google Pics represents the company’s latest effort to bring generative AI deeper into workplace productivity tools, allowing users to create visual content without requiring traditional design skills.