Google Drawings

Google Draw is an app provided as part of the G-Suite that allows users to create content on a blank canvas inside the Google drive.

This 13 minute tutorial walks you through the basics of using Google Drawings.

  • How to access

  • Drawing Tools Summary

  • Managing Files

  • Canvas Control

  • Auto-correct features

  • Using color

  • Adding links to other sites

  • Downloading a jpg, png, etc.

Accessing Google Drawings

  1. Login to your Google Drive

  2. Click "New" and select Google Drawings (may need to click on "More"

Google Drawings has some of the same features as other Google Suite products.

Use lines to connect to shapes and images

A variety of shapes, arrows, call outs, and equation symbols are available.

Text boxes and images can be inserted into the workspace as well.

  • The Checkered area is the workspace-anything placed here will be visible if the drawing is downloaded or printed.

  • The left and right areas can hold items, but they will not be visible if the drawing is downloaded or printed.

Google Drawings Activities for the Classroom

Click on each image below to make a copy to your Google Drive

Example #1

Example #2 Venn Diagram Matching

Digital Manipulatives

Lung diagram

Template: Timeline

Waves Digital Card Sort

Math Manipulatives

Creating Templates for Student Use

  • Creating a template is a great way to set up an activity for the students to complete.

  • Teachers create the template by adding desired shapes, images, directions, etc. before the students start.

  • Share the template via a copy link so students have their own copy.

  • Students can turn in assignment by downloading a JPG, PNG, PDF file or sharing a view/edit link directly to the teacher.

Template (with copy link)

Carbon Cycle Exemplar add image

To create a Drawings template:

  • Add images/icons/shapes to the right or left side of work space (white colored areas, not checkered).

  • Place a textbook with instructions, helpful links, etc. somewhere on the work space (this can be moved later).

  • Share with students via a copy link.

How to create a "copy" Google share link

Click on the blue "Share" button

Click the "Copy link"

  • Paste the link and highlight everything from the word "edit" at the end of the URL (stop at the forward slash /)

  • Replace the highlighted information with the word "copy" and then highlight and copy the entire new URL

    • Google Classroom Users-the "Make a copy for each student" option does not work at the time of teaching this course. If you use Google Classroom add the template using a copy link.

Updated 5/20/21: JC