Can't find the shape tools in Google Docs? On a computer, open the drawing editor to add a built-in shape, draw an outline, or reuse a drawing from Drive. For your phone, use the image options below or draw freehand in the Android app.
Add a shape with the drawing editor
Open your document on a computer with editing access, then follow these steps.
- 1.Choose Insert > Drawing > New.
- 2.Click Shape and choose the shape you want.
- 3.Drag across the canvas to draw it.
- 4.If you want another copy, hold Ctrl on Windows or Option on Mac while dragging the shape inside the canvas.
- 5.Click Save and close to insert the drawing into your document.
Draw a custom outline or arrow
Use the line tools when you need an arrow, curved line, or freehand outline.
Open Insert > Drawing > New.
Click Select line to open the drawing tools.
Choose Arrow, Curve, Polyline, or Scribble, depending on the outline you need.
For Arrow or Scribble, drag across the canvas to draw.
For Curve or Polyline, click successive points to build the outline.
Double-click or close the shape to finish the curve or polyline.
Click Save and close to add the result to your document.
Reuse a drawing from Drive
A Google Drawing saved in Drive works when you want a reusable graphic. You can update the inserted drawing after changing its source.
Prepare your shapes in Google Drawings using Shape.
In your document, choose Insert > Drawing > From Drive.
Choose the drawing you want to use.
Click Select to insert it.
After changing the source drawing, select the inserted drawing in Docs.
Click Update to bring those changes into the document.
Use a symbol for a shape within text
Choose Insert > Symbols > Special characters to add a shape as a text character.
Find your shape through the categories, enter its Unicode value, or draw it in the box on the right.
Click the character to insert it.
For an emoji instead, open Insert > Symbols > Emoji.
Search for a circle, square, or another symbol.
Select the emoji to add it to your document.
Use the drawing editor when you need a drawing object instead of a text character or emoji.
Insert a shape on your phone
The menu mismatch comes from following desktop drawing steps in the phone app.
On Android, iPhone, or iPad, open the document in the Google Docs app.
Tap Insert > Image to add an existing shape graphic.
Choose the image source.
Tap the shape image you want to insert. The result is an image rather than an editable geometric shape.
For a freehand outline on an Android handheld device, tap Insert > Add markups.
On a large Android screen, tap the Markups toggle in the toolbar instead.
Select Pen or Highlighter.
Draw your outline directly on the document.
Tap Close to exit. These markups are freehand annotations rather than preset geometric shapes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I insert a shape image from my computer?
Yes. Choose Insert > Image > Upload from computer, select the graphic, and click Open. You can also drag a shape image from your computer into the document. It remains an image rather than an editable geometric shape.
Can I use a table as a rectangular box?
Yes. On desktop, choose Insert > Table and select one cell. Resize its borders, or open Format > Table > Table options to adjust Column or Row dimensions. This creates a rectangular table box rather than a drawing shape.
How do I find an insertion command without browsing the menus?
Click Search in the desktop toolbar or choose Help > Search the menus. Search for the insertion tool, then select its result. You can also open menu search with Alt+/ on Windows or ChromeOS, or Option+/ on Mac.
Can I paste shapes from Google Slides into Docs?
You can embed the whole slide containing your shapes. In Slides, select the slide thumbnail and choose Edit > Copy. In Docs, choose Edit > Paste, select the offered linking option, then click Paste. The embedded slide includes its background and other content.