Google’s AI Tool That Turns Text Into Visual Ideas

Google’s AI Tool That Turns Text Into Visual Ideas

Google Mixboard is a new experiment from Google Labs that lets you spin out visual ideas by mixing text prompts and images. For product designers, teachers, creators, or anyone juggling visual inspiration, it might shortcut part of your creative grunt work.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

September 26, 2025

Have you ever stared at a blank screen, a text prompt cursor blinking mockingly at you, knowing exactly what you want to achieve visually but having no efficient way to start? 

How about you want to create funny monsters?

Here's a FridayFunday Cool Tip:  Try the new Google Mixboard.

What Is Mixboard, and Why It Matters

Imagine sketching a mood board, but instead of dragging in images manually, you just type a phrase like “funny Googly eye monsters” and the app fills the board with visual suggestions. 

You can:

• Start from a blank board, a prompt, or one of several pre-populated templates.
• Upload your own images or have the tool generate visuals via AI.
• Use natural-language commands to tweak things (“make background darker,” “add more eyes”) thanks to a specialized image model under the hood, called Nano Banana.
• Hit “regenerate” or “more like this” to iterate quickly.
• Generate contextual text from images on the board (e.g. captions or descriptions).

It’s currently in public beta in the U.S. only and is explicitly experimental. 

Google sees it as a testing ground rather than a fully fleshed product. 

What You’ll Gain

• Rapid visual ideation using plain language.

• Iterative design without needing Photoshop or Illustrator.

• A sandbox for experimenting with styles, layouts, color palettes.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here's how to do it.

On the Web

1. Go to labs.google.com/mixboard.
2. Log in with your Google account. 
3. Choose to start from a blank board, a template, or enter a text prompt. 
4. Optionally upload your own images (e.g. photos, sketches) to seed the board. 
5. Use natural language inputs to edit: e.g. “add more plants,” or “make lighting softer.” 
6. Use “regenerate” or “more like this” to generate new alternatives. 
7. If desired, click on images to get text descriptions or generate context. 

On iOS / Android

Google has not published a native mobile app or mobile-optimized flow for Mixboard. 

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Easy to use: You don’t need design skills or software expertise to begin.
• Fast iteration: Being able to “regenerate” and refine visually is a big boost.
• Flexible canvas: Freeform layout means you’re not boxed into slides, frames, or rigid grids.
• Hybrid mode (text + image): You can mix verbal and visual inputs, which is rare in AI tools.
• Built-in editing via language: Nano Banana’s image model gives intuitive edits without layering tools.

Cons

• Beta / U.S.-only access: You may not get in right away if you’re outside the U.S.
• Dependence on prompt skill: The more precise your language, the better results, but that is also a learning curve.
• Data & IP concerns: While Google says AI processing is often on-device, the privacy model and usage rights for generated visuals aren’t fully clarified. 

Who Can Use Mixboard Now

• Availability: Public beta in the United States only as of now. 
• Cost / Subscription: It is currently free to try (as part of Labs), with no paid tier announced. 
• Access privileges: Anyone with a Google account may be eligible.
• Because it's experimental, it’s not yet part of Google Workspace or tied to enterprise licensing.

Score

Criterion | Score | Justification

Value 7

It addresses a real pain point in visual ideation and speeds up concept exploration, especially for non-designers.

Usability 6

The natural-language input and freeform board are intuitive, but prompt sensitivity and limited features give friction.

Wow Factor 8

The concept feels magical.  Type a thought and see an image board come to life which feels fresh and exciting.

Total: 21 / 30 → 👍 Good. Worth adopting for most users.

While today's example is creative fun, it's a serious tool as well.

Use it if you're in design, marketing, education, or any field that benefits from visual planning, 

Mixboard is exciting enough to test now. 

It’s not perfect, but it could well become a tool you fall back on when you’re sketching ideas early.

Key Takeaways

Mixboard lets you turn text- or image-based prompts into visual boards quickly and iteratively. 

While still in experimental beta, its user-friendly approach, natural-language editing, and AI backing make it a compelling tool for anyone who visualizes ideas frequently. 

It doesn’t replace design apps yet but accelerates the ideation stage.

Try It Yourself

Head over to labs.google.com/mixboard (if you're in the U.S.) and experiment with a phrase you’ve been stuck on "monsters with googly eyes", "modern library corner" or "campus chill lounge." 

Post your favorite board in the comments below. 

Share the tip with your team, and if you like what it produces, drop us a line.  

We'd love to see how people incorporate Mixboard into their work.

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Rodger Mansfield, a seasoned tech expert, is the mastermind behind www.OneCoolTip.com where he serves as both writer and editor. With a keen eye for simplifying complex tech, Rodger delivers practical advice that empowers readers to navigate the digital world with confidence. Dive into www.OneCoolTip.com for a treasure trove of savvy tips and tricks that keep you one step ahead in tech.

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