Give Your Google Docs a Visual Makeover with Cover Images

Give Your Google Docs a Visual Makeover with Cover Images

Learn how to instantly upgrade the look of your documents by adding full-width cover images.  This Cool Tip walks you through the simple steps to turn boring text files into engaging, professional wikis and reports that elevate your corporate branding and impress clients.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

December 15, 2025

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Have you ever opened a Google Doc and felt immediately bored by the endless wall of white background and black text? 

We have all been there. 

While tools like Notion and Coda have long allowed users to beautify their workspaces with splashy header images, Google Docs often felt strictly utilitarian. 

Here's a Cool Tip:  Use the Cover Image feature in Google Docs.

Google has introduced a native Cover Image feature that allows you to add a splash of personality, branding, or visual context right at the top of your document. 

It is a small change that makes a massive difference in how your work is perceived.

Feature Explanation

The Cover Image feature allows users to place a large, edge-to-edge image at the very top of a Google Doc. 

This is distinct from simply inserting an image into the body of the text. 

A cover image sits above the title, acting as a visual header similar to a blog post or a social media profile banner.

However, it also functions in standard paginated mode, adding a defined visual block at the top of the first page. 

It transforms a standard document into something that looks like a published article or a polished internal wiki.

For business professionals, this feature transforms standard documentation into branded assets. 

It allows teams to align client-facing proposals with corporate identity or visually distinguish internal project hubs for better team navigation.

What You’ll Gain

• Instant Polish: Make internal memos and project specs look like professionally designed assets.
• Visual Context: Use images to immediately signal the topic (e.g., a code snippet image for technical documentation).
• Brand Consistency: Apply company branding or colors to client-facing documents without complex formatting.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here's how to do it.

Web / Desktop (Chrome, Edge, Safari)

1. Launch Google Docs and open the file you wish to edit.
2. Go to File > Page setup and select Pageless for the best visual effect.
3. Click on Insert in the top menu bar.
4. Click Cover image from the dropdown list.
5. A sidebar appears:
• Select Generate an Image (AI, requires subscription).
• Select a file from your computer.
• Choose from your Google Photos library.
• Select from a curated gallery of high-quality stock photos provided by Google.
6. Once the image loads, hover over it and click the Reposition button (icon with arrows) to drag the image up or down for the perfect crop.

fig. 1 - Google Docs Cover Image

iOS & Android

• You cannot currently add a cover image from the mobile app. You must use a computer to insert the image.
• Once added via desktop, the cover image is visible on your mobile device when you open the document in the Google Docs app (iPhone / Android).

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Aesthetics: Instantly makes documents feel modern and engaging.
• Ease of Use: No need to mess with margins or header settings; it just works.
• Stock Library: The included gallery provides high-quality, royalty-free options so you do not have to hunt for images.

Cons

• Screen Real Estate: On smaller laptop screens, a large cover image pushes the actual content "below the fold."
• Printing: In paginated mode, cover images can sometimes use a lot of ink or create awkward page breaks if not sized correctly.
• Mobile: You cannot currently insert or reposition cover images using the iOS or Android apps; these actions are restricted to the desktop version.

Feature Access

This feature is widely available to all Google Workspace customers, Google Workspace Individual subscribers, and users with personal Google accounts. 

It has rolled out globally to all regions.

Score

Criterion | Score (0–10) | Justification

Value 8

It does not change the data, but it drastically improves the consumption experience of the data.

Usability 9

Extremely intuitive; the "Reposition" tool makes it nearly foolproof to get a good look.

Wow Factor 7

It catches Google Docs up to competitors like Notion, finally shedding the "boring office suite" vibe.

Total: 24/30 👍 Good

A welcome visual update that brings Google Docs into the modern era of document creation. While functionally simple, it allows users to create work that feels polished and web-native.

Key Takeaways

Cover images transform Google Docs from static text files into engaging, visual workspaces. 

They work in Pageless mode for a modern, app-like feel. 

This feature is free and available to everyone, making it an easy win for your next report.

Cool Tip Snapshot

• Feature Name: Google Docs Cover Images.
• Platform(s): Web, iOS, Android.
• Quick Benefit: Adds a professional, full-width header image to documents.
• Access Type: Free.

Try It Yourself

Open a Google Doc you use frequently, switch it to "Pageless" view, and add a cover image from the stock gallery today to see how much more inviting your work can look. 

Tell us in the comments if this changes how you use Docs, and please subscribe to the One Cool Tip newsletter!

READ MORE

• Unlock Your Productivity Potential: A Deep Dive into Google Docs' Enhanced Templates
  
• Unlock the Google Docs Time Machine
  
• Enable Markdown in Google Docs: The Cool Tip You Need to Know
  
• MORE Google Docs Cool Tips
• MORE Back-To-Work-Monday Cool Tips

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Rodger Mansfield, a seasoned technology expert and editor of OneCoolTip.com, transforms complex tech into practical advice for everyday users. His Cool Tips empower readers to stay productive, secure, and one step ahead in the digital world.

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How to Use Tabs in Google Docs

How to Use Tabs in Google Docs

Use document tabs to transform a lengthy Google Doc into a multi-section workbook.  Jump between parts, share specific sections, and stay organized like never before.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor 

October 20, 2025

Have you ever found yourself endlessly scrolling through a massive Google Docs file trying to find that one paragraph buried in the middle of the page? 

Or juggling five separate Docs because each section feels like a mini-project on its own? 

Here's a Cool Tip:  Tabs in Google Docs.

Google’s recent rollout of the “tabs” feature in Docs feels like a genuine productivity upgrade. 

Imagine opening a report and seeing section-tabs on the left,  click “Budget” or “Scope” or “Appendix” and you’re instantly there. 

It sounds simple, but for business users, educators and analysts (yes, like you and me) it unlocks a smarter way to structure your writing, collaborate faster and reduce duplicate files. 

Gemini Can Read Aloud Google Docs with New “Audio” Feature

Gemini Can Read Aloud Google Docs with New “Audio” Feature

Google is rolling out a Gemini-powered “Audio” option in Google Docs that reads text aloud with natural-sounding voices. This new tool makes it easier to proofread, multitask, and boost accessibility in everyday work.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

August 21, 2025

Have you ever caught a mistake in your writing only after hearing it out loud? 

That’s about to get much easier. 

Here's a Cool Tip:  Use Google Docs' new Audio feature.

Google Docs' new Gemini-powered “Audio” option reads your documents back to you with natural, fluid speech. 

This feature is more than a novelty; it’s a productivity booster, accessibility aid, and even a new way to process information when your eyes are tired from staring at screens all day.

Unlock Your Productivity Potential: A Deep Dive into Google Docs' Enhanced Templates

Unlock Your Productivity Potential: A Deep Dive into Google Docs' Enhanced Templates

Google Docs has significantly expanded its template offerings, providing users with a powerful toolkit to streamline document creation and boost productivity. This Cool Tip explores these enhanced templates.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

May 5, 2025

How much time do you spend staring at a blank document, wrestling with formatting and structure before you even begin writing? 

In today's fast-paced digital landscape, efficiency is paramount, and the ability to quickly create professional-looking documents can be a game-changer. 

Here's a Cool Tip:   Try the New Google Docs Templates.

Google Docs, a cornerstone of Google Workspace, has been quietly bolstering its template library, offering a wealth of pre-designed documents to kickstart your projects. 

Google Docs templates are pre-formatted document layouts designed for various purposes, ranging from resumes and cover letters to project proposals and meeting notes. 

These templates provide a ready-made structure, complete with suggested headings, formatting styles, and even placeholder text, allowing users to focus on content creation rather than the often tedious task of setting up a document from scratch. 

Unleash Your Inner Filmmaker: Try Google Vids

Unleash Your Inner Filmmaker: Try Google Vids

Google Vids empowers users to create professional-quality videos with ease. This Cool Tip shows how to use Google Vids, highlighting its key features, benefits, and practical applications.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

April 14, 2025

In today’s fast-paced digital world, video content reigns supreme. 

But what if you could create compelling, professional-looking videos without needing extensive technical skills or expensive equipment? 

Here's a Cool Tip:  Try Google Vids.

Google Vids is a powerful new tool designed to democratize video creation. 

Are you ready to transform your ideas into engaging videos? 

Curious about how to streamline your communication with dynamic visuals? 

Google Vids offers an intuitive platform that simplifies the entire video production process, making it accessible to everyone from educators to business professionals. 

What is Google Vids and Why Does It Matter?

Enable Markdown in Google Docs: The Cool Tip You Need to Know

Enable Markdown in Google Docs: The Cool Tip You Need to Know

Unlock the power of Markdown in Google Docs and transform your writing experience. This guide provides a step-by-step approach to enable this feature, empowering you to write more efficiently and effectively.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor 

December 16, 2024

Are you tired of the cumbersome formatting options in Google Docs? 

Do you crave the simplicity and elegance in writing? 

Here's a Cool Tip:  Use Markdown in Google Docs.

Google Docs has a hidden gem that allows you to enable Markdown for a smoother, more streamlined writing experience.

Create Stunning Images with Imagen 3 Gemini in Google Docs

Create Stunning Images with Imagen 3 Gemini in Google Docs

Google Docs just got a whole lot more creative! Learn how to generate unique, high-quality images directly within your documents using the power of Imagen 3 Gemini.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

November 18, 2024

Imagine this: you're crafting a report, presentation, or even a simple flyer in Google Docs, and you need the perfect image to complement your text.  

Instead of scouring the internet for hours, what if you could simply describe the image you want and have it generated right before your eyes? 

Here's a Cool Tip:  Use Gemini in Google Docs.

That's the magic of Imagen 3 Gemini in Google Docs. 

Unlock the Google Docs Time Machine

Unlock the Google Docs Time Machine

Ever wished you could rewind changes in a Google Doc?  This Cool Tip explores the powerful "Version History" feature, guiding you through its use and highlighting its immense value for collaboration and document control.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

October 14, 2024

Have you ever accidentally deleted a crucial paragraph in a Google Doc? 

Or perhaps you needed to revert to an earlier draft of a collaborative project? 

Fear not! 

Here's a Cool Tip: Use the Version History feature of Google Docs.

Throwback: Dictate in Google Docs with Voice Typing

Throwback: Dictate in Google Docs with Voice Typing

Say goodbye to tedious typing! Google Docs lets you dictate your documents effortlessly using Voice Typing, a feature that allows you to speak your thoughts directly into your document.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

August 29, 2024 - Originally Published September 7, 2015

Do you ever get tired of typing a document?

Let the power of Google do it for you.

Google Docs, the online word processing software, just got a whole lot better with the ability to dictate a word processing document.

The new feature is "Voice Typing" and requires Google's Chrome browser.

To dictate, enable Voice Typing in the Tools menu.

Revolutionize Your Documents: Google Docs Tables Get a Powerful Upgrade

Revolutionize Your Documents: Google Docs Tables Get a Powerful Upgrade

Google Docs has recently rolled out a suite of new features designed to make working with tables easier and more efficient than ever before. From improved formatting options to enhanced data organization, these updates are a game-changer for anyone who uses tables in their documents.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

June 17, 2024

Have you ever wished you could make your tables in Google Docs more visually appealing and functional?  

Maybe you've struggled with complex formatting or found it difficult to keep your data organized? 

If so, you're in luck! 

Here's a Cool Tip.  Use the new and improved Table feature in Google Docs.

Google Docs has been hard at work upgrading its table features, and the results are impressive.

How to Save Images from Google Docs: The Easiest Way

How to Save Images from Google Docs: The Easiest Way

Need to grab an image from your Google Doc? We've got you covered with a simple step-by-step Cool Tip  to save images from Google Docs with ease.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

June 4, 2024

Ever found the perfect image in a Google Doc and wished you could easily save it for later use? 

While Google Docs is a powerful tool for collaboration and document creation, it can be surprisingly tricky to save images directly from a document. 

Google Docs is a free, web-based word processor that is part of the Google Workspace suite of productivity tools. 

It allows you to create, edit, and share documents online in real-time with others.

Fortunately, there's a simple workaround that lets you download any image within seconds.

Upgrade Your Google Keep Notes to Full-Featured Documents

Upgrade Your Google Keep Notes to Full-Featured Documents

Unlock the full potential of your Google Keep notes. Learn how to seamlessly transfer them into Google Docs for expanded editing and formatting.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

April 30, 2024

Do you love Google Keep for its quick note-taking and brainstorming power?  

Wish you could easily transform those notes into polished documents? 

Here's a Cool Tip.  Move them to Google Docs!

Google Keep is a digital sticky note app for quick ideas, to-dos, and reminders, while Google Docs is a full-featured word processing program for creating and editing documents.

Here's how to do it.

1. In your browser, go to https://keep.google.com.
2. Click on the note you want to transfer.
3. Click the three dots icon (More) at the bottom of the note.
4. Select "Copy to Google Docs" option from the menu.
5. A new Google Docs tab will automatically open with your converted note, ready for editing and formatting.

fig. 1 - Google Keep to Google Docs

Enjoy the full range of Docs' formatting tools to polish your notes and easily share and collaborate on the document with others.

Transferring notes from Google Keep to Google Docs unlocks new possibilities for organizing and refining your ideas.  

Enhance your productivity by harnessing the power of both these tools.

What idea in your Google Keep will you transform into a document today?

READ MORE

• Supercharge Your Productivity with Google Keep Lists
• Master Google Keep with These Keyboard Shortcuts
• How to Use Google Keep's New Version History Feature

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Do you have a Cool Tip or question? Email us at onecooltip.com@gmail.com

Rodger Mansfield, a seasoned tech expert, is the mastermind behind 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 OneCoolTip.com for a treasure trove of savvy tips and tricks that keep you one step ahead in tech.

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Tired of Boring Fonts? Spice Up Your Google Docs with These Easy Steps

Upgrade your documents and express your creativity! This Cool Tip shows you how to find and add exciting new fonts to Google Docs.

By Rodger Mansfield

March 10, 2024

Does your go-to font feel a little lackluster? 

Wish you could inject some pizazz into those reports or presentations? 

Here's a Cool Tip.  Add new fonts to your Google Docs.

Google Docs is a powerful, cloud-based word processing software that's part of the Google Workspace suite of productivity tools (formerly known as G Suite). 

And it has a hidden treasure trove of fonts waiting to be unleashed. 

Transform your documents from humdrum to head-turning!

Here's how to do it.

1. Go to Google Docs.
2. Open a document or create a new one.
3. Click the font name at the top.
4. Click More fonts at the bottom of the list.
5. Search for fonts or browse for new fonts.
6. Select the fonts you want to use.
7. Click OK.
8. Your new fonts are available in the drop-down menu.

fig. 1 - Google Docs - More Fonts

You can also filter by type, such as display features or handwriting. 

Unique fonts let you match your document to your mood or message and lets your documents stand out from the crowd with bold headings or a playful font throughout.

The right font can make your proposals or reports look polished and impressive.

The right font conveys professionalism, sets the tone (formal or fun), and makes your work stand out

But avoid going overboard because simple and readable fonts are best.

Google Docs gives you the power to customize your documents with a dazzling array of fonts. 

Ready to transform your next document? 

Explore Google Docs' font library and get creative!

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Do you have a Cool Tip or question? Email us at
onecooltip.com@gmail.com

READ MORE

• Use this Shortcut to Inject Emoji Power in Google Docs
• How to Display Keyboard Shortcuts in Google Docs
• Get More Done with the Google Bard Extension for Google Docs

Rodger Mansfield, a seasoned tech expert, is the mastermind behind 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 OneCoolTip.com for a treasure trove of savvy tips and tricks that keep you one step ahead in tech.

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Cool Tech Tips for a Cooler Life!

#GoogleDocs @GoogleDocs #fonts #creativity #designtips #documentdesign #TechTips #OneCoolTIp @OneCoolTip 

Use This Shortcut to Inject Emoji Power in Google Docs

Are you tired of dry docs devoid of personality? 

Do your reports read like tax forms on autopilot? 

Here's a Cool Tip.  Use Emojis in Google Docs.

Google Docs is a free, web-based word processor included as part of the G Suite by Google Cloud, which also features apps like Google Sheets, Google Slides, and Google Forms. 

Essentially, it's like a cloud-based Microsoft Word

Google Docs makes inserting emojis easy and there's even a cool keyboard shortcut.

Here's how to do it.

• Open your Google Document at https://docs.google.com/.
• Click "Insert" at the top, then select "Emoji."

fig. 1 - Google Docs - Insert Emoji

• Use the search bar to enter keywords like "cat," "rocket," or "celebration,". 
• ⭐Keyboard Shortcut: Type ":" followed by the emoji name (e.g., ":cat") to find the perfect emoji.

fig. 2 - Google Docs - Keyboard Shortcut ":"

Emojis can enhance engagement, add personality, and even make complex topics more approachable

Remember, less is often more. 

Go overboard with emojis and you risk looking unprofessional or childish. 

Choose wisely!

What are your thoughts about emojis?

Let us know in the comments.

Enjoy!

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READ MORE

• Get More Done With The Google Bard Extension for Gmail and Google Docs
• How to Display Keyboard Shortcuts in Google Docs
• How to Use Google as a Dictionary

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Cool Tech Tips for a Cooler Life

#Google @Google #GoogleDocs #Emojis #DocumentDesign #ContentCreation #WritingTips #RemoteWork #Productivity #TechTips #OneCoolTip @OneCoolTip 

Get More Done with the Google Bard Extension for Gmail and Google Docs

Do you spend too much time searching through your Gmail and Google Docs for important information? 

You're not alone. 

Here's a Cool Tip: Use the New Google Bard extension.

The Google Bard extension is a powerful AI-powered tool that can access your personal Gmail and Google Docs accounts to help you find the information you need quickly and easily. 

It can also help you with tasks like summarizing emails, generating creative content, and translating languages.

Here's how to do it.

• Go to the Google Bard website, https://bard.google.com/
• Sign in with your Google account.
• Click the Extensions icon in the top right corner of the page.
• Toggle the Google Workspace extension on.

fig. 1 - Google Bard Extension Settings

• You will be prompted to grant Bard access to your Gmail and Google Docs accounts. 
• Click Allow.

Once you have granted Bard access to your Gmail and Google Docs accounts, you can start using it to access your information and perform tasks.

It's important to note that your Google Workspace data won’t be used to train Bard’s public model and you can disable at any time.

To search for information in your Gmail and Google Docs accounts, type your query into the Bard search bar and press enter. 

Bard will then return a list of results from your Gmail and Google Docs accounts.

For example, if you type "search my gmail for STL City Park" into the Bard search bar, Bard will return a list of all emails that contain the phrase STL City Park.

fig. 2 - Google Bard Gmail Search

The Google Bard extension is a powerful AI-powered tool that can help you access your personal Gmail and Google Docs accounts to find the information you need quickly and easily. 

It can also help you with tasks like summarizing emails, generating creative content, and translating languages.

Enjoy!

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READ MORE

• How to Display Keyboard Shortcuts in Google Docs
• How to Use Google as a Dictionary
• Search Chrome Tabs, Bookmarks and History

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@stlCITYsc