Google Drawings might give you the impression that you can create Drawing Slides. However, this tool does not have a drawing feature. Google Slides is actually the exact same drawing engine as Google Drawing. So what are you to do if you want to draw on Google Slides? Use Google Jamboard!! I’ll show you how to put it into Google Slides.
Convert Your Google Jamboard Jams to FigJam
Google is discontinuing Jamboard. GOOD NEWS! It is super EASY to convert your files into FigJam. Sign up for a FREE educator account at figma.com/education. Go to figma.com to import your Jamboards Jams. Check out my converted files at figma.com/@alicekeeler.
Google Jamboard
Jamboard is a whiteboarding tool, not a presentation tool. Unlike Google Drawing or Google Slides it is designed for brainstorming and drawing. Start with a blank Google Jamboard by either creating it from Google Drive (all Jams save to Drive) or go to jamboard.google.com.
The Pen Tool
The toolbar for Jamboard is on the left hand side. The first icon is the pen tool. Notice the tiny arrow on the tool that will allow you to select pen, marker, highlighter, or paint brush. You are limited to only 6 colors.
Use Marker
I prefer the marker option (send pen type). It gives you a thicker stroke.
Customize the Background.
You can create a custom background for your Jam. I like to use Canva, it has a premade Jamboard template option.
Click on “Set background” on the toolbar above the frame. The last option allows you to upload a custom image.
Draw on the Jamboard
Jamboard is designed to draw!
Download Frame
Use the 3 dots menu to “Save frame as image.” This will download the image with the drawing. View sample Jam.
Add to Background of Google Slides
In Google Slides you can select “Background” in the toolbar of a slide to create a background with your Drawing Slides.
