After testing the smart chips feature for a while, Google has finally announced its availability to Docs users across the globe. The feature allows users to embed third-party apps — smart chips — into Google Docs. The feature has arrived as a part of Google’s new smart canvas revamp of the office suite services which also includes the pageless layout in Google Docs, reports The Verge.
The new smart chips feature is now rolling out to both Google Workspace users as well as personal Google account users.
How do smart chips feature work in Google Docs?
The third-party smart chips allow users to integrate data from other sources into Google Docs. To be able to use it, Workspace users will require admin access and personal users don’t require any added permission. However, both types of users will need to install the app’s add-on for Docs via Google Workspace Marketplace.
Once this add-on app is downloaded, all they need to do is grab the share link for the data from that app and simply paste it into the doc. After this, users need to press Tab which will prompt smart chips and let users preview the info and other details.
This feature can come in handy for users who collaborate with others via Google Docs as it will allow them to quickly import data from other sources into the doc they are working on and also without leaving the doc.
Smart chips implementation depends on developers
Currently, there are a couple of third-party services that offer smart chips integration. Also, the implementation of smart chips is totally dependent on how the developer wants to make this entire thing work within Google Docs.