How to Create a Custom Gmail Profile Picture with Google Illustration

Your Gmail profile picture probably doesn’t get as much attention as your Facebook picture. If you’re looking for a change, Google has an idea that might interest you: turn yourself into an illustration using its tool, aptly named Google Illustration. Currently, the feature is only available on Android, but it gives you the option to make your profile picture much more colorful if you have an Android device.

In Google Chrome, your profile picture is usually in the top right corner of your screen. You’ll also see it in Gmail. If you do not wish to use a photo of yourself for confidentiality reasonsyou can choose an image you’ve already saved or leave it blank (meaning your avatar will just be your first initial on a colored background).

And now there is a new option – you can use the Google Illustration tool to create a custom profile picture in Gmail. It is important to know that you will only be able to use the Google Illustration tool if you have not already set up a profile photo. You will need to erase any image you previously uploaded.

Use Google Illustration to create your profile picture

1. Open the Gmail app

2. Tap your profile picture in the top right corner of the screen.

3. If you have multiple Gmail accounts, just choose the account you want to edit.

4. Tap the little camera icon on your default avatar.

5. Faucet Add profile picture

Now, instead of just choosing between Google Photos or Device Photos for a new avatar, you’ll be able to explore an Illustrations tab with dozens of colorful images. The library includes categories such as musical instruments, arts and crafts, gardening, beverages, birds, nature and more. You can also tap Reload to get a refreshed set of artwork. If you have something specific in mind, you can type it into the search bar.

You can choose any of the available images and use them as they are, or you can take it a step further with the tool’s customization features.

Google Illustration Customization Tools

To personalize, select an image from the library. For example, I chose an image of two windmills in a field of tulips. I had preset filters with purple, green, and blue color schemes. I could keep the image’s default coloring, choose a filter and save, or tap the paint bucket icon to make more detailed edits to certain sections of the image.

With the windmill image, I was able to make finer edits to the sky, grass, and tulips. When I pressed Sky, the tool displayed a color wheel so I could get clarification on my edits. I could also throw it all away and start over, crop the image, or save it as a profile picture. Anytime you want another change, you can just repeat the process and hit Edit, or delete the image altogether.

Once you save the artwork as your profile picture, that picture will represent you in Google docs, Gmail, and anywhere your profile picture appears. Although the feature is currently exclusive to Android devices, Google said it is working to bring it to iOS devices and the web, and is working to expand the image collection.

For more information, check out these 10 Gmail tricks that will make your life easier and the 7 Gmail features you might not know about.

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