Google Keep Web Adds Text Formatting Tools And New Icon Update

Google Keep, the popular note-taking application known for its simplicity and quick usability, has finally introduced a much-anticipated feature: text formatting tools in its web version. This update addresses a longstanding limitation that had been a point of frustration for users, especially when compared to rival apps like Microsoft OneNote and Evernote, which have offered rich formatting features for years. The addition brings greater flexibility to the platform, allowing users to better organize and stylize their notes for improved readability and structure.

The new formatting tools are accessible while editing a note on the web version of Keep. A button marked with a stylized, underlined “A” now appears in the lower part of each note. Clicking this button reveals a set of formatting options, including pre-set text styles such as Title, Subtitle, and Body text. Users can also apply traditional formatting styles like bold, italic, and underline. For those who want to revert their content to plain text, a “clear formatting” option is also available, allowing for a seamless switch back to a clean, unformatted layout.

According to Google, the update is being rolled out gradually to all users. This includes those with Google Workspace accounts, Workspace Individual plans, and personal Google accounts. While some users may already see the changes, the full rollout is expected to be completed in the coming weeks. This phased deployment approach helps ensure that any unexpected issues can be addressed without disrupting the experience for all users at once.

In addition to the formatting update, Google has also introduced a visual refresh to the Google Keep icon. The new design incorporates a modern gradient that aligns with the “Material You” design principles, specifically the new Material Expressive theme being adopted across Android 16. This not only enhances the app’s appearance but also creates a more cohesive look across Google’s ecosystem.

These changes mark a meaningful upgrade for Google Keep, a tool that has often been praised for its minimalism but criticized for its lack of advanced features. By introducing formatting tools and updating the app’s visual identity, Google is signaling its commitment to making Keep not just a simple notepad, but a more powerful and user-friendly platform for everyday productivity and organization.

Filed in Cellphones >Computers. Read more about Google.