The Google Files app picks up a new document scanner

The Files by Google app
(Image credit: Android Central)

What you need to know

  • Google Files is gaining a machine-learning files scanning feature for photos and documents similar to Drive.
  • A floating camera icon will soon roll in, and tapping will give users two options: "Manual" and "Auto Capture."
  • Photos snapped in Files will be stored in the "Scanned" inside the "Documents & other" directory.

The Google Files app is gaining a neat feature that makes it easier to digitize important documents and upload them to the cloud. As detailed by Nail Sadykov on X, the file management app has gained Google Drive's recent file scanner tool (via Android Police). The feature arrives as a floating camera icon on the bottom of the UI and tapping opens your device's camera.

From there, users will be met with two options: "Manual" and "Auto Capture." The first requires users to take the appropriate photo of their image or document while the latter automatically snaps a picture once in view.

Any photos taken through Google Files are saved in a new "Scanned" tab found within the "Documents & other" directory.

Users will also find a new Drive storage option beside their Internal Storage directory. Tapping it will open the Google Drive app, giving users an easier option to view cloud-stored items.

Since Files is utilizing Drive's machine-learning GMS Ml-Kit Scanner, some editing tools are available after scanning. It appears that users will be able to add a filter to their images or scanned documents, alongside other tools.

The update is slowly rolling out as it's unclear whether we're awaiting a formal update through the Play Store or a simpler server-side push.

The new document scanner is the second feature, coming in together with the app's "Smart Search." Google states the function allows users to search for specific text found within images and PDFs, locations, and objects from photos. The feature requires a moment before it can work, as the company adds it'll take some time before Smart Search is familiar with the data of uploaded content.

The powerful tool enters as an experiment. Smart Search in Files isn't available on every device, though Google hasn't made it clear which devices those are.

Nickolas Diaz
News Writer

Nickolas is always excited about tech and getting his hands on it. Writing for him can vary from delivering the latest tech story to scribbling in his journal. When Nickolas isn't hitting a story, he's often grinding away at a game or chilling with a book in his hand.

Read more
Gemini response on Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold
Google Gemini preps wider rollout of 'Ask about this PDF' overlay button
Google Gemini app on Lenovo Chromebook Duet 11
Gemini adds document upload and analysis for free users
Google Lens Search with your camera function
Google Lens adds 'screen search' to iOS and expands AI Overview's knowledge
Google Photos library tab showing its logo above the favorites and utilities buttons
Google Photos gives testers more agency with its slight 'Ask Photos' UI redesign
Quick Share on an Android phone
Google Quick Share simplifies file sharing with secure QR code scanning
Three Chrome app screenshots on an iPhone.
Google brings a Circle to Search-like feature to iOS via the Chrome, Search apps
Latest in Apps & Software
A Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite placard at a press event
Qualcomm's 'Elite' branding should stay exclusive to Oryon-based chips
The promotional image for Google Workspace feature drops.
The March Workspace feature drop upgrades Gemini's note-taking and translation tools
Google discusses trends and AI updates to help people travel this summer.
Google prepares you for a hot summer with new AI updates for traveling
YouTube Music home screen
YouTube Music's personalized radio stations are getting even smarter
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra Home Screen - 16x9
Heads up — Samsung's detailed One UI 7 rollout schedule for Galaxy appears
The old Android logo at Google's Pier 57 building in New York City
Report claims Google may move to 'privately' develop Android's future
Latest in News
Pixel Watch 3 run coaching suggestion in the Fitbit app on a Pixel 9
Fitbit's Health Metrics are getting a redesign on Android and iOS
The Galaxy S24 Plus in hand with a light behind it
Samsung's sixth One UI 7 beta for the Galaxy S24 rolls out as launch nears
The promotional image for Google Workspace feature drops.
The March Workspace feature drop upgrades Gemini's note-taking and translation tools
The Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge on display
New leak shows off Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge in 'Titanium' variants
Google discusses trends and AI updates to help people travel this summer.
Google prepares you for a hot summer with new AI updates for traveling
YouTube Music home screen
YouTube Music's personalized radio stations are getting even smarter