Getting Started with Google Workspace Add-ons

Google Workspace add-ons are powerful tools that extend the capabilities of Gmail, Google Drive, Google Docs, and other Google Workspace applications, enabling organizations and individuals to work smarter and more efficiently.

What are Google Workspace Add-ons?

Google Workspace add-ons are third-party or Google-developed applications that integrate directly into your Google Workspace environment. They allow you to:

• Increase productivity by automating repetitive tasks and streamlining workflows¹.
• Integrate with external services such as CRM systems, project management tools, e-signature services, and more¹².
• Customize your workflow to match your unique business or personal needs, offering tailored solutions for a variety of industries and tasks¹².
• Access context-aware features that surface relevant information and actions based on what you’re working on and which Workspace app you’re using¹.

Add-ons can be accessed from the side panel in Gmail, Calendar, Drive, Docs, and other Workspace apps, providing a seamless experience without leaving your current workflow¹.

How to Install and Manage Add-ons

1. Open Google Workspace Marketplace

• Visit the Google Workspace Marketplace.
• Browse or use the search bar to find add-ons that suit your needs¹².

2. Install the Add-on

• Click on the desired add-on to view its details, ratings, and reviews.
• Click "Install" and follow the prompts, including granting any necessary permissions. Always review these permissions to understand what data the add-on can access¹.

3. Access and Use Your Add-ons

• After installation, the add-on will appear in the sidebar of compatible Google Workspace apps (such as Gmail, Drive, or Docs)¹.
• Click the add-on icon to open and begin using its features.

4. Admin Management and Controls

• Workspace administrators can control which add-ons employees can install or have pre-installed via the Google Admin Console¹.
• Admins can also manage API permissions, whitelist or disable specific add-ons, and monitor add-on usage for security compliance¹.

5. Security and Privacy

• Google Workspace add-ons are designed to access only the minimum required data necessary for their function, helping keep your information secure¹.
• Admins and users can control access to sensitive features, especially those powered by AI or that handle private data³¹.

Best Practices

• Review permissions and privacy policies before installing any add-on to ensure your data remains protected¹.
• Choose highly-rated add-ons from trusted developers, checking user reviews and installation numbers for reliability²⁴.
• Start with a trial if available, to ensure the add-on meets your needs before committing to a paid plan².
• Regularly review installed add-ons and remove those no longer needed to minimize security risks.

Popular Categories and Top Add-ons

Google Workspace Marketplace offers a wide range of add-ons across categories:

Category	Example Add-ons & Features
Productivity	Task/project managers (Formatic), kanban boards, time tracking, note-taking2
Communication	Email templates (Mailmeteor), scheduling (Zoom integration), video conferencing, mail merge24
Document Management	PDF tools (DocHub), e-signatures, file conversion, document editing and annotation2
CRM Integration	Salesforce, HubSpot, Copper CRM for Sheets, Pipedrive connectors2
Data & Analytics	Awesome Table (visualize Sheets data), G-Accon for Xero (finance integration)24
Diagrams & Visualization	diagrams.net (flowcharts, UML, network diagrams)4
Forms & Surveys	Jotform (form builder, e-signature collection, mobile form conversion)2

Examples of Highly-Rated Add-ons (2025):

• Zoom for Google Workspace: Schedule and manage Zoom meetings from Gmail or Calendar².
• Copper CRM for Google Sheets: Integrate CRM data with Sheets for real-time updates².
• Jotform: Build, manage, and collect forms and signatures within Drive and other apps².
• Formatic: Project and task management with kanban boards and Google Forms integration².
• DocHub: Edit, sign, and manage PDFs directly from Drive².
• Mailmeteor: Send personalized bulk emails and track results from Gmail⁴.
• diagrams.net: Create and manage diagrams stored in Drive⁴.

AI-Powered Add-ons and Features

As of 2025, Google has integrated advanced AI features directly into Workspace, previously offered as separate Gemini add-ons. These include:

• Gemini AI in Gmail, Docs, Sheets, Slides, Drive, and Chat: Contextual assistance, smart replies, content generation, image creation, and meeting note-taking³.
• NotebookLM Plus: Enhanced knowledge sharing and instant insights from uploaded sources, with advanced analytics and sharing options³.
• Gemini in AppSheet: Build business apps with natural language and automate workflows using AI³.

Admin Controls for AI Features:

• Enable or disable access to Gemini and AI features at the organization or user level.
• Manage privacy and data protections, which are automatically enforced for AI features³.

Security and Data Protection

• Google Workspace add-ons are built with security in mind, accessing only the data necessary for their operation¹.
• Admins can use the API Permissions tool to restrict or allow add-on access to user data, ensuring compliance with organizational policies¹.
• Google maintains strong privacy commitments, and AI features do not alter these guarantees³.

Tips for Maximizing Add-on Value

• Stay updated: Regularly check the Marketplace for new or trending add-ons that could enhance your workflow.
• Leverage integrations: Combine multiple add-ons for powerful, automated workflows (e.g., integrating CRM data with Sheets, then visualizing with Awesome Table).
• Utilize support: Google offers 24/7 email, chat, and phone support for Workspace users needing help with add-ons¹.

Getting Support and Building Your Own Add-ons

• For troubleshooting or questions, use Google’s support channels or the add-on developer’s help resources¹.
• Developers can build custom add-ons tailored to specific business needs using the Google Workspace Developer Center¹.

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Ready to boost your productivity and customize your workflow? Explore the Google Workspace Marketplace today and transform the way you work with powerful, secure, and easy-to-use add-ons¹².

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Footnotes

1. https://workspace.google.com/products/add-ons/ ↩ ↩² ↩³ ↩⁴ ↩⁵ ↩⁶ ↩⁷ ↩⁸ ↩⁹ ↩¹⁰ ↩¹¹ ↩¹² ↩¹³ ↩¹⁴ ↩¹⁵ ↩¹⁶ ↩¹⁷ ↩¹⁸ ↩¹⁹

2. https://www.jotform.com/blog/google-workspace-marketplace-apps/ ↩ ↩² ↩³ ↩⁴ ↩⁵ ↩⁶ ↩⁷ ↩⁸ ↩⁹ ↩¹⁰ ↩¹¹ ↩¹² ↩¹³ ↩¹⁴ ↩¹⁵ ↩¹⁶ ↩¹⁷

3. https://support.google.com/a/answer/15756885 ↩ ↩² ↩³ ↩⁴ ↩⁵ ↩⁶

4. https://www.reddit.com/r/productivity/comments/np799v/i_curated_the_best_google_apps_to_increase/ ↩ ↩² ↩³ ↩⁴ ↩⁵ ↩⁶