Google Search AI mode now lets you upload homework images, PDFs and more

Google AI mode

Google is adding powerful new tools to its Search AI Mode, aiming to make it more useful for students working on assignments or preparing for exams. With the latest update, users on desktop can now upload images directly to AI Mode, asking questions about what they see — whether it's a tricky maths equation or a plant they’re curious about.

This feature, first tested in April, complements the broader rollout of AI Mode within Google Search in the US. The AI tool not only summarises web results but also supports follow-up questions and interactive conversations. The desktop image upload option could prove especially handy for students needing quick assistance with homework or school projects.

In the coming weeks, Google will also introduce the ability to upload PDFs and pull files from Google Drive into AI Mode. A more advanced addition being tested is Canvas, a workspace feature first launched in Gemini back in March. Canvas allows users to refine their writing, build apps, create quizzes and more — and with its integration into AI Mode, students can now build study guides using an interactive sidebar, refining results in real time by asking follow-up questions.

Another upcoming feature is real-time camera sharing, letting users point their phone cameras at an object and ask the AI questions out loud. This builds on Google’s existing Search Live functionality and will initially roll out to US-based mobile users who are part of the AI Mode Labs experiment.

On the browser front, Google is improving Lens in Chrome. A new "Ask Google about this page" option will appear when clicking the address bar. This lets users select content on the current page to explore further, with the AI generating contextual summaries in a sidebar. Users will also be able to go deeper into Lens responses by switching to AI Mode or clicking the "Dive deeper" button in AI Overview.

These updates signal Google’s intent to integrate AI into everyday learning and exploration, providing a more interactive and intuitive experience across devices.