What is Google Web Design?

Whilst Google Web Designer (GWD) can do as its name suggests (edit websites), this is not, however, the true purpose of this application. GWD is a tool for creating interactive, rich media, HTML5 banner ads.

The sleek black interface of GWD mirrors that of the Adobe suit, we should expect this as the tool was developed by ex-Adobe employees.

Why GWD?

Although static or GIF banners are acceptable ads, there are limitations in terms of what story they can tell for your brand. HTML5 banner adverts offer a more movie storytelling experience, along with interactivity. The ads are created with HTML5 they are compatible across devices & modern browsers, replacing old formats such as Flash, which is now dead.

Ads are Google’s big money maker and so they have been throwing plenty of support behind their web design tool. The tool launched with moderate functionality and an unfriendly user interface, however since then we have seen regular updates to the tool. Though still in Beta, version: 1.9 of GWD offers many of the features animators have come to expect from keyframe animation tools of the past such as Adobe Flash.

Features

With a useful option like code view to edit the HTML, you can get pretty crazy with GWD and take things as far as developing simple video games. Functionality exists to create responsive rules on how the advert will display in different situations & also expandable adverts. The components library has elements that handle gesture controls, YouTube & sprite sheets. Importantly you have the power to edit the CSS as you would a normal website.

BYRON AD

There are also some very useful tools for animation. The recent addition of motion paths let you animate objects to move along curves and complex shapes. There is an advance timeline, this is a must for anyone who has a day’s experience in animation, it utilizing keyframes & if you have experience with Flash or other keyframe animation tools, then it’s what you would expect. Finally, there are easing controls which help smooth out and bring your animation to life.

Templates

There are several templates in the application to help with developing ads for the standard advertisement slots available online. At Straight Out Digital we can develop a templated advert for your ad campaign, the advantage of these templates is when you have new copy or images for the next round of adverts, we swap those assets in rather than create an entire new advert, this is faster & cheaper for clients. Slight changes to animations or additional assets can also be done with ease.