Google Docs is getting an upgrade that could mess with your browser extensions
Upgrade aims to improve performance and consistency across different platforms
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Googlehas announced that it will soon change the way in whichGoogle Docsrenders documents and this could affect how someChrome extensionswork in the company’sbrowser.
In a newGoogle Workspaceupdate, the search giant explained that over the next several months it will be migrating away from the HTML-based rendering approach currently used in Docs to a canvas-based approach.
While this this upgrade will improve performance and consistency when it comes to how content appears across different platforms in Docs, it may impact some Chrome extensions to the point where they no longer work as intended.
Canvas-based rendering
As it stands now, some Chrome extensions rely on how the backend of a Google Doc is structured or specific bits ofHTMLcode to function properly. However, as Docs moves away from HTML-based rendering and starts using canvas-based rendering, some extensions may not function as intended when using Google’soffice softwareand could need to be updated.
Before the change takes place, admins should review all of the extensions currently deployed at their organizations and test them usingthis exampleof a Google Doc using canvas-based rendering.
For those building their own integrations with Docs, Google recommends that you use theGoogle Workspace Add-ons frameworkgoing forward as it uses the supported Workspace APIs and integration points. Doing so will ensure that you’ll need to do less work in the future to support periodic UI implementation changes in Docs.
However, if your organization has created its own private Chrome extension that you believe will be impacted and you are unable to migrate to Google’s framework, you cansubmit this formto provide feedback and notify your team.
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Google Docs will slowly migrate from HTML to canvas-based rendering over the course of the next several months so that individuals and organizations have plenty of time to prepare for the change.
After working with the TechRadar Pro team for the last several years, Anthony is now the security and networking editor at Tom’s Guide where he covers everything from data breaches and ransomware gangs to the best way to cover your whole home or business with Wi-Fi. When not writing, you can find him tinkering with PCs and game consoles, managing cables and upgrading his smart home.
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