Beginner

Getting Started with Labs.Google

Learn how to access labs.google, sign in with your Google account, navigate experiments, and create your first AI-generated content.

Accessing Labs.Google

Getting started with Labs.Google is straightforward. The platform is accessible through any modern web browser.

  1. Visit the Website

    Open your browser and navigate to labs.google. You will see the main landing page showcasing available experiments.

  2. Sign In with Google

    Click the Sign In button in the top-right corner. Use your existing Google account (Gmail, Google Workspace, etc.) to authenticate. If you do not have a Google account, you can create one for free at accounts.google.com.

  3. Accept Terms of Service

    On your first visit, you will need to accept the Labs.Google terms of service and generative AI usage policies.

  4. Browse Experiments

    Once signed in, you will see the experiment gallery. Each experiment is displayed as a card with its name, description, and category.

Tip: Use Google Chrome for the best experience with Labs.Google experiments. Some features may work differently or have limited support in other browsers.

Navigating the Experiments

The Labs.Google homepage presents experiments in a visual gallery layout. Each experiment card shows:

  • Experiment name: The name of the tool (e.g., ImageFX, MusicFX).
  • Brief description: A one-line summary of what the experiment does.
  • Category icon: A visual indicator of the experiment type (image, audio, text, video).
  • Status badge: Whether the experiment is active, new, or updated.

Click any experiment card to open it. Each experiment has its own dedicated interface tailored to its specific purpose.

Understanding Experiment Status

Experiments on Labs.Google go through different lifecycle stages. Understanding these helps you know what to expect:

Status What It Means What to Expect
Active Currently available and being maintained Regular updates, reliable access, active feedback collection
New Recently launched experiment May have occasional issues, features still being added
Updated Recently received significant improvements New features or model upgrades, improved performance
Graduated Became a full Google product Moved to its own product page, may no longer appear in Labs
Archived No longer actively maintained May be removed, limited or no support
💡
Good to know: NotebookLM is a notable example of an experiment that graduated into a full Google product. It started as a Labs experiment and has since become available as a standalone product with its own website.

Trying Your First Experiment

Let's walk through creating your first AI-generated image using ImageFX — one of the most popular experiments on the platform:

  1. Open ImageFX

    From the Labs.Google homepage, click on the ImageFX card to open the image generation experiment.

  2. Enter a Prompt

    In the text input area, type a description of the image you want to create. Start simple:

Example Prompt
A cozy coffee shop on a rainy afternoon, warm
lighting, watercolor painting style
  1. Generate

    Click the Generate button (or press Enter). The AI will process your prompt and produce several image variations in a few seconds.

  2. Review and Save

    Browse the generated images. Click on any image to view it in full size. Use the download button to save images you like.

Tip: If the first results are not quite what you wanted, refine your prompt by adding more detail about style, lighting, composition, or mood. Each generation creates new variations, so experiment freely.

Sharing Results

Labs.Google makes it easy to share your AI-generated creations:

  • Download: Save generated content directly to your device for personal use or sharing.
  • Share links: Some experiments provide shareable links that let others view your creation (without needing to sign in).
  • Social sharing: Use built-in sharing options to post creations to social media platforms directly.
  • Embed: Certain experiments offer embed codes for including results in websites or presentations.
Important: All AI-generated images from ImageFX include SynthID, an invisible digital watermark developed by Google DeepMind. This watermark identifies content as AI-generated and persists even after editing or screenshots. This is part of Google's commitment to responsible AI use.

Common First-Time Issues

If you run into trouble getting started, here are solutions to the most common issues:

Issue Solution
Cannot access an experiment Check if the experiment is available in your region. Try using a VPN if needed.
Sign-in loop Clear your browser cookies, try incognito mode, or use a different browser.
Generation takes too long The platform may be experiencing high traffic. Wait a moment and try again.
Content blocked Your prompt may have triggered content safety filters. Rephrase your prompt to comply with usage policies.
Low-quality results Add more detail to your prompt. Include style, lighting, composition, and mood descriptors.