Google Sites is a website creation tool within Google’s Workspace productivity suite. Its visual identity has evolved through two significant redesigns, first in 2020 as part of the G Suite to Google Workspace rebrand, and again in 2026 when Google introduced a new set of Workspace icons.
Design and History
Google Sites traces its origins to JotSpot, a software company acquired by Google in October 2006. On February 28, 2008, Google Sites was unveiled using JotSpot technology, following a data transition from the earlier Google Page Creator service.[1]
In October 2020, Google announced the rebranding of G Suite as Google Workspace. The company stated that the new brand reflected a “more connected, helpful, and flexible experience,” and that new four-color icons would roll out for Gmail, Drive, Calendar, Meet, and collaborative content creation tools like Docs, Sheets, and Slides.[2] The new icons were designed to align with Google’s four core brand colors: blue, green, yellow, and red.[3]
In May 2026, Google introduced a fresh visual identity for Google Workspace app icons, described as “new logos for the Gemini Era.”[4] The redesign removed the piece-of-paper background container that had previously been used for Docs, Sheets, Slides, Keep, Forms, Sites, and Vids. Google stated that the modern visual design “gives every app a more distinct identity” and drives “consistency and cohesion across our product suite.”[4]
The 2026 icons feature a slight gradient and, with the exception of Gmail, no longer use all four Google colors. Each icon now has a unique shape, replacing the previous set where several logos shared the same page-shaped container.[5]
Meaning and Symbolism
Google’s official explanation for the 2026 redesign emphasizes distinct identity and recognizability. The company said the changes give “every app a more distinct identity” and ensure “each individual application remains modern and recognizable on your screen.”[4] The new icons were designed to reflect the Gemini Era with a slight gradient, marking the integration of Gemini-powered AI features across Workspace apps.[5]
For the 2020 redesign, Google’s stated rationale was that the new four-color icons represented the company’s commitment to “building integrated communication and collaboration experiences for everyone.”[6] Javier Soltero, then VP and GM of Google Workspace, noted that products originally created as individual apps had become more integrated, “so much so that the lines between our apps have started to disappear.”[7]
Typography and Design
Google has not publicly documented the specific typography or construction details of the Google Sites icon. The 2026 redesign is notable for removing the paper-sheet background that previously framed the Sites icon, giving it a distinct shape separate from other document-oriented Workspace apps.[4] The rollout of the new icons began on May 18, 2026, and was completed across Android, iOS, and the web by early June 2026.[5]
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