Google's AI Creative Toolkit: Flow, Stitch & Opal Explained (2026)
Google Labs dropped three experimental AI tools in 2025-2026 that are changing how we create content, design interfaces, and build apps.
Google Flow turns text into cinematic videos. Google Stitch generates production-ready UI designs. Google Opal builds AI-powered mini-apps instantly.
Here's your complete guide to all three.
Google Flow: AI Filmmaking
What It Does
Flow transforms natural language descriptions into high-definition videos using Google's Veo 3.1 model. Launch it from Google Workspace, describe your vision, and watch it come to life.
Rolled out: January 2026 (Workspace Business, Enterprise, Education)
Key Features
| Feature | Capability |
|---|---|
| Video Generation | Text, images, or ingredients to video |
| Resolution | 1080p (standard), 4K (Veo 3.1) |
| Aspect Ratios | 16:9 or 9:16 (vertical for Shorts) |
| Scene Control | Adjust lighting, camera angles, objects |
| Audio Integration | Generate audio for scenes and transitions |
Three Ways to Create
- Text-to-Video - "A cyberpunk city at sunset, neon lights, aerial view"
- Frames-to-Video - Upload images, Flow animates between them
- Ingredients-to-Video - Combine elements (character + setting + mood)
Who It's For
- ✅ Marketers - Rapid mockups for social media campaigns
- ✅ Educators - Visual explanations of complex concepts
- ✅ Content Creators - YouTube Shorts, TikToks without filming
- ✅ Businesses - Internal communications, product demos
Pricing
- Included in: Google AI Pro, AI Ultra for Business
- AI Credits: Varies by plan (consumes credits per generation)
Google Stitch: AI UI Design
What It Does
Stitch generates complete UI/UX designs and production-ready code from text prompts or uploaded sketches. It's like having a senior designer and frontend developer in one AI.
Launched: Google I/O 2025 (experimental access)
How It Works
Input → Stitch → Output
━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━
Text prompt → UI design + code
Hand-drawn sketch → Complete interface
Screenshot → Replication + variants
Reference image → New design in that style
Standout Features
1. Dual Generation Modes
- Standard Mode: Gemini Flash (quick prototypes)
- Experimental Mode: Gemini Pro (refined designs, limited generations)
2. Code Export
- Clean HTML/CSS or React code
- Production-ready (minimal cleanup needed)
- Editable layers, auto-layout
3. Prototypes Feature (December 2025 update)
- Connect multiple screens
- Interactive user flows
- Export to Figma or code
4. Design Iteration
- Multiple variants per prompt
- Customize colors, fonts, spacing
- Theme generation
Real-World Use Cases
| Scenario | How Stitch Helps |
|---|---|
| Rapid Prototyping | Stakeholder demos in minutes |
| Design Exploration | Generate 10 layout options instantly |
| Wireframe to UI | Convert sketches to polished designs |
| Design Handoff | Code export speeds development |
Who It's For
- ✅ Solo Developers - Skip hiring a designer
- ✅ Designers - Accelerate ideation phase
- ✅ Agencies - Client mockups at lightning speed
- ✅ Startups - MVP interfaces without design debt
Pricing
- Free Tier: Limited generations (experimental access)
- Full Access: Expected with Google Workspace AI plans
Google Opal: No-Code AI App Builder
What It Does
Opal lets you build AI-powered mini-apps ("Gems") using plain English. No coding required — just describe functionality, and Opal handles APIs, UI, and deployment.
Broader Rollout: 2026
Under the Hood
Opal combines multiple Google AI models:
| Model | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Gemini | Reasoning and logic |
| Titan Miras | Persistent memory |
| Anti-Gravity | Automation |
| Imagen 4 | Image generation |
| AudioLM | Audio processing |
| Veo | Video generation |
Core Capabilities
1. Visual Workflow Editor
- Drag-and-drop AI model chaining
- Multi-step app logic
- No code required (but supports custom code)
2. Cloud Deployment
- Apps run instantly in the browser
- Google Cloud hosting included
- Share via private or public links
3. Debugging Console
- Real-time preview
- Inspect model calls
- Step execution logs
4. Styling
- Describe desired look in prompts
- Auto-generated UI based on function
Example Apps You Can Build
| Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Data Analyzer | Upload CSV, ask questions, get insights |
| Content Generator | Multi-step content pipelines |
| Research Assistant | Query PDFs with AI memory |
| Personal Tools | Custom productivity micro-apps |
Who It's For
- ✅ Non-Technical Users - Build tools without developers
- ✅ Power Users - Personal productivity automation
- ✅ Startups - Quick PoCs and demos
- ✅ Hackers - Rapid experimentation
Pricing
- Free Tier: Expected (limited generations)
- Pro Plans: TBD for 2026 full launch
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Tool | Purpose | Input | Output | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flow | AI Filmmaking | Text, images | HD/4K videos | Content creators, marketers |
| Stitch | UI Design | Text, sketches | Designs + code | Designers, developers |
| Opal | App Building | Text prompts | Working mini-apps | Non-coders, rapid prototyping |
The Bigger Picture: Google's AI Strategy
These three tools represent Google's push toward AI-native creation:
- Flow - Democratizes video production
- Stitch - Closes design-to-code gap
- Opal - Enables no-code app building
Together, they form a creator-to-developer pipeline powered entirely by AI.
Getting Access
Google Flow
- Available now in Google Workspace
- Requires AI Pro or AI Ultra subscription
Google Stitch
- Labs.google.com/stitch (experimental access)
- Waitlist for broader rollout
Google Opal
- Beta access through Google Labs
- Full release expected mid-2026
FAQ
Are these tools free?
Flow requires Workspace AI plans. Stitch and Opal have free experimental tiers, with paid plans coming in 2026.
Can I use them commercially?
Yes, but check individual terms. Flow and Stitch are designed for business use. Opal's commercial terms are still being finalized.
How do they compare to competitors?
- Flow vs Runway, Pika: Better Workspace integration
- Stitch vs v0.dev, Galileo: Tighter Google ecosystem
- Opal vs Bubble, Tile: Easier but less control
Will they replace designers/developers?
No — they're acceleration tools, not replacements. Designers can prototype faster, developers can skip boilerplate.
Related Google AI Tools
- Google Gemini – The underlying AI model
- Google AI Studio – Build with Gemini API
- Firebase Studio – Full app development
Last updated: January 2026