Google Photos Albums Redesigned With Material 3 Expressive & QR Code Sharing
If you’re searching for the latest Google Photos albums redesign, you're in the right place. The new update introduces a sleek Material You (Material 3 Expressive) interface and makes QR code sharing easier than ever. This refreshed look, now rolling out with Google Photos 7.30 on Android, improves usability, speeds up sharing, and adds premium design elements—all key features users have been asking about.
A Fresh Look With Material 3 Expressive
Google has officially launched the Material 3 Expressive redesign for the albums view in Google Photos. Replacing the old layout, this update brings a cleaner, more user-friendly experience. The familiar options like “Share,” “Add photos,” and “Order photos” are now integrated into a floating Material 3 toolbar that appears when viewing an album. This not only makes the app more visually cohesive but also speeds up navigation.
The new floating toolbar streamlines actions and replaces the previous bottom buttons, while the “Edit” function has moved out of the overflow menu and into a more prominent, icon-rich interface. Google has also enhanced usability by moving the “Sort photos” option to the top bar, improving album organization.
Simplified Editing Tools and Smarter Layout
Inside the Edit view, users now get a docked toolbar that allows easy access to adding photos, text, and locations. You can also modify the album description, as well as Highlights and Cover Photo, from two streamlined cards at the top of the screen. While the full-bleed cover design isn’t included just yet, the layout is significantly cleaner and more intuitive—making it perfect for both casual and power users.
This redesign aligns with Google’s ongoing effort to bring Material You across its ecosystem, offering a more personalized and expressive design language. The update helps consolidate features and declutter the interface—one of the most requested changes by Android users.
Seamless Album Sharing With QR Codes
Perhaps the most user-centric new feature is QR code sharing for albums. Now, when you open the share sheet in an album, you’ll see a new “Show QR Code” option. This feature, introduced in Google Photos 7.30, generates a QR code with a sleek Material 3 design and the Google Photos logo centered inside it. This is a major win for those who frequently share albums with family or friends and want a faster, frictionless method.
QR sharing is particularly helpful in settings where quick access is needed—like during events, vacations, or client meetings—making it ideal for content creators, social media managers, and photographers.
What’s Next for Google Photos?
While the album view has received this major upgrade, the rest of the Google Photos interface remains unchanged—for now. Google is expected to roll out more Material 3 elements, including a revamped photo editor UI, later this month. Given the current pace of updates, we can anticipate a full redesign soon, which will likely include more powerful editing tools and AI enhancements.
Why This Matters for Users
This redesign isn’t just cosmetic—it’s functional. With a modern look, faster sharing options, and smarter navigation, Google Photos is clearly evolving into a premium photo management tool. Whether you're organizing vacation memories, collaborating on a shared event album, or just storing high-resolution images in the cloud, this update makes it easier and more enjoyable.
And for businesses or creators relying on image content, features like QR sharing and intuitive album management are especially valuable—helping streamline workflows and improve productivity.
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