How to import Vector Drawings into Google Docs

How to import Vector Drawings into Google Docs

There is this marvelous thing in Google Apps called Web clipboard. It allows you to copy vector drawings from one document to another. Even between GSlides, GDrawings, GDocs and GSheets. Glory, glory....but. There is a but. Google Apps won't allow straight import of vectors (not even SVG or EMF). There is a work-around though, so bare with me. Apps does allow the conversion of native vector drawings contained in powerpoint files. So, okay. We just shifted the problem to powerpoint, right? In turn, powerpoint is very picky on it's vector imports. Yes, sure it does import a whole bunch of formats but then powerpoint cannot convert them all the way down to native in-house powerpoint vectors images. The only reliable import and conversion is done by later windows (even 2016 mac won't work) versions of powerpoint (2010 works fine in Virtual Box or Parallels if you are on OSX). Conversion to native powerpoint can be done by ungrouping the imported EMF. Powerpoint will then ask to have the drawing converted to native format. And, drumroll..., the only file format powerpoint most reliably converts is, you guessed it, windows enhanced metafile format (EMF).
So in the end, the whole workflow from bitmap to vectors in Google Apps means bitmap tracing (in your favorite vector application, illustrator, ink scape), then save as EMF, import AND convert in windows powerpoint (within virtualbox if you are on OSX), then upload AND convert to google presentations, then use the webclipboard to copy the vector into whatever apps you like. You end up with a vector drawing (clip-art) in GoogleDocs that is resolution independent, small, still editable (fills, line colour width, but don't expect to fancy gradients and stuff). Here is a picture of a tiger.