How to Use Gemini in Google Docs

Use Gemini AI to draft, edit, and refine content directly in Google Docs. Access Help me write, brainstorm, and more.

1. Open Google Docs and enable Gemini. Navigate to docs.google.com in your browser and open an existing document or create a new one. Gemini appears in the sidebar on the right. If you don't see it, click the Gemini icon (the sparkle symbol) in the right toolbar, or select Tools > Gemini from the menu bar to activate the panel.
2. Use Help me write to generate new content. Click Help me write in the Gemini panel. Describe what you want to create: a blog post, email, meeting notes, or any other text. Be specific about tone, length, and audience. For example: "Write a professional email to a client explaining a project delay." Gemini generates content that inserts directly into your document at the cursor position.
3. Select text and refine existing writing. Highlight any text in your document. The Gemini panel updates to show refinement options: Improve writing, Make it longer, Make it shorter, Change tone, or Simplify language. Click the option that matches your goal. Gemini replaces the selected text with the refined version, or you can discard and try again.
4. Brainstorm ideas and outlines. Click Brainstorm to generate ideas on any topic. Type your subject or prompt: "outline for a product launch presentation" or "key points for a technical blog post." Gemini produces a structured list of suggestions. Review the ideas, select ones you like, and click Insert to add them to your document as a starting point.
5. Give Gemini document context. At the top of the Gemini panel, click the document icon or settings to let Gemini read your full document. This helps Gemini understand your existing writing style, tone, and content. Subsequent suggestions will align better with what you've already written.
6. Ask follow-up questions in the chat. Use the chat field at the bottom of the Gemini panel to ask specific questions about your document. Type prompts like "Rewrite this section for a high school audience" or "What's a stronger opening sentence?" Gemini responds with suggestions you can copy and paste or insert directly.
7. Accept or discard Gemini edits. When Gemini inserts text into your document, a confirmation dialog appears showing the changes. Click Insert to keep the text, or click Discard to reject it and try a different prompt. Your document remains unchanged until you confirm.