Evolving your document creation workflow with Google Docs and Gemini
Hello, this is the official note editorial department for Google's AI, "Gemini".
In this series, we introduce ways to use Google Workspace that increase convenience and productivity by integrating it with Gemini.
Our theme this time is "Google Docs".Many people likely feel that creating long documents from scratch or drafting new project proposals is not their strong suit. By integrating with Gemini, you can get suggestions for new document structures and drafts, or receive support for brainstorming ideas! Furthermore, you can utilize the image generation feature to add visuals that match the purpose of your proposal.
Even if creating documents from "zero to one" feels like a high hurdle, you can definitely turn it into a strength by making good use of Gemini's features! First, please try it out starting from the free"Gemini app" from there.
*Explanations regarding the use of generative AI, including Gemini, are for illustrative purposes. Please verify the accuracy of the actual response results yourself.
Boost productivity with Gemini × Google Docs! Basic usage tips
When integrating Gemini with Google Docs, the "Gemini app" allows you to input the contents of a Google Doc or export Gemini's responses directly into a Google Doc. This is a feature available even in the free version of the "Gemini app," so please make use of it.
Also, the "Gemini side panel" feature, which can be used with Google Workspace or the paid "Google One AI Premium Plan", is extremely convenient as it allows you to work while conversing with Gemini directly on the Google Docs screen. If you have an eligible plan, please be sure to use it!
Now, we will introduce recommended scenarios and prompt examples for each of the basic functions you can perform with "Gemini × Google Docs." By combining these features rather than using just one, Gemini will support your document creation process from brainstorming to drafting and creating images!
Please note that these prompts are just examples, so feel free to arrange them to suit your own needs.
Overcome the zero-to-one barrier with Gemini!
Full support for creating project proposals, from brainstorming to drafting and creating illustrations
“I have ideas, but I can't seem to make them concrete.”
“I'm not good at writing, and I just can't seem to write the first line.”
“I'm not confident in my expression, and it takes me a long time to finish.”
These kinds of worries are not uncommon.
When creating materials for a new project, it's easy to get stressed trying to be perfect. Let's overcome that zero-to-one barrier with Gemini's support.
Here, we will introduce a method to complete your work step-by-step with Gemini as your partner, starting from brainstorming based on the ideas in your head, to generating project proposals, creating document drafts, and producing visuals.
If you're not good at "zero to one," have Gemini create a draft for you.
Take those vague thoughts you have, like "How about this kind of project?" or ideas you've been keeping in your head. First, write them down and consult with Gemini. Even if you aren't good at creating a proper project proposal from scratch, having Gemini create a "draft" for you will help you take that first step quickly and make things much easier.
Create a new business proposal that includes the following content. The length should be about two A4 pages. Keep it concise.
・A cafe that allows pets
・Terrace seating is a selling point
・Sweets inspired by pets
・Prepare photo spots
・Also sell original pet goods
Use the draft as a base and brainstorm with Gemini to refine it.
Next, let's finish the project proposal based on the draft. By searching for more detailed ideas in the side panel to refine it, or by consulting with Gemini on names, taglines, and concepts to expand your ideas, you can get new hints that you wouldn't have thought of yourself.
Prompt examples
・Based on the project proposal, think of 30 candidates for the store name.
・Think of candidates for the station where the cafe will be located. In the 23 wards of Tokyo, stations with no competitors nearby, or near a shopping street.
・List 5 areas with many households that own pets.
・What are the laws and permits required to operate a pet cafe?
・Referring to information on the web, add the current status of the pet market expansion to the beginning of the project proposal.
While Gemini can provide you with various ideas, it is important not to leave everything to it, but to use it only as a hint and to make the final decisions and concepts yourself.
It's okay if you have zero artistic talent! Bring your images to life with Gemini.
Once the project proposal is complete, ask Gemini to generate images that match the image by referring to the contents of the document. If you want an image that is close to your own vision, try to be as specific as possible and provide detailed instructions.
Create an illustration of a stylish dog cafe.
Under the table, a dog is sleeping contentedly. A round rug is laid out under the dog.
In this way, by integrating with Gemini, you can receive consistent support from the initial idea in your head to brainstorming, creating a rough draft, bouncing ideas off someone, and drafting a proposal.
Useful to Know! 5 Tips for Gemini × Google Docs
There is more to using Gemini than just this. Here, we will introduce tips that are useful not only for your daily work but also for your private life and everyday activities.
1. Have Gemini summarize your handwritten notes clearly
Try using Gemini to transform your scribbles from seminars or notes you recorded for yourself during meetings into easy-to-understand text.
While this is a feature limited to the "Gemini app," you can take photos of handwritten notes and have Gemini transcribe them. Furthermore, you can save them as text data in a document. While you can do simple transcription with tools like Google Lens, the ability to polish it and output it to Google Docs is unique to Gemini.
*Attach a photo of your notes
Transcribe the attached notes into text and summarize them so they are easy to read
You can export the summarized response converted into text to Google Docs as shown below.
Furthermore, by using the new "Gemini app" feature "Canvas", you can change text styles such as headings and bold text directly within the Gemini app and export them as-is to Google Docs.
2. Get support from Gemini for polishing scribbles and correcting typos
On the other hand, by using the "Gemini side panel," you can have your text note data edited and polished, and then add it directly to an existing document.
When you have notes taken in real-time during a meeting that are unusable due to typos or omissions, try selecting only the parts you want Gemini to check and ask it to edit and polish them. The corrected data can be copied and added directly to existing meeting minutes, which is very convenient.
3. Have your plans brushed up based on your notes
Gemini can also perform more advanced polishing.
For example, if you want to plan a trip to Kusatsu where three family members have different goals—hot springs, gourmet food, and skiing—you can have Gemini create a detailed travel plan based on rough notes discussed by the family.
Based on these notes, create a travel schedule that fulfills everyone's goals in the family
・Location is Kusatsu Onsen for three days and two nights
・The family consists of 3 people: father, mother, and a high school student child
・For meals, the three family members will eat together at night
・The hotel is a 10-minute walk from the Yubatake in Kusatsu Onsen
4. No need to switch screens! Ask Gemini about document features too
What is surprisingly useful is using it as help for Google Docs. Just by entering what you want to know in the side panel, it will explain it in detail. Since it completes within the screen without having to jump to help pages, please use it when you are wondering, "Wait, how do I do this operation?"
How do I make a document pageless?
5. Reference files other than the document
When working in Google Docs, you might think, "I want to reference other files." At such times, you can specify the file name in the Gemini side panel and check the contents of other files in Google Drive. Of course, you can insert the response into the document you are working on or copy it.
Prompt examples
・Tell me the main points of @filename
・Summarize the key points of @filename in bullet points
・Summarize the part written about "subscriptions" in @filename
Boost your expressiveness and creativity! Take your writing to the next level with Gemini × Google Docs
Streamline document creation, enhance your expressiveness, and generate new ideas. You can experience all of this through the integration of Gemini and Google Docs. Based on the use cases introduced here, please try expanding your own creativity. First, try it out from the freeGemini app!
Methods for using Gemini in Google Docs are also detailed on the following help page:
Gmail Help 'Use Gemini in Google Docs'
Furthermore, if you would like to try using the 'Gemini side panel' in Google Docs, please consider subscribing to Google Workspace or the paid Google One AI Premium plan. Both offer free trial periods. Please give the integration of Gemini and Google Docs a try and experience the benefits for yourself.
Next time, we will introduce the integration of 'Google Sheets' and Gemini. Look forward to learning how to use Gemini to leverage the unique data capabilities of Sheets.