How to Use Gemini in Google Docs to Summarise Documents

What is Gemini in Google Docs?

Gemini in Google Docs is an AI writing assistant that can:

• Summarise long documents
• Generate new content
• Help brainstorm ideas
• Rewrite and improve text

Note: Gemini features require Google Workspace plans that include Gemini.

Accessing Gemini in Docs

Side Panel

• Open a Google Doc
• Look for the Gemini icon in the right panel
• Or click Tools > Gemini
• The Gemini panel opens on the right

Inline (Within Document)

• Type `@` in your document
• Select Help me write
• Enter your prompt

Summarising a Document

Method 1: Using Side Panel

• Open the document
• Click the Gemini icon to open the panel
• Type: "Summarise this document"
• Or: "What are the key points in this document?"
• Press Enter

Gemini reads the document and provides a summary.

Method 2: Asking Specific Questions

Use targeted prompts:

• "What are the main recommendations?"
• "List the action items from this document"
• "Summarise the financial section"
• "What decisions were made?"

Generating New Content

Step 1: Position Your Cursor

Click where you want new content to appear.

Step 2: Use Help Me Write

• Type `@` then select Help me write, OR
• Click the Gemini icon in the side panel

Step 3: Enter Your Prompt

Examples:

• "Write an introduction for this report"
• "Create a conclusion summarising the key findings"
• "Draft a professional bio for [name]"
• "Generate 5 bullet points about [topic]"

Step 4: Review and Insert

• Review the generated text
• Click Insert to add it to your document
• Or Refine to adjust

Rewriting Existing Text

Step 1: Select Text

Highlight the text you want to improve.

Step 2: Access Gemini

Right-click and look for Gemini options, or use the side panel.

Step 3: Choose an Action

• Summarise: Condense the selected text
• Expand: Add more detail
• Rewrite: Different wording, same meaning
• Make more formal/casual: Adjust tone

Practical Use Cases

Meeting Notes

"Summarise these meeting notes into key decisions and action items"

Reports

"Write an executive summary for this report"

Research

"Summarise the main findings from this research"

Emails (for drafting in Docs)

"Rewrite this email to be more professional"

Tips for Better Results

Be Specific

• "Summarise in 3 bullet points"
• "Explain in simple terms"
• "Make this suitable for a CEO audience"

Provide Context

• "This is a project proposal for [client]"
• "The audience is non-technical"

Iterate

• Ask follow-up questions
• Request more detail on specific points
• Ask for different formats

Limitations

• Works best with well-structured documents
• May miss nuance or context
• Always verify summaries for accuracy
• Large documents may require section-by-section processing

Privacy and Confidentiality

• Content is processed by Google
• Follow your organisation's AI usage policies
• Be cautious with confidential information

Need Help?

Contact our helpdesk at helpdesk@netlumait.com.au or call 1300 521 162.