How to access Gemini in Google Docs

Gemini is Google’s shiny new AI. It’s available for anyone who uses the Google apps suite (aka Google Workspace), and helps you create, summarize and visualize your documentation. Not sure where to start with Google Gemini? Let’s take a look below.

Who can access Google Gemini in Google Docs?

We should clear something up before we start. In this article, we’re talking about getting Gemini inside of Google Docs.

Right now anyone can access the free version of Gemini as a standalone app. But it’s not as useful because it doesn’t live inside your Google Docs, and Google has limited its capabilities.

So you need a paid account to get Gemini inside Docs. The business version is available through a Google Workspace account and purchasing the Gemini add-on for advanced features. The personal version is known as a Google One AI Premium account. The pricing and variations in features can be confusing, so make sure you read up about it before you commit to anything.

Sign up to one of those and you’re ready to start.

How to access Google Gemini in Google Docs

1. Start by opening any document in Google Docs.
2. Look for the Ask Gemini button in the top-right corner of the screen.
3. Click the button to open the Gemini side panel.
4. Select a suggested prompt or enter your own. For example:
   • To draft: “Write a professional email informing clients about a policy update.”
   • To rewrite: “Make this paragraph more concise.”
   • To summarize: “Summarize this document in three key points.”
5. Gemini will process your input and display results instantly. You can copy, edit, or refine the output as needed.

Tip: If you don’t see the Ask Gemini button, check your account’s eligibility. You need a Google Workspace account or a Google One AI Premium subscription to get access.

For more detailed instructions, see our post on how to enable or disable Gemini.

What can you do with Google Gemini in Google Docs?

Once you’ve accessed Google Gemini, it’s time to put it to work. Here’s how to use its key features:

Feature	How It Works	Examples
Draft and Edit Content	Create or refine text by drafting new content, rewriting paragraphs, or adjusting tone.	Draft: “Write a report introduction highlighting recent customer satisfaction metrics.” Rewrite: “Make this paragraph more conversational and engaging.”
Summarize Documents	Extract key points from sections or full documents by highlighting text and prompting Gemini.	“Summarize this section in two sentences focusing on deadlines.” “Explain this document in simple terms.”
Generate Images	Add visuals to documents by describing the image you need in the Create Image with Gemini option.	“Generate an image of a modern office with a collaborative team at work.” “Create a diagram showcasing a customer support workflow.”
Pull Context from Gmail and Drive	Use Gemini to reference and summarize content from email threads or Drive files for insights and quick retrieval.	“Summarize the last three emails in the customer feedback thread.” “What are the main points from the file @Drive: Team Strategy Notes?”

Tips for writing effective Gemini prompts for Google Docs

Getting the most out of Google Gemini comes down to how you phrase your prompts. A well-crafted prompt ensures Gemini delivers accurate, useful results. Here’s how to fine-tune your approach:

1. Be specific:

Vague prompts lead to vague results. Include clear instructions, tone, and context. For example, instead of saying, “Write an email,” try, “Write a professional email informing clients about our new product release.”

2. Set the tone:

If you want the output to match a specific style, include that in your prompt. For example: “Rewrite this paragraph to sound friendly and approachable.”

3. Provide context:

Gemini works better when it knows the goal. If you’re summarizing, highlight the purpose. For example: “Summarize this report in three bullet points, focusing on customer satisfaction data.”

4. Iterate and refine:

Sometimes the first response won’t be perfect. Follow up with adjustments, like, “Make this shorter,” or, “Add more detail about the timeline.”

By using these strategies, you’ll unlock the full potential of Gemini and make your AI-powered workflows more efficient and precise.

Google Gemini vs eesel AI for Docs

At eesel AI, we’re big fans of how Gemini has seamlessly (and beautifully) integrated with Google Docs.

There are some things we both do well. Both Gemini and eesel AI can search the contents of your Google Drive. Both AIs can draw inspiration from those docs to draft, summarize and edit content for you. It all depends on what suits your business more.

eesel AI can’t create images, But it can gather information from more places than just your Google Drive. You can draw inspiration from places like your website, Confluence wiki, Zendesk, Gorgias and any other places your company stores its data.

Gemini excels with individual use within your team, whereas eesel has the versatility that Gemini lacks. Your Google Docs don’t need to be a stranded away from your other platforms.

The pricing structure is also different. eesel AI’s subscription gives you unlimited users. Gemini charges you per user. It all depends on your business’s needs and budget. You can see more information about pricing here.

There are probably lots more differences we’ve skipped over here, but the best way to see which AI you prefer is with a test drive. We give users a free 7 day trial to train their AI chat and get familiar with our Chrome extension. Try eesel AI today to see how easy it is to train, and start creating with it in your Google workspace.

Troubleshooting access to Google Gemini

Having trouble accessing Gemini? Here’s how to solve some common issues:

1. The ask Gemini button isn’t showing:

First, confirm that your account qualifies. A Google Workspace account with Labs enabled or a Google One AI Premium subscription grants access. If you’re part of a team, ask your Workspace administrator to check if Labs is enabled.

2. Gemini isn’t responding or features are missing:

Make sure you’re logged into the correct account. If you’re using multiple Google accounts, verify that the one with Labs or Premium access is active. Also, ensure your browser is up to date, as outdated versions can cause compatibility issues.

3. Workspace labs enrollment problems:

Access to Labs may vary depending on your organization or location. If you can’t enroll, join the waitlist through the Workspace Labs page or contact your administrator for assistance.

4. Explore alternatives:

If Gemini remains unavailable, tools like eesel AI can help streamline your workflow by integrating with platforms like Slack, Zendesk, and Confluence. It centralizes data and complements Workspace, offering solutions where Gemini might not be accessible.

By following these steps, you can resolve most access issues or find alternative ways to enhance your productivity.

So, can you get Google Gemini in Docs?

Google Gemini in Docs is a powerful tool for improving your work. From drafting and summarizing to creating visuals, Gemini takes care of repetitive tasks so you can focus on more important stuff.

This guide has shown you how to use Gemini, troubleshoot access, and understand who qualifies. For those looking to extend AI capabilities beyond Google Workspace, tools like eesel AI provide seamless integration across platforms like Slack, Zendesk, and Trello, ensuring your workflow stays connected and efficient.

Whether you’re using Gemini alone or pairing it with eesel AI, these tools can transform the way your team works. Now it’s time to put them to use and see the difference for yourself.