Gemini is built into Gmail and Google Docs and can summarize emails, draft replies, write documents, and answer questions about your content. Some features are free with a Google account; others require a Google One AI Premium subscription.
Google has quietly added Gemini AI to the apps you likely already use every day — Gmail and Google Docs. Most people haven't explored what it can do. Here are eight things worth trying, starting with the ones that are available on free accounts.
Find the Gemini button in Gmail and Docs
In Gmail, look for a small star or sparkle icon inside the compose window, or a Gemini button on the right side of your inbox. In Google Docs, look for the same icon near the top of the page or in the right-side panel.
Clicking it opens a chat panel where you can type requests in plain English. If you don't see it, your Google account settings or your organization's Workspace policy may have it turned off.
Summarize a long email thread
Open any email thread that has gone back and forth several times. Click the Gemini icon and type: "Summarize this thread for me."
Gemini reads the whole conversation and returns a short summary — who said what, what was decided, and what's still open. This is a real time-saver for long chains where you need to catch up fast.
Draft a reply to an email
Open an email you need to respond to. In the compose window, click the Gemini icon or look for a Help me write option. Type what you want to say in rough terms, like: "Thank them for the proposal and say we need two more weeks to review it."
Gemini writes a full, polished reply. You can accept it, edit it, or ask Gemini to adjust the tone — "Make it shorter" or "Sound a bit warmer" both work.
Write a new email from scratch
Click Compose in Gmail. In the compose window, click the Gemini icon and describe the email you need. For example: "Write a follow-up email to a client reminding them that their invoice is two weeks overdue, but keep it polite."
Gemini drafts the whole email. This works especially well for messages you dread writing — complaints, difficult requests, or anything where tone matters.
Summarize a long document in Google Docs
Open a long document — a report, a policy file, anything with several pages. Open the Gemini panel on the right and type: "Give me a three-sentence summary of this document." or "What are the main action items?"
Gemini reads your document and answers based on what's actually in it, not just a guess. This is useful when you need to quickly understand a file someone sent you.
Ask questions about your document
You don't have to limit yourself to summaries. With the Gemini panel open on a Docs file, you can ask specific questions like: "Does this document mention a deadline?" or "What does it say about the refund policy?"
Think of it as a search tool that understands meaning, not just keywords.
Generate a first draft in Docs
Click Help me write at the top of a blank Google Doc (or use the Gemini panel) and describe what you need. For example: "Write a one-page project proposal for a new employee onboarding process. Include a problem statement, goals, and three action steps."
Gemini writes a structured draft with headings and paragraphs. It won't be perfect, but it's a real starting point that usually saves 20–30 minutes of blank-page staring.
Proofread and polish existing text
Paste text you've written into the Gemini panel (or highlight it in Docs) and ask it to check your work. Try: "Is this clear and professional? Suggest any improvements." or "Rewrite the second paragraph so it's easier to understand."
Gemini will point out awkward phrases, suggest clearer wording, and can rewrite sections on request. It's faster than waiting for a colleague to review a draft.
What to try next
If you want to get more out of any AI writing tool, the key is knowing how to phrase your requests. The guide on how to write better AI prompts explains the difference between a vague instruction and one that gets great results. If your workplace uses Microsoft tools, Copilot in Word and Excel covers the equivalent features in that ecosystem.
