Stop retyping the same writing instructions

Gemini in Docs can remember how you write.

Iris

— 2 min read
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Animated Google Docs screen showing Gemini saving custom instructions.

If you keep asking for the same tone, format, and summary style, Google Docs can now remember those rules for you. Gemini in Docs has new custom instructions, so your next draft can start closer to done.

The best first use is simple: save your usual writing rules once for proposals, recaps, or follow-up notes, then stop pasting the same guidance every time.

What changed

On May 4, Google rolled out custom instructions for Gemini in Google Docs. You can save ongoing rules like "start with a short summary," "use bullet points for long sections," or "keep the tone concise and professional."

That matters because a lot of beginner AI use still breaks on one annoying step: you get a decent draft, then waste time repeating the same formatting and tone notes. This cuts that part down.

The best first rule set to save

Start with one document type you write over and over. Good first picks are client follow-ups, meeting recaps, status updates, proposals, or internal plans.

I would keep your first instruction set boring on purpose: short intro, bullet summary at the top, plain language, and a next-steps section at the end. That is enough to save time without making every doc sound stiff or over-automated.

One thing to know before you try it: Google's help page says this is currently available in the US, in English, and on eligible Google Workspace or Google AI plans.

A prompt to copy

Open Gemini in Google Docs and save an instruction like this:

From now on, when you help me draft client follow-ups, start with a 3-bullet summary, keep paragraphs short, use a professional but warm tone, and end with clear next steps.

You can make a second version for a different document type later. I would not dump in 20 rules on day one. Save one useful house style first and see if it helps.

How to use it

  1. Open Google Docs on a computer and click Ask Gemini.
  2. Open the Gemini menu, then go to Settings and Personalization.
  3. Add one instruction set for a document you write often.
  4. Ask Gemini to draft or summarize something in Docs and check whether it followed your saved rules.
  5. Tighten the instructions once after your first test instead of rewriting them from scratch every time.

What to do today

  1. Pick one repeat document you already need this week.
  2. Save a short instruction set for that exact format.
  3. Run one real draft with Gemini in Docs today.
  4. If the result is better than your normal first draft, keep the instruction. If not, simplify it and test once more.

Iris

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