Every new Gemini chat in Google Docs is like starting over. You open the side panel, ready to draft something, and find yourself typing the same basic instructions: "keep it concise", "format this for a general audience", "use a friendly but professional tone". You don't have to keep repeating yourself.
You can save custom instructions in Google Docs so it applies them to every new document output automatically.
How to set custom instructions for Gemini in Google Docs
- In Google Docs, click the Gemini icon in the top right corner to open the Gemini side panel.
- In the side panel, click the Hamburger Menu (top left) > Settings > Personalization
- Click Add, type your preference, click Save
Shortcut tip: if you're mid-chat with Gemini, you can just tell it directly. Phrases like "From now on, keep all bulleted lists under 5 items" get saved as personalized instructions automatically.
Examples:
- Audience & reading level: Write content at an 9th-grade reading level using clear, conversational language suitable for public educational outreach.
- Workshop & event agendas: When formatting meeting notes or organizing schedules, format time slots as bolded headers followed by concise, action-oriented bullet points.
- Tone & jargon filter: Avoid corporate buzzwords like "synergy" or "circle back". Use plain friendly language that feels approachable.
- Drafts: Keep draft emails and participant reminders under 150 words so they are easy to read on mobile devices.
Article by Karen Matthes, Extension Learning Technologies, klm@umn.edu
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