If you live rent-free in Google Docs like I do, you’re going to want to sit down for this. As of yesterday, Google began rolling out a brand-new building block native to the document app powered by its one and only Gemini. It’s a game-changing summary feature for workflows.
Building blocks have been around for a hot minute in Google Docs, accessible via keyboard shortcuts and the ‘insert’ dropdown alike. We’ve had access to other tools like Meeting notes, Email drafts, Simple decision logs, and more, but nothing quite like this. So how does it work, and who can access it right now?
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How Google Docs’ new AI summary feature works
So simple your grandma could use it
Google / Pocket-lint
Google’s new building block uses Gemini to generate an editable summary of your document’s contents. It instantly inserts it right there in your work, and is a particularly handy tool for any other teammates you share it with — talk about a quick way to combat the dreaded TL;DR message from your boss.
Here’s how to use it:
- Click ‘Insert.’
- Select ‘Building Blocks.’
- Choose ‘AI Summary.’
In my opinion, it’s Google Docs’ comeback to “this could’ve been an email.”
Or, if you’re all about keyboard shortcuts, type in ‘@’ right in the document followed by ‘summary.’ Either process will populate a brief but comprehensive overview of your work wherever you put your cursor.
What if you make edits to the document, you might ask? Obviously, Google anticipated such a phenomenon. When you hover over the summary, a ‘refresh’ icon will appear on the left that you can click to initiate a quick update.
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The Rollout
Not so fast
Google / Pocket-lint
Google is releasing its AI summary feature over the next few weeks, starting on March 17, 2025. But hold your horses — the tech giant anticipates that the handy tool will settle in for all users by April 7, 2025.
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Availability
Who gets access?
Alex Dudar / Unsplash / Pocket-lint
The feature will be accessible to Google Workspace users. The plans that are included so far are customers with:
- Business Standard and Plus
- Enterprise Standard and Plus
- Google One AI Premium
- Customers with the Gemini Education or Gemini Education Premium add-on
It’ll also be available for users with the Gemini Business or Gemini Enterprise add-ons, but note that as of January 15, 2025, Google no longer sells those particular services.
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Who will want to use it?
Besides me, of course
It’s going to be another pivotal building block for business workflows. Just think about all the times you’ve opened up a doc from your teammate and groaned at the page count. Having a summary at the top of long-winded things like technical documents or meeting notes will help everyone cut right to the chase or stay focused on the task at hand.
In my opinion, it’s Google Docs’ comeback to “this could’ve been an email.”
