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Custom instructions for Gemini in Workspace now available in more apps

Earlier this year, we introduced the ability for Workspace users to set persistent custom instructions for Gemini in Google Docs. We're now expanding support for these custom instructions to additional Gemini in Workspace surfaces, specifically:

  • Ask Gemini in Drive
  • Ask Gemini in Chat
  • Gemini side panel in Slides, Sheets, and Gmail

These instructions help personalize your interactions with Gemini and ensure that Gemini adapts to your style, tone, and formatting preferences without needing to repeat them in every conversation, ultimately saving you time and ensuring consistency.

With this update, users can build a set of custom instructions that Gemini respects across these Gemini surfaces. The update ensures that users have a consistent personalization experience across the platform based on their individual needs or preferences.



You can declare preferences in any Gemini in Workspace Surface



All saved instruction can be viewed and managed in the Personalization Setting tab


These instructions are then used to personalize Gemini’s responses across Workspace

Getting started

  • Admins: There is no admin control for this feature.
  • End users: Get started by opening the side panel, Ask Gemini in Drive, or Ask Gemini in Chat. You can then prompt Gemini to store a specific instruction. You can also access the ‘Your Instructions for Gemini In Workspace” Menu by selecting the hamburger menu > Settings > Personalization. Visit the Help Center to learn more about customizing Gemini in Workspace's responses with your instructions.

Rollout pace

Availability

Resources



Automate Drive, Gmail, and Google Chat actions with new steps in Workspace Studio

To help teams automate everyday work and seamlessly connect tasks across Google Workspace, we are introducing four new automation steps in Workspace Studio Flows: Move Drive file, Copy Drive file, Send a Chat reply, and Reply to email.

These new steps give end users greater control over document management and cross-channel communications, enabling end-to-end automated flows directly from Workspace Studio. Admins will have settings to disable individual steps and to require end-user approval when these actions may share data with audiences outside of their organization.



  • Copy Drive file or folder: Make a copy of Google Drive files and folders when a flow runs to streamline template generation and intake processes.
  • Move Drive file or folder: Automatically move Google Drive files and folders, keeping project folders organized without manual file management.
  • Reply to email: Automatically send email replies within existing threads, preserving contextual conversation history for support, triage, and task tracking workflows.
  • Send a Chat reply: Post targeted, formatted replies into specific Google Chat spaces and threads, now complete with Markdown support for enhanced text styling, lists, and code blocks.

Getting started

Rollout pace

  • Drive/Chat steps – Rapid Release and Scheduled Release domains:
    • Admin controls: Full rollout (1–4 days for feature visibility) starting on September 1, 2026
    • Features: Full rollout (1–3 days for feature visibility) starting on September 8, 2026
  • Gmail steps – Rapid Release and Scheduled Release domains:
    • Admin controls: Full rollout (1–4 days for feature visibility) starting on September 8, 2026
    • Features: Full rollout (1–3 days for feature visibility) starting on September 14, 2026

Availability

  • Business: Business Starter, Standard, and Plus
  • Enterprise: Enterprise Standard and Plus
  • Education: Education Fundamentals, Standard, and Plus
  • Education Add-ons: Google AI Pro for Education; Teaching and Learning
  • Other Add-ons: AI Expanded Access

Resources