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# Google Docs: Instantly Draft Docs From Your Files
- URL: https://www.jeffsu.org/newsletter-208/
- Published: 2025-06-19T13:00:47.000Z
- Updated: 2025-09-05T12:45:21.000Z
- Description: #208
- Author: Jeff
- Tags: #newsletter, Google Docs

*(you can easily* [*filter previous issues*](https://www.jeffsu.org/filter-previous-editions-by-app/) *by application!)*

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Hey friends, although today’s tip is technically for Google Docs, it’s powered by Gemini behind the scenes (it’s almost as if Google is focusing 99.99% of their resources on it’s primary AI product 🤯).

**Note:** This functionality is currently available only for paid Gemini users.

### Bottom Line Up Front

When you open a new Google Doc (by typing `doc.new` into your browser), you will see a "Generate document" option.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/db/85/db858a9d-1c4f-4993-8042-faa87b9bb3c1/content/images/2025/06/CleanShot-2025-06-18-at-22.12.27.gif)

This is the entry point. Its key capability is the use of the "@" command within the prompt box. This command allows you to reference other files stored in your Google Drive, pulling their context directly into the generation process for a new document.

For example, you can use a prompt like: `Based on S6 Start on Android | MKT Meeting Notes draft an email with the latest updates`

0:00 

/0:10 

1× 

This creates a seamless workflow between your stored information and new document creation, eliminating the need to toggle between tabs to copy and paste content.

### "Wait, haven’t we seen this already?”

You might be thinking, "Can't I already do this with the Gemini sidebar in Google Docs?" 

**The answer is yes and no.** The two features are designed for different stages of the writing process.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/db/85/db858a9d-1c4f-4993-8042-faa87b9bb3c1/content/images/2025/06/CleanShot-2025-06-18-at-22.15.20@2x.png)

Think of it this way:

- **Sidebar Gemini:** This is your co-editor. It is most effective when you are already working within a document and need to make additions, edits, or brainstorm ideas based on the existing text. You are modifying a work in progress.
- **Generate Document:** This is your first-draft assistant. It is designed to take you from a blank page to a populated document (from 0 to 1). It’s ideal for kickstarting the writing process by building a foundation from reference materials.

### Instructions

1. Open a new Google Doc. Access the generator by either clicking the **"Generate document"** selection that appears on the blank page or by navigating to **File > New > Help me create**.
2. Input a prompt that specifies your goal and references a source file using the "@" command.
3. Google Docs generates the document in a "Pageless" format with a cover image by default. For some ~~stupid~~ reason, you must manually revert this if you prefer a standard page layout. To do so, navigate to **Format > Switch to pages format**.

### Pro-Tip: "Garbage In, Garbage Out"

After a lot of testing, I’ve found the quality of the generated document to be heavily dependent on the “source” material. Put simply, if the file you’re referencing is well-written, you’ll tend to get a much better result.

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**When you’re ready,** [here are all the ways I can help](https://www.jeffsu.org/links/?utm%5Fsource=newsletter&utm%5Fmedium=email&utm%5Fcampaign=digest).

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