To create a classic Gem, open Gemini on a computer, select Gems in the sidebar, then choose New Gem. Give it a name and instructions, optionally add reference files, test it in the preview pane, and select Save. Previewing by itself does not save the Gem.
What a classic Gem is—and which creation flow to use
A classic Gem is a Gemini chat customized with instructions for a repeatable task or a particular kind of help. It can also use optional reference material you provide. For example, you might make one Gem that turns meeting transcripts into summaries and clearly separates decisions from action items.
Google Labs Gems are a different feature: they create interactive AI mini-apps or workflows through a separate, description-based process. Use the classic Gem flow below when you want a reusable chat assistant; choose the Labs path when you want a mini-app. Google describes the distinction in its Gems help page.
Create a classic Gem on a computer
- Open Gemini and find Gems. Go to gemini.google.com, open the sidebar, and select Gems.
- Start a Gem. Select New Gem.
- Name it and write its instructions. Choose a name that will be easy to recognize in your Gems list. Explain the job you want it to do and the kind of help you need.
- Optionally add knowledge files. Under Knowledge, add files if the Gem needs particular documents or context. You can skip this if it does not need reference material.
- Preview with a realistic prompt. Try a request similar to one you expect to use. Review the response and revise the instructions if the result misses an important detail.
- Select Save. The preview lets you check and refine the Gem, but it does not save it automatically.
Google’s step-by-step instructions for creating and editing Gems also include an option to have Gemini rewrite a short draft of your instructions. If you use it, review and edit the suggested text before saving.
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Google recommends clear, detailed instructions to help tailor a Gem’s responses. A practical starting point is to say what the Gem should do, what context matters, what kind of response you want, and any important limits. This is guidance for drafting, not a guaranteed formula; previewing helps reveal what needs clarification.
Example: meeting-notes helper
Starting draft: “Turn the meeting transcript I provide into concise notes. Separate decisions from action items. For each action item, include the owner and due date if the transcript states them; mark missing details as unspecified. Do not invent decisions or assignments.”
Tailor the draft to your meetings, then test it with a representative transcript or prompt. The example is not a guarantee that the Gem will identify every detail correctly.
Add reference files only when they help
Knowledge files can give a Gem relevant documents or context for its conversations. Google’s help page describes adding files from your device, Drive files, or a NotebookLM notebook. For Drive files, Keep Activity must be on and Google Workspace must be connected to Gemini Apps. Google says the Gem uses the most recent version of a Drive file and reflects subsequent changes.
You can optionally turn off knowledge citations; doing so also turns off citations for files uploaded in Gem chats. A file can provide useful context, but adding one is not a guarantee that the Gem will recall every detail or answer infallibly. If you have no suitable file—or do not need one—leave Knowledge empty.
Where you can use the Gem
Google says Gems created in the web app appear in the Gemini mobile app and the Gemini side panel in Google Workspace. Gems cannot currently be used with Gemini Live, according to the Google help page. Personal Google Account users must be at least 13, or meet the applicable age in their country; work or school accounts may be subject to different terms.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Classic Gems and Labs Gems at a glance
| Choose based on | Classic Gem | Google Labs Gem |
|---|---|---|
| What you want | A repeatable chat guided by custom instructions and, optionally, knowledge files. | An interactive AI mini-app or workflow. |
| How you create it | In Gemini, use Gems and New Gem, then add a name and instructions. | Use the separate Labs creation flow and describe the mini-app you want. |
| Where creation is available | The classic flow described above is in the Gemini web app. | Google says Labs Gems are created and edited on a computer. |
For current labels and availability, check Google’s classic Gems guidance and Google Labs Gems guidance; interfaces and feature access can change.
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