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Hello AI Enthusiast,
Today, we're exploring Google Gemini's "Gems" feature, which transforms how you interact with AI by creating specialized experts tailored to your specific needs. Rather than working with a generic AI assistant, Gems lets you build a team of virtual specialists for different areas of your work and life. It's like having custom AI experts on standby, each designed to help you with specific recurring tasks and challenges.
The Problem
Generic AI assistants require constant retraining for specialized tasks. Every conversation starts from zero, forcing you to repeatedly explain your company processes, preferences, and context. This continuous reintroduction wastes valuable time and leads to inconsistent results, especially when team members phrase similar questions differently.
How to Build Your Personalized AI Assistant with Gemini Gems
Let's walk through how to create and use Gems to build AI experts tailored to your specific needs.
Important: As per March 2025 Gems are only available to Gemini Advanced users.
Step 1: Access Gem Manager (Gemini Advanced Required)
Go to Google Gemini
At the bottom left, click "Gem manager" → "New Gem"
Alternatively, look for "Gems" in the left-hand panel
Gem manager location in the left panel
Pro tip: Start playing around with premade Gems like Brainstormer, Career guide, or Copy Creator to get familiar with the feature before creating your own.
Step 2: Create a Custom Gem
When creating your own Gem, give it a clear, descriptive name that indicates its specialization. Then write detailed instructions that specify exactly how you want this Gem to behave. Think about what role it should play, what tasks it should help with, and how it should communicate with you.
Use this template as a starting point for your instructions:
Act as a [specific role] for [your company/team]. You understand [relevant background or expertise]. Your task is to help [specific function]. Approach this by [methodology or approach]. Always consider [specific requirements, preferences, or limitations]. Your responses should be formatted as [desired format] and maintain [tone/style]. The user will provide you with [what information they'll give] and you should respond with [expected output].
Before saving, test your Gem in the preview window on the right side of the screen. Enter sample prompts to see how your Gem responds, then adjust your instructions as needed to refine its behavior. Once you're satisfied with the results, click "Save" to create it.
New Gem creation interface
Step 2 (Alternative approach): Let Gemini Write Instructions For You
If crafting detailed instructions feels overwhelming:
Write a basic description of what you want your Gem to do
Click the magic wand icon at the bottom of the text box
Gemini will transform your simple description into more detailed instructions
Edit and refine these suggestions until they capture what you need
Magic pencil icon for Gemini assistance
Step 3: Add Context with Files
Make your Gem even smarter by providing relevant materials and connections. Upload files directly to your Gem to give it specific information
File upload option
Step 4: Build a Team of Specialized Gems
Think of Gems as specialized team members for different aspects of your work and life. Instead of having one generic AI assistant, create multiple Gems with distinct purposes. Perhaps an email writing expert, a data analysis coach, and a project planning consultant for your work life, plus others for personal interests.
Access your custom Gems from the Gem manager whenever you need their specialized assistance.
A collection of specialized Gems in the manager
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Your Turn: Create Your First Gem Squad
Ready to build your own AI assistant? Here's a quick exercise to get you started:
Identify your repetitive tasks: Think about 3-5 tasks you find yourself doing repeatedly at work. These are prime candidates for specialized Gems.
Create your first work Gem: Choose one recurring work task and create a Gem for it. For example, if you frequently write email responses, create an "Email Assistant" Gem with specific instructions about your communication style and typical responses.
Create a personal Gem: Build a Gem for a non-work aspect of your life. This could be a "Meal Planner" that knows your dietary preferences or a "Learning Coach" for a skill you're developing.
Test and refine: Use your Gems for actual tasks and note what works well and what needs improvement.
As you get comfortable with Gems, expand your team to cover more aspects of your work and personal life. The goal isn't to create dozens of Gems, but rather to build a focused set of specialists that significantly streamline your most common tasks.
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We'll be back with more AI tips soon!
