Gemini in Google Docs now supports persistent custom instructions

If you use generative AI frequently for any sort of writing, you already know the most frustrating part of the workflow: constantly reminding the AI of your preferred style. Whether it is asking for a specific tone, a certain formatting structure, or just telling it to stop using the word “delve,” having to repeat your preferences in every single prompt is pretty frustrating.

Thankfully, Google is officially fixing this friction point. According to a new post on the Google Workspace Updates blog, users can now set custom, persistent instructions for Gemini directly within Google Docs.

Set it and forget it

This new feature allows you to define rules that Gemini will automatically apply to every interaction you have within Google Docs. By opening the Gemini side panel, you can tell the assistant exactly how you want it to behave moving forward.

Google provided a few great examples of how this can be used to streamline your workflow:

• “Always respond in bullet points.”
• “When summarizing Docs, always include 3 bullet points at the top.”
• “Use a concise and professional tone for all my documents.”

Instead of typing a paragraph of context for every single prompt, Gemini will now adapt to your unique style and formatting preferences automatically, ensuring consistency across all your documents.

Availability

For the power users out there, Google is giving you plenty of runway to customize your assistant. The update allows users to store up to 1,000 active instructions at any given time. Notably, there are no admin controls for this feature, meaning individual users have full control over customizing their own Gemini experience.

The feature is currently rolling out for both Rapid and Scheduled Release domains, with the gradual rollout having started on May 4, 2026. If you want to take advantage of these persistent instructions, you will need access to Gemini in Workspace. It is available for a wide range of tiers, including:

• Business: Starter, Standard, and Plus
• Enterprise: Starter, Standard, and Plus
• Education: Plus (and Google AI Pro for Education add-ons)
• Consumer: Google AI Plus, Pro, and Ultra

If you are tired of wrestling with AI formatting, keep an eye on your Gemini side panel over the next couple of weeks and get ready to finally set your rules in stone.