Gems and saved helpers

When you finish, you can design a saved helper with clear instructions for a job you repeat.

What a Gem is

A Gem is a custom version of Gemini that you set up with your own instructions for a repeated job, if the feature is available on your account. Think of it as a saved helper: a writing coach, a meeting-notes tidier or a study buddy. You describe its role once, then use it again and again.

Menus and names can change, so look for the option in the app or in Google's current help pages. If you do not have Gems, you can paste the same instructions at the start of a chat.

How to write good instructions

Write the role, the audience, the steps and the limits. For example: "You help me turn rough meeting notes into a clear summary. Step one: list decisions. Step two: list action items with owners. Step three: list open questions. Do not add facts that are not in the notes. If something is unclear, ask me."

Keep it short enough to understand. Add a sample of the output you like. Test it with real examples, then fix any gaps. If the Gem keeps making the same mistake, add a rule that prevents it.

Worked example: a tutor for a teenager

A father in Egypt sets up a helper for his daughter's maths: "Explain one step at a time. Ask her to try the next step before you show it. Use simple words. If she is stuck twice, show a similar example." It teaches without simply giving answers.

He tests it on a problem himself, then lets her use it. They also agree she will check her work against her textbook and her teacher. The helper supports learning, and the school still sets the standard.

Keep it private and tidy

Do not put private data into a saved helper's instructions or files unless it needs to be there and the account is approved for it. If you share a helper, remember others may see what you wrote. Remove personal details first.

Review your helpers every so often. Delete ones you no longer use. Fewer, better helpers are easier to trust than a crowded list.

Practice now

Write instructions for a helper for one job you do weekly. Include role, steps, limits and one sample. Use a Gem if available, or paste it into a chat.
Test the helper on two real examples and add one rule that fixes a mistake you saw.

Use any AI assistant you have. Do not paste private, client or patient information into it.

Check yourself

1. What should a good helper's instructions include?

2. If you cannot use Gems, you can

3. Before sharing a helper, you should

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