Since rolling out Gemini in the side panel of Google Drive, users have been able to summarize one or multiple documents, get quick facts about a project, and more. We also introduced a new way for users to interact with the Gemini side panel while viewing PDFs.

Today we’re excited to announce that you can now focus your Gemini conversations in Drive to a specific Drive folder using the side panel. For example, after indicating a specific folder via an @-mention, you can ask Gemini to find files in the folder or write a summary of the folder’s content. You could also ask things like: 

• “Summarize files in @-folder” 
• “What is the theme of the content in @-folder” 

Additional details 

Gemini can only answer questions about text documents, PDFs, spreadsheets, and presentations. 

• Admins: To access Gemini in the side panel of Workspace apps, users need to have smart features and personalization turned on. Admins can turn on default personalization setting for their users in the Admin console. 
• End users: 
• If Gemini in the side panel is closed, you can: 
• Navigate to a folder, and click on the “Summarize this folder” button, or; 
• Right-click on a folder in the doclist, and click on “Ask Gemini” in the context menu, or; 
• Select a folder in a doclist, and click on “Summarize this folder” in the selection toolbar. 
• If Gemini in side panel is already open, you can: 
• Drag and drop a folder from the doclist into the side panel, or; 
• @-mention a folder in the side panel’s textbox. 
• If you are searching for a folder, you can: 
• Click the Gemini icon next to the folder in the search dropdown box. 
• Visit the Help Center to learn more about collaborating with Gemini in Google Drive. 

• Rapid Release and Scheduled Release domains: Gradual rollout (up to 15 days for feature visibility) starting on December 11, 2024

• Google Workspace Admin Help: Turn on or off Gmail, Chat, and Meet smart features and personalization (Region specific) 
• Google Help: Collaborate with Gemini in Google Drive