You can create custom AI agents in Gemini with Gems, Google's version of custom GPTs, in a few simple steps. The guide below covers instructions, knowledge files and testing, and it sits alongside the tutorials we curate inside the AI Central Library. If you are still choosing your main AI tool, start with our guide on how to set up ChatGPT, Claude and Copilot.
How to Create Custom AI Agents in Gemini with Gems
Gemini Gems are task-specific AI agents that follow your custom instructions and draw on the knowledge files you upload. The free guide above walks through the full build with screenshots, and the steps below give you the short version.
Inside the Guide You’ll Learn How To
Build your own AI assistant using Gemini's Gem Manager
Add custom instructions and enhance them with the Magic Pencil rewrite tool
Upload PDFs or images your Gem can reference while generating answers
Preview your Gem's responses before saving to ensure accuracy
Edit, update and refine your Gem anytime as your tasks evolve
A Gem turns Google Gemini into a customized AI assistant built for your exact tasks. You create a new Gem, name it and write clear instructions that define how it should think and respond - - the 26 principles of prompt engineering apply here too. The Magic Pencil feature rewrites and expands your instructions with one click, making your Gem more capable immediately.
You can also upload your own PDFs and images, giving the Gem real reference material to draw from when it generates answers. Before saving, preview its responses to test accuracy and tone. If you ever need to adjust the behavior, the Gem Manager makes editing and updating quick.
Steps to Build a Custom Gem in Gemini
Open Gemini, go to the Gem Manager and select New Gem.
Write simple, direct instructions for your task.
Use Magic Pencil to improve and expand your instructions.
Upload up to 10 PDFs or images your Gem should reference.
Preview responses to evaluate tone and accuracy.
Save your Gem and start using it daily.
Return to the Gem Manager to refine or update anytime.
Download the free guide above for the full walkthrough with screenshots.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Gems in Google Gemini?
Gems are custom versions of Gemini that you configure with your own instructions and reference files, so they behave like task-specific AI agents. They are Google's equivalent of Custom GPTs in ChatGPT.
Are Gemini Gems free to use?
Yes. Google rolled Gems out to all Gemini users at no cost in 2025 on web and mobile, while paid Google AI plans add higher usage limits and access to stronger models.
How many files can I upload to a Gem?
Each Gem can hold up to 10 knowledge files, and each file can be up to 100 MB. You can upload files from your device or attach them from Google Drive.
Yes. Google added Gem sharing in 2025, so you can share a Gem much like a Google Drive file. Anyone with access can view the Gem's instructions and uploaded files.
