News in Short

• Google Gemini can now create, preview and edit files directly within conversations.
• Supported formats include PDFs, Google Docs, Sheets, presentations, Markdown, TXT and code files.
• PDF preview and editing work on both Gemini web and mobile apps.
• Other supported file formats are currently limited to the web version.
• Gemini Notebook has also added hundreds of free digital textbooks from publishers in India and the US.

Google is making Gemini more useful for everyday productivity with a new set of file creation and editing tools. Users can now ask the AI assistant to create PDFs, documents, presentations and spreadsheets directly inside a conversation. They can also open generated files, make changes and ask follow-up questions about specific sections without switching between apps.

The update could help students, professionals and anyone who regularly works with digital documents. For instance, users can turn handwritten lecture notes into a study guide, refine a presentation or make changes to a PDF through simple prompts.

Here is how to create and edit files using Google Gemini.

How to create a PDF, document or presentation in Gemini

The process starts with a prompt describing the file you want Gemini to create. Users can specify the subject, format, structure and information they want included.

For example, you can ask Gemini to create a PDF summarising a topic, prepare a presentation for a meeting or organise information into a spreadsheet.

Once Gemini generates the file, users can open it in a full-screen preview. They can then review the content and make direct edits by typing within the document.

You can also ask Gemini to modify the generated file through additional prompts. This allows users to refine text, change sections or request adjustments to visual elements.

How to edit an existing file in Gemini

Gemini also supports editing workflows that begin with an existing document. Users can upload a supported file and ask the assistant to make specific changes.

After opening the file in the preview window, users can highlight a particular section. They can then ask Gemini questions about the selected text or request a rewrite.

For example, users can highlight a lengthy paragraph and ask Gemini to simplify it. They can also select a section and request additional explanations or corrections.

Google says Gemini can refine both text and visuals in supported files. This makes the feature useful when users need targeted changes rather than recreating an entire document.

Can you edit PDFs using Gemini on mobile?

Yes. Google is making PDF preview and editing available on both the web and mobile versions of Gemini.

However, support for other formats currently has a platform limitation. Google Docs, Google Sheets, presentations, Markdown, TXT and code files are supported only on the web version.

The company has not specified a separate rollout schedule for individual file formats in the announcement.

Gemini can turn handwritten notes into study guides

Google has also highlighted how students can use the new tools for studying.

Users can upload handwritten lecture notes and ask Gemini to convert them into a PDF study guide. They can then edit the generated document manually or request changes through prompts.

Students can also highlight sections to ask follow-up questions. This could help them understand difficult concepts without moving between separate applications.

The file creation and editing capabilities are available to all users in every language supported by the Gemini app.

Gemini Notebook adds hundreds of free digital textbooks

Separately, Google has expanded the textbook catalogue available through Gemini Notebook. The update brings hundreds of free digital textbooks from providers in India and the US.

The available sources include OpenStax, Open Textbook Library and S Chand Publishing. Students can add these textbooks to their notebooks and ask questions based on the selected material.

Gemini Notebook provides answers grounded in the chosen textbooks. It also includes inline citations and links to the original sources.

Users can turn textbook content into study guides, practice quizzes, flashcards and other learning materials.

To access the catalogue, open a notebook in Gemini and select Add sources. Choose Textbooks to browse the available titles and add the relevant material.

Together, the two updates expand Gemini’s role beyond answering questions. Users can now create and refine files while also building study resources around selected textbooks.