What You'll Build
By the end of this page, you'll have a custom AI assistant that:
- Behaves exactly how you specify (Socratic, quizzing, coaching, etc.)
- Uses your Gemini Notebook materials as its knowledge base
- Saves conversation history (unlike standalone Gemini Notebook)
- Can search the web for updates beyond your documents
Step 1: Create Your Gem
Go to Gemini
- Open gemini.google.com in your browser
- Sign in with your Google account
- Look for "Gem manager" in the left sidebar
- Click it, then click "New Gem"
Name Your Gem
Give it a descriptive name. Good examples:
- "Cardiology Tutor"
- "Step 1 Quiz Master"
- "Research Writing Coach"
- "Pathophys Explainer"
Write Your Instructions
This is where the magic happens. Your instructions define how the AI behaves. Be specific about what you want (and don't want).
You are a Socratic tutor helping me learn medical concepts.
RULES:
• NEVER give me the answer directly, even if I ask
• Instead, ask probing questions that guide me to discover it myself
• When I arrive at the right answer, ask me to explain WHY it's correct
• Reference my attached Gemini Notebook materials with citations when relevant
• If I'm completely stuck, give a hint by asking about a related concept
After each learning moment, ask: "What will help you remember this?"
Click Save when done.
Be specific about boundaries. "Never give answers" is clearer than "be Socratic." Include both what TO do and what NOT to do.
Step 2: Connect Your Gemini Notebook
Now for the integration that makes this powerful:
- Open your new Gem (click on it in Gem manager)
- In the chat box, click the paperclip/attachment icon
- Select "Gemini Notebook" from the options
- You'll see a list of your notebooks—choose one (or multiple)
- The notebook appears as an attachment in your chat
This integration is currently only available on Gemini web, not the mobile app. Some accounts may not have access yet as Google is rolling it out gradually.
Step 3: Test It Out
Now chat with your Gem. Try these prompts:
- "What causes heart failure?" (See if it asks you questions instead of answering)
- "Quiz me on the content in my notebook"
- "I'm confused about [topic]—help me understand"
The Gem should behave according to your instructions AND draw from your Gemini Notebook materials with citations.
What Makes This Different
From Regular Gemini Notebook
- Custom behavior: Gemini Notebook always answers the same way. Your Gem behaves how YOU specify.
- Persistent instructions: No need to re-explain your preferences each session.
- Chat history: Gemini Notebook doesn't save conversations. Gemini does.
- Web search: Your Gem can find current info beyond your uploaded docs.
From Regular ChatGPT/Gemini
- Grounded answers: Every claim comes from YOUR sources, not random internet content.
- Citations: You can verify where information came from.
- No hallucinations: The AI can only tell you what's in your materials.
Common Questions
How many sources can I have?
Pro plans support 300 sources per notebook. Ultra plans support 600. That's an entire semester of materials in one notebook.
Can I attach multiple notebooks?
Yes! You can attach several notebooks to one conversation for cross-topic synthesis.
Do I need to pay?
Basic Gems are free. The Gemini Notebook integration requires Gemini Pro or higher. Check your account settings.
Your Action Step
Right now: Create your first Gem using the Socratic tutor template above. Attach one of your existing Gemini Notebook notebooks. Ask it a question about your materials.
Notice: Does it push you to think instead of just answering?