How to Use Duet AI to Help Write in Google Docs

Duet AI (now part of Google Workspace’s AI features) is a built-in assistant that can help you draft, rewrite, summarize, and brainstorm text directly inside Google Docs. This guide shows you how to enable it and use its writing prompts step by step, so you can create documents faster without leaving your browser.

What You’ll Need

• A Google account with access to Duet AI (requires a Google Workspace plan that includes the AI add-on, or a personal Google account with the AI features enabled in some regions).
• A current version of Google Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Edge.
• An internet connection.

Step-by-Step

1. Open a Google Doc. Go to docs.google.com and either create a new document or open an existing one.
2. Check that Duet AI is available. Look for the “Help me write” button (a small sparkle or pen icon) in the toolbar, usually near the top right. If you don’t see it, click the three-dot menu (More) and look for “Help me write” there. If it’s still missing, your account may not have the feature enabled.
3. Click “Help me write.” A small text box will appear. This is where you type your instruction or prompt.
4. Write a clear prompt. Describe what you want. For example: “Write a professional email to a client about a delayed project,” or “Create a list of 5 ideas for a team-building activity.” The more specific you are, the better the output.
5. Choose a tone or style (optional). After you type your prompt, you can click the arrow next to the “Create” button to select options like “Formalize,” “Shorten,” “Bullet points,” or “I’m feeling lucky” to adjust the style.
6. Click “Create.” Duet AI will generate a draft based on your prompt. This may take a few seconds.
7. Review the suggestions. The generated text will appear in a small panel. You can scroll through it and see a few variations if available.
8. Choose an action:
   • Insert: Adds the text directly into your document at the cursor position.
   • Replace: Replaces selected text with the AI’s version.
   • Regenerate: Generates a new draft from the same prompt.
   • Edit: Lets you tweak the prompt and try again.
9. Refine with follow-up prompts. After inserting, you can select any text you wrote (or the AI wrote) and click “Help me write” again. Type something like “Make this more concise” or “Rewrite this in a friendly tone.” The AI will modify the selected text.
10. Use slash commands (optional). In the document, type / to bring up a menu. You can type things like “/help me write” or “/summarize” to trigger specific actions.

Common Mistakes

• Vague prompts: Saying “write something about dogs” gives generic results. Instead, say “Write a 3-paragraph introduction for an article about adopting a rescue dog, aimed at first-time owners.”
• Not checking the output: AI can produce incorrect facts, outdated information, or awkward phrasing. Always review and edit before using it in a final document.
• Expecting it to know your private data: Duet AI can’t access your other files or personal knowledge unless you provide the context in the prompt.
• Forgetting to select text before asking for a rewrite: If you want to change existing text, highlight it first, then click “Help me write.” Otherwise, the AI will generate new text instead of editing what you have.

Tips

• Use the “I’m feeling lucky” option for quick, creative variations that might surprise you.
• Break big tasks into smaller prompts. Instead of asking for a full report, ask for an outline, then each section separately.
• Provide context in the prompt. Include who the audience is, the goal, and any key points you want covered.
• Use it for brainstorming. Ask for “10 blog post ideas about sustainable gardening” to get past writer’s block.
• Combine with your own writing. Use AI to generate a rough draft, then rewrite it in your own voice. This keeps the final product authentic.

Troubleshooting

• “Help me write” button is missing: Make sure you’re signed in with the correct Google account. If you’re on a Workspace account, check with your administrator that the AI feature is enabled. Try refreshing the page or using a different browser.
• The AI says “Not available” or “Try again later”: This can happen during high traffic or if the feature is rolling out gradually. Wait a few minutes and try again.
• The generated text is off-topic: Rewrite your prompt with more specific instructions. Include the desired length, tone, and key points.
• It won’t insert into the document: Make sure your cursor is placed where you want the text to go. If you’re trying to replace text, select it first. If the insert button doesn’t work, try copying the text manually and pasting it.
• Duet AI doesn’t respond to slash commands: Type the slash / and wait for the menu to appear. If it doesn’t, click the “Help me write” button instead.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Duet AI free?

Duet AI is included with certain Google Workspace plans (like Business or Enterprise with the AI add-on) and is being rolled out to some personal Google accounts. Check your Google Workspace admin console or your account settings to see if you have access.

Can Duet AI write in languages other than English?

Yes, it supports multiple languages, but the quality is best in English. You can type your prompt in another language, and it will respond in that language.

Will Duet AI replace my own writing?

No, it’s a helper. You should always review and edit the output to ensure accuracy and to match your personal style.

Can I use Duet AI on my phone?

Yes, the Google Docs mobile apps include the “Help me write” feature, though the interface is slightly different. Look for the sparkle icon in the toolbar.

Does Duet AI save my prompts or generated text?

Google may log prompts and responses to improve the service, but they are not used to train models without your consent. Check Google’s privacy policy for details.

Can I turn off Duet AI?

Yes, if you don’t want to use it, just ignore the button. Administrators can disable the feature for an entire organization through the Google Admin console.

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