Google Sheets now uses AI to auto-generate text from your data

Google has launched a new AI function in Sheets that can automatically generate text to fill empty cells in spreadsheets based on existing data. The feature, powered by Google Gemini, allows users to create customized content, summarize information, or categorize data by referencing specific cells within their spreadsheets.

How it works: Users highlight cells where they want AI-generated content and enter a formula that tells the AI what to create based on nearby data.

• The function uses syntax like =AI("Write a formal ad copy for the product. Cater copy to the objective and target audience.", A2:C2) to generate tailored advertisement copy based on different target audiences listed in the spreadsheet.
• Another example allows users to summarize customer feedback with =AI("For the customer, write a one sentence summary of their feedback.", A2:D2).
• The tool can also categorize data, such as classifying customer inquiries as compliments, exchange requests, or return requests, or organizing restaurants by location.

Key limitations: The AI function comes with several constraints that users should understand before implementation.

• It only supports text-based responses and cannot generate other types of content like images or charts.
• The function can’t access entire spreadsheets or Google Drive files, limiting its scope to selected cell ranges.
• Users can only generate outputs for the first 200 selected cells at a time, requiring multiple rounds for larger datasets.

The big picture: This feature builds on Google’s existing Gemini-powered capabilities in Sheets that can answer questions about data and create visualizations, expanding the platform’s AI automation tools for workplace productivity.

Who can access it: The AI functions are rolling out to Google Workspace users on business and enterprise plans, as well as Gemini AI Pro and Ultra subscribers, and those with Gemini Education plans or add-ons.