Google rolls out AI-Powered writing shortcuts to Gmail

Google has recently confirmed that it is expanding its suite of generative AI-powered writing features for Gmail. These shortcuts will leverage AI capabilities and help users write or refine text while composing emails.

The new shortcuts are called ‘Help me write’ and ‘Polish’. Let’s find out how these features can help users revise the text and tone to communicate effectively.

Google's new 'Help me write' and 'Polish' shortcuts explained

Announced at last year’s Google I/O conference, the ‘Help me write’ feature allows users to formalize, elaborate, and shorten their emails. The shortcut for Help me write and ‘Refine my draft’ were made available to Google One AI Premium subscribers on the Gmail mobile app in August 2024.

The Help me write tool is for users who want to formalise, elaborate, and shorten their emails. This feature is designed to improve the overall quality and effectiveness of communication. In a new blog post, Google stated that the Help me write shortcut will appear in the body of the email when the draft is empty on the web version of Gmail.

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Besides broadening the shortcut to web, a new ‘Polish’ shortcut has been introduced on web and smartphones. The Polish shortcut will be visible for drafts containing 12 words or more.

It can also be activated on the web by pressing Ctrl+H keys. However, on the Gmail app, mobile users will have to swipe the shortcut text to see a refined draft of their emails. This shortcut was earlier known as Refine my draft.

Google has mentioned that both the ‘Help me write’ and ‘Polish’ shortcuts have been rolled out on web and on the Gmail app. It is important to note that these features are exclusively available for Google Workspace customers with a Google One AI premium subscription.

It is also extended to Gemini Business and Enterprise add-ons or the Gemini Education and Education Premium add-ons. Since it a gradual rollout, it may take a few days for everyone to receive the update.