How to Use ChatGPT Inside Your Google Docs Templates

You have probably used ChatGPT to write emails, summarize documents, or brainstorm ideas. But what if you could bake AI directly into your Google Docs templates — so every new proposal, report, or contract gets intelligent, on-brand content automatically?

With Doc Variables, you can. Here is how.

The Problem with Copy-Paste AI Workflows

Most people use AI like this:

1. Open ChatGPT
2. Write a prompt
3. Copy the output
4. Paste into their document
5. Format and tweak

It works, but it is tedious — especially when you are creating the same types of documents over and over. Sales proposals. Client reports. Onboarding packets. Every time, you are starting from scratch.

A Better Way: AI Variables Inside Templates

Doc Variables lets you add smart placeholders to any Google Doc. When you open the template, a form appears in the sidebar. Fill it out, click Replace, and your document is ready.

The magic? One of those variables can be an AI prompt.

Here is what it looks like:

${Executive Summary::gpt::~Write a 3-sentence executive summary for a proposal to ${Company Name} about ${Project Type}}

When you fill out the form, Doc Variables sends your prompt to GPT and inserts the generated content directly into your document — already formatted, already in place.

Real Examples

1. Sales Proposals

${Value Proposition::gpt::~Write 2 paragraphs explaining why ${Company Name} should choose us for ${Service Type}. Emphasize speed and quality.}

2. Client Reports

${Monthly Summary::gpt::~Summarize key accomplishments for ${Client Name} in ${Month}. Keep it professional and concise.}

3. Onboarding Documents

${Welcome Message::gpt::~Write a friendly welcome message for ${New Hire Name} joining the ${Department} team.}

4. Meeting Agendas

${Agenda Items::gpt::~Create a 5-item agenda for a ${Meeting Type} meeting with ${Attendees}.}

How to Set It Up

1. Install Doc Variables from the Google Workspace Marketplace
2. Create a template in Google Docs
3. Add an AI variable using the syntax: ${Name::gpt::~Your prompt here}
4. Open the sidebar (Add-ons → Doc Variables → Start)
5. Fill the form and click Replace — AI content appears instantly

Why This Beats Standalone AI Tools

• Standalone AI: Copy-paste every time → Doc Variables: One-click generation
• Standalone AI: Formatting lost → Doc Variables: Already formatted in your doc
• Standalone AI: Context forgotten → Doc Variables: Variables provide context automatically
• Standalone AI: Team cannot reuse → Doc Variables: Share templates across your org

Tips for Better AI Results

1. Be specific in your prompts — Write 2 paragraphs about beats Write about
2. Reference other variables — Use variable names inside your AI prompts for context
3. Set a default prompt — Use the tilde syntax to provide a starting prompt that users can edit
4. Keep it focused — One AI variable per section works better than giant prompts

Get Started Free

Doc Variables offers a free tier so you can try AI templates today. Install from the Marketplace and create your first AI-powered template in minutes.

Doc Variables is the number 1 rated template add-on for Google Docs, trusted by 160,000+ users. Create proposals, contracts, invoices, and reports faster with smart variables and AI.