How to Create Custom AI Workflows with Gemini Gems Manager on Desktop: Step-by-Step Guide

In the rapidly advancing world of artificial intelligence, Google has once again raised the bar for accessibility and creativity. As of December 17, 2025, the Gemini web app on desktop introduces a groundbreaking feature: the integration of Opal, Google Labs’ innovative vibe-coding tool, as an experimental Gem within the Gems Manager. This powerful combination allows anyone—regardless of coding experience—to design and deploy custom AI workflows and interactive mini-apps directly from natural language prompts.

Gemini Gems are personalized versions of the Gemini AI model, tailored for specific roles or tasks. With Opal’s experimental Gem, these evolve into dynamic, reusable tools that automate everyday workflows, spark creative projects, or solve complex problems. Whether you’re streamlining productivity, building educational aids, or prototyping fun interactive experiences, the Gems Manager on desktop becomes your no-code AI workshop.

This step-by-step guide walks you through every aspect of creating custom AI workflows with the Gemini Gems Manager. From basic setup to advanced vibe-coding techniques, you’ll learn how to harness this feature to transform ideas into actionable, intelligent tools. By the end, you’ll be equipped to craft workflows that feel uniquely yours—efficient, engaging, and endlessly adaptable.

Getting Started: Accessing the Gems Manager on Desktop

To begin creating custom AI workflows, you’ll need access to the Gemini web app on a desktop browser—currently the primary platform for this feature (mobile support is expected soon).

1. Navigate to Gemini: Open your preferred browser and visit gemini.google.com. Sign in with your Google account if prompted. Ensure you’re using the latest version of Chrome, Edge, or Firefox for optimal performance.
2. Open the Sidebar: On the left side of the screen, click the sidebar icon (three horizontal lines) to expand the menu.
3. Enter the Gems Manager: Scroll down and select “Gems” (or “Manage Gems”). This opens the Gems Manager interface, your central hub for viewing, editing, and creating Gems.

Here, you’ll see pre-built Gems from Google (like learning coaches or coding helpers) alongside any you’ve previously created. Look for the section labeled “Gems from Labs” or search for “Opal”—the experimental Gem that unlocks advanced workflow creation.

The Gems Manager is elegantly designed: a clean grid of Gem cards with previews, descriptions, and quick actions. This is where the magic begins—turning simple prompts into sophisticated AI workflows.

Understanding Gems and the Power of Opal Integration

Before diving into creation, it’s essential to grasp what makes these custom AI workflows possible.

Standard Gems are static customizations: you define instructions, and Gemini follows them consistently. Opal’s experimental Gem elevates this to interactive mini-apps—structured workflows with visual elements, conditional logic, multi-step processes, and persistent state.

Opal’s “vibe-coding” approach is key: instead of writing code, you describe the desired “vibe” or behavior in natural language. Gemini 3’s advanced reasoning interprets this, generating a workflow you can refine visually.

Benefits include:

• No-Code Accessibility: Perfect for beginners yet powerful for experts.
• Reusability: Saved Gems are invocable anytime, shareable via links.
• Interactivity: Support for buttons, inputs, dynamic views, and multimodal outputs (text, images, charts).
• Privacy: Workflows run in isolated sessions; activity isn’t used for training.

With this foundation, you’re ready to create your first custom AI workflow.

Step 1: Creating a Basic Custom Gem

Start simple to build confidence.

1. In the Gems Manager, click “Create a new Gem” or the “+” icon.
2. Name and Describe: Give your Gem a title (e.g., “Daily Productivity Booster”). In the instructions field, describe its role: “You are a focused productivity assistant that helps prioritize tasks, set timers, and provide motivational quotes with a calm, professional vibe.”
3. Add Knowledge (Optional): Upload files or links for context—e.g., your calendar or to-do list format.
4. Save and Test: Click “Create.” Return to the main chat, select your new Gem from the dropdown, and interact. Refine instructions iteratively.

This basic Gem establishes a custom AI workflow for consistent task management—your first step toward personalization.

Step 2: Unlocking Advanced Workflows with the Opal Experimental Gem

For truly custom AI workflows and mini-apps, activate Opal.

1. In Gems Manager, locate the “Opal” Gem under “Gems from Labs” (it may appear prominently as a featured experimental option).
2. Start a New Project: Select Opal and begin a chat, or directly prompt: “Help me build a custom workflow for [your idea].”
3. Describe Your Vibe: Be expressive! Example: “Create an interactive meal planner with a cozy Italian kitchen vibe. It should ask for dietary preferences, suggest recipes based on ingredients I have, generate shopping lists, and visualize weekly menus with appealing food images.”

Gemini processes this, generating an initial workflow structure.

Step 3: Refining in the Visual Editor

The real power emerges here.

1. Enter Edit Mode: After generation, click “Edit” or “Open in Editor.” This launches Opal’s visual canvas—a drag-and-drop interface with nodes representing steps.
2. Explore Views:
   • Node View: Connected blocks for overall flow.
   • Step Breakdown View (new feature): Sequential list of actions, editable like bullet points.
3. Customize Elements:
   • Add branches: “If vegetarian, suggest alternatives.”
   • Integrate tools: Pull from calendar, generate images via Imagen.
   • Define inputs/outputs: Text fields, buttons, sliders.
4. Test Iteratively: Use the built-in simulator to run scenarios, adjusting for edge cases.

Example Workflow: For the meal planner, nodes might include “Gather Preferences” → “Query Ingredients” → “Generate Recipes” → “Create List” → “Visualize Menu.”

Step 4: Advanced Techniques for Sophisticated Workflows

Elevate your custom AI workflows with these pro tips:

• Conditional Logic: Use “if/then” in prompts or nodes—e.g., “If budget under $50, prioritize affordable options.”
• Multimodal Enhancements: Incorporate image generation: “Illustrate each recipe with appetizing photos.”
• Persistent State: Track across sessions—e.g., a habit tracker remembering streaks.
• Remixing Labs Examples: Start with pre-built like “Recipe Genie” (transforms leftovers) or “Claymation Expert” (visual explanations), then customize.
• Handover to Advanced Editor: For fine-tuning, export to opal.google—adjust variables, add custom scripts.

Real-World Example: A “Freelance Project Manager” workflow—intake client briefs, estimate timelines, generate invoices, track milestones with progress bars.

Another: An “Interactive Language Tutor”—conversational lessons with pronunciation feedback, vocabulary flashcards, and cultural visuals.

Step 5: Saving, Sharing, and Managing Your Gems

1. Finalize and Save: Name your workflow, add a description/icon.
2. Deploy: It becomes a reusable Gem in your library.
3. Share: Generate links for collaboration—recipients can remix.
4. Organize: In Gems Manager, categorize, pin favorites, or delete.

Troubleshooting and Best Practices

• Prompt Precision: Vague vibes yield generic results; specificity sparks magic.
• Iteration: Build incrementally—test often.
• Limitations: Desktop-only for now; complex APIs may need manual integration.
• Feedback: Use Labs channels to influence future updates.

Conclusion: Unlock Endless Possibilities with Custom AI Workflows

Google’s Gems Manager on desktop, supercharged by the Opal experimental Gem, represents a paradigm shift in AI interaction. This step-by-step guide has equipped you to create custom AI workflows that automate routines, fuel creativity, and adapt to your unique needs—all without writing a line of code.

From simple task assistants to intricate mini-apps, the possibilities are boundless. Start small, experiment boldly, and watch as Gemini becomes an extension of your imagination.

Visit gemini.google.com today, open the Gems Manager, and begin crafting your first workflow. In this era of AI empowerment, your custom tools await—vibrant, intelligent, and entirely yours.