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Generate Images Directly in Google Sheets Using Gemini

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Generate Images Directly in Google Sheets Using Gemini

Google Sheets now includes a built-in AI image generation tool that transforms your spreadsheet data into custom illustrations—no need to manually describe or recreate your information elsewhere. This is a game-changer for anyone tired of bouncing between apps just to visualize data.

Previously, the only way to generate images from your sheet data was through Gemini's sidebar chat feature, which meant manually writing prompts or copying-and-pasting your spreadsheet content into the chat window. Now with this integrated tool, Gemini reads your selected data directly and produces relevant visual representations. This guide walks you through the entire process of creating AI images in Google Sheets.

Generating AI Illustrations in Google Sheets

Before you start, make sure your Google Sheets interface is set to English—this feature currently requires it.

Here's the example data we'll be working with:

Google Sheets Data Table

Step 1:

Start by selecting the data range you want to visualize, then click Gemini > Generate an image to create imagery based on that selection.

Generate an image AI Google Sheets

Step 2:

Enter a detailed prompt describing how you want Gemini to transform your data, then hit send. Here's an example:

Create a professional infographic based only on the selected data. Keep all shop names, product names, and revenue figures exactly as shown in the spreadsheet. Do not add, remove, or modify any data. Present the revenue information clearly and visually in an easy-to-read layout.

Gemini will then display follow-up questions on the right panel—asking how you'd like the graphic styled, what the primary purpose is, and whether you have any additional requirements. These suggestions vary depending on your data. Once you've configured your preferences, tap Next at the bottom.

Step 3:

Give Gemini a moment to generate the image based on your selections. If no insert option appears in Google Sheets automatically, you can save the image through the right-click context menu.

Revenue Chart Image
AI-Generated Image in Google Sheets
Creating AI Images in Google Sheets

Important Note on Text in Generated Images

While Gemini produces visually stunning and engaging illustrations, the text within those images can sometimes have spelling or accuracy issues—especially with non-English languages. The tool occasionally alters product names or changes data slightly compared to your source material. For images containing critical figures or important content, always double-check the results before using them in presentations or reports.

Step-by-Step Process for Creating Images with Gemini in Google Sheets

Ready to harness AI's capabilities? Follow these straightforward steps:

Step 1: Open Your Sheet and Launch Gemini

Go to your Google Sheets document. In the top-right corner (next to your profile picture), click the Gemini icon.

Using Gemini to create images in Google Sheets

Step 2: Access the Tools Menu

A side panel will open on the right. In the chat window, click the Tools button.

Using Gemini to create images in Google Sheets

Step 3: Select Image Creation

From the available tools list, select Create Images.

Using Gemini to create images in Google Sheets

Step 4: Write Your Prompt

Type a detailed description of the image you want to create into the input field. For example: "A futuristic 3D chart showing sustainable growth trends."

Using Gemini to create images in Google Sheets

Submit Your Request: Press the Submit button and let Gemini process your instructions.

Insert Into Your Sheet: Once Gemini displays the generated image options, if you're happy with the result, simply click Insert to place it directly into your spreadsheet.

Key Benefits of Creating AI Images Directly in Google Sheets

Integrating Gemini into Google Sheets isn't just a fun gimmick—it delivers real, measurable value to your workflow:

  • Streamlines Your Process: No more switching between browser tabs, cloud storage, or image editors. Everything lives in one place, from raw data to polished visuals.
  • Personalizes Your Visuals: Instead of relying on generic stock photos, you create custom imagery that aligns perfectly with your specific reports and business goals.
  • Saves Time and Money: You essentially get a 24/7 design assistant ready to handle image requests instantly—without paying for external image licenses or freelance designers.
  • Boosts Professionalism: Your presentations and reports become more dynamic, eye-catching, and easier to understand, which helps capture attention from stakeholders and leadership.

Description: Learn how to create AI-generated illustrations straight from your spreadsheet data without extra steps or copying content.

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Teaching AI to Remember Your Writing Style: A Self-Learning System

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Teaching AI to Remember Your Writing Style: A Self-Learning System

Here's a frustrating reality: AI writing tools like Claude, Codex, and Cursor forget your personal voice almost instantly. You can plead in your prompt—"Write naturally, no buzzwords, keep it short"—but after just a few exchanges, the output reverts to robotic, formulaic text stuffed with empty corporate speak. The problem isn't that AI can't follow instructions. The real issue is that generic prompts can't compete with the tool's default training patterns.

Most people try to fix this by writing longer prompts or repeating their style guidelines in every single message. That approach burns out fast. What actually works—and sticks—is building a structured file system that lets AI automatically compare its initial drafts against your final, edited versions. Then it extracts editing patterns on its own. Think of it as teaching AI through example rather than instruction.

The Core Idea

Instead of telling AI "Remember my voice," you give it a project folder that acts like shared memory.

The workflow loops like this:

  1. AI generates a draft based on current style rules.
  2. You freeze that first draft into an unchangeable Snapshot file.
  3. You edit the draft into your final, polished version.
  4. AI compares the Snapshot and Final versions to spot the differences.
  5. It extracts writing principles from those edits and updates its rules file.
  6. Next time you create new content, it applies what it learned.

6-Step Guide to Building an AI Editorial Training System

1. Set Up Your Project Folder Structure—Create the AI's Memory Files

You don't need complicated databases. Just create a simple folder on your computer that your AI assistant (Claude Code, Cursor, etc.) can read and manage:

email-copy-style-demo/
  emails/
    draft/
      dot-mat-san-pham/
        prompt.md
        draft.md
        draft-snapshot.md
        final.md
        meta.md
    final/
  rules/
    editorial-rules.md
  skills/
  • rules/editorial-rules.md: Your master editing rulebook (AI's long-term memory).
  • draft-snapshot.md: The original AI draft, untouched (never edit this file).
  • final.md: Your edited, approved version of the content.
  • meta.md: Status tracking file (example: Status: drafted, Rules Updated: no).

Setting up AI writing style memory system

2. Initialize Your Editorial Rules—Interview, Don't Guess

Don't sit down and manually write your editorial-rules.md from scratch. Instead, have AI interview you about your writing habits.

Sample initialization prompt:

Interview me about the editing standards I use for marketing emails.

Ask me about:
- Primary audience
- Tone of voice
- Subject line approach
- Words and phrases to absolutely avoid (hype words)
- Call-to-action style
- Sample pieces I admire

Then summarize my answers and format them into rules/editorial-rules.md.

Good rules need specificity—vague guidelines won't shape your content. Here's what solid rules look like:

  • Lead with concrete examples before drawing general conclusions.
  • Use short sentences. Break up complex ideas.
  • Eliminate hollow buzzwords: "breakthrough," "comprehensive," "revolutionary."
  • Keep CTAs minimal and friction-free.

AI editorial rules setup

3. Generate Your First Draft and Freeze the Snapshot—Preserve the Original for Comparison

Ask AI to write your first piece, then save it in two versions: a working copy and a locked snapshot.

Draft and snapshot freezing

Sample draft-and-freeze prompt:

Write a marketing email based on the rules in rules/editorial-rules.md.

- Save the working version to: emails/draft/dot-mat-san-pham/draft.md
- Save an identical copy to: emails/draft/dot-mat-san-pham/draft-snapshot.md
- Create meta.md with:
  Status: drafted
  Rules Updated: no

Important: The draft-snapshot.md file is your only baseline. AI will use it later to detect exactly what you changed.

4. Package It as a Reusable Skill—Automate the Draft Workflow

Once your draft-and-snapshot process is running smoothly, bundle it into a Skill so you're not retyping the same long command every time you start a new piece.

Packaging draft workflow as skill

Skill packaging prompt:

Create a skill that I can use by simply entering a new email idea or campaign name.

This skill will automatically:
1. Read rules/editorial-rules.md.
2. Create a new folder named after the campaign.
3. Save the initial brief to prompt.md.
4. Write the first draft into draft.md.
5. Duplicate it exactly into draft-snapshot.md.
6. Create an empty final.md for my edits.
7. Generate meta.md with Status: drafted and Rules Updated: no.

Critical rule: Never overwrite draft-snapshot.md after creation.

5. Edit and Update Rules—This Is Where AI Actually Learns

This is the most important step in the entire system. Open final.md, copy content from draft.md, and edit it your way. Trim sentences, rewrite headlines, restructure your CTAs—whatever feels right.

Once you're done, ask AI to compare the two versions:

Sample edit-comparison prompt:

Compare draft-snapshot.md and final.md from the most recent email.

- Identify valuable editing lessons based on my changes.
- Update rules/editorial-rules.md with these insights.

Requirements:
- Exclude campaign-specific details (these don't apply broadly).
- Don't duplicate rules already in the file.
- Prioritize sharp, concise rules over long lists.

6. Automate the Improvement Loop—Let AI Self-Improve on Schedule

You can set up a scheduled task that periodically scans your draft folder and automatically extracts lessons from finalized pieces—no manual prompting required.

Auto-improvement prompt:

Scan the emails/draft/ folder for the oldest piece marked "final" or "sent" with "Rules Updated: no".

1. Compare its draft-snapshot.md against final.md.
2. Extract valuable principles and merge them into rules/editorial-rules.md.
3. Update meta.md to "Rules Updated: yes" so this piece isn't reprocessed.

Good Rules vs. Bad Rules—What Actually Works

The system's effectiveness depends entirely on rule quality. Periodically audit your editorial-rules.md file to ensure AI is extracting real insight:

Criterion Weak Rule (Delete or Revise) Strong Rule (Keep)
Specificity "Make the email better, more engaging." "When introducing new features, lead with a real case study before stating general benefits."
Scope "Mention the 20% December discount." "Avoid hard-sell claims. Let concrete examples prove value instead."
Reusability "Use red buttons." (Too visual for copy) "Open emails with a thought-provoking question instead of generic greetings."

The Real Payoff

By maintaining this folder, every edit becomes a learning moment. After a few weeks, your editorial-rules.md transforms into something irreplaceable—a personalized style guide that captures your exact thinking, voice, and standards. No pre-trained AI model owns this. It belongs to you, and it'll make AI output progressively closer to what you actually want to publish.


Description: Stop fighting AI's bland defaults. Build a file-based system that lets AI learn your unique writing voice through automated feedback loops.

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Seedance 2.5 vs 2.0: What Actually Changed (Spoiler: Not What You Think)

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Seedance 2.5 vs 2.0: What Actually Changed (Spoiler: Not What You Think)

Almost every article claiming Seedance 2.5's biggest upgrade is native 4K support gets it completely wrong. Version 2.0 already had that. If you're thinking about upgrading hoping for sharper visuals, you're about to waste money on nothing new.

There are actually four real improvements—and all of them matter far more than resolution specs. Below, we've broken down the specific capabilities, pricing details, and situations where sticking with 2.0 still makes sense.

The 4K Misconception

Seedance 2.5 resolution and duration settings panel showing video generation parameters
Seedance 2.5 resolution and duration settings panel showing video generation parameters

This is where the confusion starts. ByteDance's own documentation mentions 4K exactly once in the technical specifications—and only when describing what you can upload: "Reference videos accepted from 480p to 4K." That's talking about input, not output.

Meanwhile, Seedance 2.0 has been able to export native 4K video since long before version 2.5 launched. When articles claim that 4K is "a massive leap forward from the 1080p output of previous versions," they're describing something two generations old.

Resolution is just a setting you pick when you create a video. It always has been. That's not a reason to upgrade.

The real reasons lie in four improvements ByteDance is actually pushing.

The Four Actual Improvements Between Seedance 2.5 and 2.0

1. 30-Second Continuous Shots (No Stitching Required)

Seedance 2.0 maxes out at 15 seconds. Version 2.5 generates 30-second videos in one uninterrupted pass—no splicing clips together.

This is bigger than it sounds. Fifteen seconds is barely enough for a moment. Thirty seconds lets you tell an actual story with setup, middle, and resolution. Think a character walking from indoors into a landscape. A product ad transitioning from studio to living room. A science explainer that actually explains something.

You're no longer forced to edit around the model's limitations. You can actually direct. There's also a new feature that extends clips with high fidelity—turn a short snippet into a full piece while keeping characters, backgrounds, and camera angles consistent.

2. Up to 50 Reference Files (Including Audio-Only)

Seedance 2.0 accepts 9 images and 3 audio/video clips. Version 2.5 handles up to 50 total: 30 images, 10 videos, and 10 audio files.

The real novelty here is audio-only references. You can now generate video from just sound. The model syncs rhythm, beats, and lip-sync to match your audio. This isn't just more inputs—it's genuinely new functionality.

3. Precision In-Video Editing

This is the most underrated upgrade, yet hardly anyone talks about it.

Seedance 2.5 can edit finished videos without regenerating them: swap products, change actor wardrobe, remove equipment or passersby, adjust lighting across an entire scene, alter an actor's apparent age. All while preserving original framing, camera movement, and pacing. One shoot. Multiple outputs.

4. Multilingual Output Direct from the Model

Support for over 10 languages built-in: Mandarin, English, Spanish, Indonesian, Malay, Thai, Arabic, Portuguese, Vietnamese, Japanese, and Korean. Write your prompt in your language, and dialogue renders in your target language with perfectly matched lip-sync.

For businesses distributing across multiple markets, this eliminates voice-over work entirely. One master and one prompt. Multiple language versions generated.

One 30-second shot with a large cast—something the old 15-second cap made impossible.

Full Technical Comparison

Seedance 2.0Seedance 2.5
Single shot duration15 seconds30 seconds
Reference images930
Video/audio references310 video + 10 audio
Total reference files1250
Audio/video reference duration15 seconds total30 sec video + 30 sec audio (counted separately)
Audio-only references
Video editing
Extend footage (forward/backward/splice)
Language supportLimited10+
Native 4K output✓ (no change)

Reference file limits broken down in detail:

TotalFile SizeFormatDuration
Images0–30≤30MB, up to 4Kjpeg, png, webp, bmp, tiff, gif, heic, heif
Video0–10≤200MB, 480p–4Kmp4, movEach: 2–30 sec, total ≤30 sec
Audio0–10≤15MBmp3, wavEach: 2–30 sec, total ≤30 sec

One detail everyone misunderstands: video and audio duration limits are separate. That's 30 seconds for video and 30 seconds for audio—not 30 total across both.

You can combine input methods seven different ways: images only, video only, audio only, or any two-part or three-part mix. When using all three, you can designate an image as the opening or closing frame.

Pricing and Availability

The facts, to clear up speculation:

  • Public API access and lab testing open: August 7, 2026
  • Seedance 2.5 has no free tier. Zero free credits.
  • Access requirements mirror 2.0: account balance over ¥200, or an active Seedance 2.0 resource package
  • Volcengine pricing: ¥42 per million tokens for video inputs, ¥70 without video. BytePlus equivalent: $6.40 and $10.70 USD

Since billing runs on tokens rather than fixed per-second rates, actual cost depends on resolution and input type. Third-party estimates for a 30-second clip range from under $1 at lower settings to double-digit pricing at 4K. Treat these as rough numbers until the API actually launches.

When Seedance 2.0 Still Makes Sense

Use case comparison between Seedance 2.0 and 2.5 with premium product advertising imagery
Use case comparison between Seedance 2.0 and 2.5 with premium product advertising imagery

Not everything needs 2.5. And version 2.5 charges from frame one.

Stick with 2.0 if:

  • Your clips run under 15 seconds. That's the norm for social media content anyway.
  • You're working with one subject and a handful of reference images. The new 50-image limit doesn't benefit you.
  • You're testing ideas and want cheap rerolls. You'll need it now—2.5 access opens August 7.

Switch to 2.5 if:

  • You need seamless footage longer than 15 seconds.
  • You want consistent casting, product lines, or brand identity across shots.
  • You want to edit or extend footage instead of regenerating from scratch. This is the crucial one.
  • You're releasing the same content across multiple language markets.

Here's the simplest way to think about it: 2.0 makes clips. 2.5 makes finished products.


Description: The real upgrades between Seedance 2.5 and 2.0 have nothing to do with 4K. Here's what actually matters.

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How to Use Whimsical's AI to Generate Diagrams Instantly

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How to Use Whimsical's AI to Generate Diagrams Instantly

Creating mind maps and flowcharts used to be tedious work. But AI-powered tools like Whimsical have changed the game entirely—suddenly you can go from concept to finished diagram in minutes instead of hours.

Whimsical is an AI-driven platform that lets you generate diagrams from simple text prompts, then refine the layout and content however you want. It supports multiple diagram types—mind maps, flowcharts, process diagrams—perfect for educational content, project planning, or work documentation. In this guide, we'll walk you through using Whimsical to create diagrams powered by AI.

Step-by-Step: Creating AI Diagrams with Whimsical

Step 1: Access Whimsical's AI Features

Head to the link below and sign up for a Whimsical account:

https://whimsical.com/ai

Once you're in Whimsical's main interface, click the AI icon in the top-right corner to open the Whimsical Agent (see image below).

Mở giao diện khung chat Whimsical

Alternatively, click Ask agent to launch the AI diagram creation window.

Ask agent khung chat Whimsical

Step 2: Describe Your Diagram

In the chat window, type out what you want your diagram to look like. Be specific about content, main branches, sub-branches, and structure. You can even upload images to use as source material for the diagram layout.

Lệnh tạo sơ đồ trên Whimsical

Step 3: Review and Customize the Generated Diagram

After a moment, Whimsical will generate your diagram based on your description. You'll see it instantly on screen.

Sơ đồ AI tạo trên Whimsical

Click on any text in the diagram to edit and modify it to match your exact needs.

Thay đổi nội dung sơ đồ tạo trên Whimsical

Here's what's interesting: you can expand the diagram's content using AI. Click the Generate ideas icon to have AI add more detail to any branch.

Triển khai nội dung sơ đồ AI tạo trên Whimsical

You'll see the sub-branches get filled in with AI-generated content. If you don't like something, just delete it—no harm done.

Nội dung sơ đồ AI tạo trên Whimsical

Step 4: Export Your Diagram

When your diagram is ready, hit Share in the top-right corner. From the menu, select Export to download your diagram as a PNG image.

Want it as a PDF instead? Choose Print from the Share menu. Or pick Embed to insert the diagram directly into a webpage.

Tải sơ đồ AI tạo trên Whimsical

Pro Tips: Writing Better Prompts for Accurate Diagrams

The quality of your AI-generated diagram depends heavily on how well you describe what you want. Don't just throw a topic at Whimsical—give it real detail about diagram type, content, number of branches, and layout preferences. The more specific you are, the better the result.

Try these techniques:

  • Specify the diagram type: Tell Whimsical exactly what you need—mind map, flowchart, organizational chart, or something else.
  • Define your main topic: Describe the core subject and what the diagram should communicate.
  • List key points: Provide the specific branches or steps you want included.
  • Set branch limits: If you want a clean, uncluttered diagram, specify how many main branches and sub-branches you need.
  • Request a format: Ask for concise text, a specific sequence, or any layout preferences.
  • Plan for iteration: If the first result isn't quite right, ask Whimsical to add, remove, or condense content in a follow-up prompt.

For example, instead of writing "Create a diagram about a Hanoi trip," be explicit:

Create a mind map for a Hanoi vacation plan with 5 main branches: attractions, transportation, accommodation, dining, and budget. Each branch should have 2–3 sub-points. Keep text brief, clear, and easy to scan.

The real concern is vagueness. Give Whimsical actual parameters to work with, and you'll be amazed at how much better the output becomes.


Description: Learn how to create mind maps, flowcharts, and diagrams with AI using Whimsical. Complete step-by-step guide plus prompt-writing tips.

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Windsurf: A Free, Feature-Rich IDE That Rivals Cursor

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Windsurf: A Free, Feature-Rich IDE That Rivals Cursor

Like many developers lately, your first taste of AI-assisted coding probably came through tools like Lovable and Bolt—platforms where you describe what you want built and watch the system construct it automatically. Then you try Cursor, and while it's undeniably powerful, something feels off. The workflow skews toward traditional code editing rather than conversation, and you find yourself missing that seamless back-and-forth interaction.

Enter Windsurf. The buzz around this tool centers on its speed, cleaner interface, and—most notably—a genuinely free tier that includes unlimited autocomplete without artificial restrictions. Here's what really caught people's attention: Windsurf's workflow mirrors Lovable and Bolt far more than Cursor does. It's a free IDE that does everything Cursor does, plus a few things Cursor doesn't.

Windsurf's interface is noticeably more polished

Fast launcher and smoother editor layout

Windsurf cursor and startup screen on Windows 11
Windsurf cursor and startup screen on Windows 11

The first thing you'll notice about Windsurf is launch speed. Traditional IDEs typically chug during startup, and even Cursor carries noticeable boot lag. Windsurf launches significantly faster with a clean welcome screen displaying your recent projects right away.

The interior layout is familiar but quieter. You get the standard VS Code arrangement—file tree on the left, editor in the center—but the AI panel (called Cascade) sits on the right with a neat toggle between Write and Chat modes. A model dropdown nearby lets you switch between Claude Sonnet, GPT, and Windsurf's proprietary SWE model without leaving the editor.

What's interesting here is what's missing. Cursor takes an "everything everywhere" approach—every error gets a "Fix with AI" button, every section gets an "AI Debug" overlay. Windsurf hides most of these by default. Yes, inline code diffs exist, but you need to click Open Diff to see them in a full panel. This keeps the editor quiet until you actually need to review changes.

The user experience is genuinely easier

Click-to-edit functionality and built-in preview reduce friction

That polish extends to how you actually work in Windsurf. The preview pane runs your app live inside the editor, and Send element mode lets you click any UI component—a button, heading, whatever—and feed that exact DOM node straight into your next Cascade prompt.

Testing this with a small web project previously used in Cursor shows the difference immediately. Instead of hunting for class names or scrolling through CSS, you just click the score text in the preview, type "change color to neon yellow," and let Cascade handle it.

A small rocket icon above the Cascade chat window triggers deployment with one click. Cascade saves your config, verifies your Windsurf domain, and pushes the project to Netlify. Suddenly you have a shareable URL for a side project in seconds—something that would take 10 minutes with other tools.

Chat mode is set to automatic by default

Cascade plans, edits, and runs commands without hand-holding

Windsurf's automatic mode
Windsurf's automatic mode

The real reason Windsurf resonates with developers is its automatic chat mode. In Cursor, you manually select which files to include in context and review every diff before committing. Good for control freaks, frustrating when you just want to ship a feature. Windsurf flips this. Like some other free Cursor alternatives, it lets you describe your goal and figures out which files need touching, what context to pull, and which commands to run.

It sounds like a minor shift, but it transforms the workflow from "directing an AI" to "telling it what you want." Ask Cascade to add a settings page to a small Express app, and it indexes relevant files, creates a new route, hooks it into the existing layout, and starts the dev server to confirm nothing broke. You don't pick a single file or paste a snippet.

Windsurf also writes changes to disk before you formally accept them, making the agent workflow feel natural. You see updates live on the dev server immediately, catch build errors, and iterate through chat without committing anything. Hate the result? Undo and revert the entire session to its original state with a single click.

Windsurf is free, and paid plans cost less

Windsurf Pro plans
Windsurf Pro plans

Cost is another reason developers stick with Windsurf. The free tier offers unlimited Tab autocomplete, inline editing, preview pane access, plus a small daily allowance of Cascade sessions for agent work. If you're tinkering with side projects, this actually matters. You can build two small apps and deploy one without ever hitting a paywall.

The paid tier also delivers better value. Windsurf Pro costs $20/month (same as Cursor Pro), but the included credits, free models, and unlimited Tab autocomplete across all tiers mean everyday use doesn't feel expensive. Stick with Windsurf's lighter SWE-1 model, and your credits last a long time.

The credit system takes getting used to. Different models consume credits at different rates, so a heavy session with an advanced model depletes your budget faster than using an internal model. The pricing structure isn't perfect, but the free tier is generous enough to evaluate the tool without pressure to upgrade.

Where Windsurf falls short

A few minor issues worth considering

Windsurf experience on Windows 11
Windsurf experience on Windows 11

Windsurf isn't flawless. After a week of daily use, several minor frustrations emerge. Sometimes the agent produces code that feels less creative than querying the same Claude model directly in a browser. On complex tasks, responses drift off-topic or repeat themselves—especially as chat history grows—which is why many skip the "vibe coding" approach for serious projects.

The agent workflow has quirks too. Cascade occasionally stalls on terminal commands, forcing you to type "continue" multiple times to nudge it forward. Editing files while the system is working can confuse the diff mechanism, interrupting the natural instinct to tweak something mid-process.

The real concern is ecosystem. Windsurf's user community is smaller than Cursor's, third-party extensions are scarce, and the tool lacks powerful features like automatic refactoring or built-in test generation. For solo work, this barely matters. For larger team workflows, it's worth considering.

Windsurf isn't universally better than Cursor for everyone. If you maintain enormous monorepos, demand pixel-perfect control over every change, or rely heavily on extension ecosystems, Cursor still wins. Windsurf's agent feature can be spotty, and the credit system confuses more than it clarifies.

But for anyone transitioning from Lovable or Bolt into a real IDE—something that respects that conversational workflow—Windsurf is the better starting point. The free version delivers real value, the interface doesn't get in the way, and agent-first defaults make the whole process feel like collaborating with an editor rather than just using a tool.


Description: Discover Windsurf, the free AI-powered IDE that matches Cursor's capabilities while offering a smoother, more conversational workflow for developers.

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Use AI to Edit Photos Directly in Google Slides

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Use AI to Edit Photos Directly in Google Slides

Google Slides now includes powerful AI-powered image editing tools built right into your presentation workspace. Instead of jumping between multiple applications, you can swap backgrounds, expand images to fit your layout, and remove unwanted elements directly within Slides. What's interesting here is that all these edits happen through the image editor panel—no external software needed, and you get instant previews before committing to changes.

Every image edit in Google Slides runs through Gemini, which is integrated into your account. Here's how to use Gemini to transform your images while you work on your presentation.

Changing Image Backgrounds with AI

The background replacement feature lets you generate a completely new background based on your description. Just tell AI what kind of setting you want, and it'll create one that matches your subject and scene.

Step 1:

Click your image on the slide, then select Edit image from the menu below it.

Edit images with AI on Google Slides

Step 2:

The image editing panel appears on the right side of your screen. Now type your request in the prompt box to change the background to whatever style you prefer. Here's an example:

Replace the background with a dining table setting, keep the main subject and natural lighting unchanged.

AI background replacement prompt on Google Slides

Gemini generates a fresh image with the new background exactly as you described. If you like the result, click it to insert directly into your slide.

AI-generated background on Google Slides

Expanding Images with AI

Need more canvas space? AI can intelligently expand your image to fill your slide layout while keeping the main subject intact.

Go to Edit image from your slide, then write a prompt to expand the image in the direction you need. Be specific about dimensions and style. Here's an example:

Expand the image horizontally on both sides to a 16:9 ratio, add complementary scenery that matches the current background, and preserve the main subject.

Expand images with AI on Google Slides

The image expands in your requested direction with composition adjustments to match your layout. Click the result and select Insert to add it to your slide. Here's the original:

Original image on Google Slides

And here's the expanded version with the new dimensions applied:

AI-expanded image on Google Slides

Removing and Editing Image Details with AI

For more targeted adjustments, describe exactly what you want changed in the prompt box—specify which elements to modify, what to preserve, and what to keep untouched.

Type your editing instructions directly, noting which parts to edit, what details matter, which areas to leave alone, then send your request.

Edit image details with AI on Google Slides

Gemini processes your prompt and returns a completely revised version.

AI-edited image on Google Slides

If the result works for you, insert it into your slide.

Final AI-edited image on Google Slides

Removing Image Backgrounds with AI

Want to isolate your subject from the background? AI can strip away distracting elements behind your main focus without manual retouching. The real concern is getting clean edges—Gemini handles this automatically when you provide clear instructions.

Click your image, then tap the background removal icon to start.

Remove image background with AI on Google Slides

You'll see the background stripped away instantly.

AI background removed image on Google Slides

You can also use Gemini with a text prompt to remove the background for more control:

Remove the entire background behind the subject, preserve the subject and all key image details.

Background removal prompt on Google Slides

Now you have an AI-generated version with the background removed. Click to insert it into your slide if you're satisfied.

Final background removed image on Google Slides

Prompt Examples for Image Editing

When writing prompts for image edits, be clear about what you want changed and what should stay the same. Describe the specific parts to modify, the elements to preserve, and your desired outcome based on your needs.

For Background Changes:

Replace the image background with a setting that complements the subject, keep the main subject and important details unchanged.

For Image Expansion:

  • Expand the image to add space around it, fill in details that match the current background, keep the subject and overall style intact.
  • Expand the image on both sides, add scenery consistent with the current image, preserve the main subject.
  • Expand horizontally to create more space on left and right, maintain the image's original style and feel.
  • Expand vertically, add natural background elements above and below the current image.
  • Expand to a square layout, add a matching background, and keep the main subject centered.

For Background Removal:

  • Remove the image background while keeping the main subject and important details, ensure the result looks natural and matches the original.
  • Remove everything behind the subject, preserve the subject and all key details in the image.
  • Remove the background behind a person, keep the person's face, body, and clothing intact.
  • Remove unnecessary objects and details in the background, preserve the main subject.
  • Separate the subject from the background while protecting all subject details.

For Detail Editing:

  • Edit the image as requested, modify only the described parts, and leave the subject and other details unchanged.

Tips for Better Results:

  • Be specific about which parts of the image you want edited so AI understands your exact intention.
  • Clearly state what should remain unchanged if certain elements matter to you.
  • When changing or expanding backgrounds, describe the new setting in a way that fits naturally with the original image.
  • If results miss the mark, refine your prompt with more detail and try again.
  • Keep in mind that AI editing capabilities vary depending on your account type and which Google Slides features you have access to.

Description: Learn how to use Google Slides' built-in AI tools to change backgrounds, expand images, remove backgrounds, and edit details without leaving your pres

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