Install the add-on from Google Workspace Marketplace, open Use AI Formulas from the Extensions → AI for Sheets menu, then test a simple =GEN() formula. If you want full-sheet analysis later, use Sheet Agent. If you want to work with image or PDF files, use Upload/Download Files with =VISION or =PDF.

Quick answer

Install AI for Sheets from Google Workspace Marketplace.
Open a Google Sheet.
Go to Extensions → AI for Sheets → Use AI Formulas.
Type =GEN("Write a short product description for running shoes") into a cell.
If you need sheet-wide analysis, open Sheet Agent from the same menu.

Step 1: Install from Google Workspace Marketplace

Open the marketplace listing and click Individual install: AI for Sheets .

Google Workspace Marketplace listing with the Individual install button highlighted

Step 2: Choose your Google account

Select the Google account you use with Google Sheets.

Choose an account prompt during AI for Sheets installation

Step 3: Click Continue

When Google asks you to confirm the sign-in, click Continue.

Google sign-in screen with the Continue button highlighted

Step 4: Select all permissions

On the permissions screen, click Select all.

Permissions screen with Select all highlighted

Step 5: Finish install

Scroll down and click Continue to complete the install.

Permissions screen with the Continue button highlighted

Step 6: Open AI for Sheets in Google Sheets

Open a Google Sheet, then go to Extensions → AI for Sheets → Use AI Formulas. This is the correct place to start if you want to use =GEN() inside cells.

Google Sheets Extensions menu with Use AI Formulas highlighted

Step 7: Enter your first AI formula

Type a simple prompt into a cell and press Enter. Example:

=GEN("Write a short product description for running shoes")

You can also use a cell reference, for example:

=GEN("Summarize this customer feedback in one sentence", A2)

Google Sheets with the =GEN formula typed into a cell

Step 8: Check the result

The response should appear in your cell. Once this works, you can fill the formula down to process many rows.

Formula result shown in a Google Sheets cell with the AI for Sheets sidebar open

What to use after your first formula

Use AI Formulas: best for row-by-row work like summaries, extraction, translation, classification, and writing.
Sheet Agent: best when you want AI to analyze a whole sheet, not just one cell.
Upload/Download Files: use this when you want a stable file URL for =VISION or =PDF workflows.

Tips for a smoother first run

Write prompts that say exactly what you want in one sentence.
Use fill down to repeat the same AI task for many rows.
If you are not sure which formula to use, see Formula reference.
If images or PDFs are not accessible, see Make Drive images accessible.

Troubleshooting

If you do not see the add-on menu after install, refresh the spreadsheet and open the file again.
If the sidebar opens but you are blocked later during checkout or sign-in, see Allow pop-ups.
If formulas do not work as expected, check Common issues or Fix formula errors.
If you still need help, visit Contact support.

FAQ

Should I start with Use AI Formulas or Sheet Agent?

Start with Use AI Formulas if you want AI output inside cells. Use Sheet Agent when you want broader analysis across the sheet.

What is the easiest first formula to try?

Start with a plain =GEN() prompt like =GEN("Summarize this text", A2). It is the fastest way to confirm the add-on is working.

How do I use image or PDF files?

Use Upload/Download Files to generate a usable URL, then run =VISION() or =PDF().

How to install AI for Sheets and get started in Google Sheets