In short. Gemini Deep Research creates editable research plans, searches selected sources, and produces reports whose citations can be retained in Google Docs.

Definition: As of 17 October 2026, Gemini Deep Research is a feature in Gemini Apps that turns a question into an editable research plan and a report with citations. It searches the web and can incorporate other sources selected by the user.

Key facts

Google's Deep Research help documentation includes Google Search as a source by default and allows it to be deselected when other sources are selected.
Google's product overview describes a research process that breaks a question into smaller tasks, gathers information, and synthesizes the findings.
Google's usage guide states that reports exported to Google Docs include citations in a works cited section.

How does the research plan work?

Google's help documentation places plan review before research begins. After a prompt is submitted, Gemini creates a plan. The Edit plan control allows changes before Start research launches the task. Google's usage guide explains that these changes can be requested in ordinary language, including adding a topic or changing direction.

The documented controls follow this sequence:

Edit plan
Start research
Open

Source selection also affects the task. The Sources control allows Gmail or Drive to be included when the Google Workspace app is connected to Gemini Apps. The same help page permits file uploads and NotebookLM notebooks as additional inputs. A report can therefore combine public web material with material supplied or connected by its user.

How does research become a report?

Google's product overview explains that the model manages the research plan, deciding which smaller tasks can run simultaneously and which need a sequence. It uses search and browsing tools to gather information, then considers the available findings before choosing its next action.

When the model judges that enough information has been gathered, it synthesizes a report. Google describes this stage as identifying themes and inconsistencies and organizing the findings. Its competitive analysis example combines public web data with internal strategy memos, comparison spreadsheets, and team conversations about a rival product.

How can the report's sources be inspected?

Google's usage guide describes Show thinking and Sites browsed during research. The former displays research steps alongside websites; the latter lists websites used. Links can be opened in another tab while research continues.

The guide also describes follow-up questions after the report is ready. Gemini can answer from research already performed or return to the web for more information. Requests can add material to the report. Exporting to Google Docs retains the citations in a works cited section, providing a place to inspect the references outside the Gemini interface.

FAQ

Can you research without Google Search?

Yes. Google's help documentation says you can deselect Google Search to limit research to other selected sources. Gmail and Drive require the Google Workspace connection.

Can you check a website link before the report finishes?

Yes. Google's usage guide describes opening websites from Show thinking or Sites browsed in another tab while Gemini works. After export to Google Docs, you can inspect the report's works cited section.

Sources

Check how a page reads to answer engines. Open the GEO score analyzer