Reference · How-to · ~5 min
How to summarize a long document
Get a useful summary without losing the thread — in about 5 minutes.
Get a useful summary without losing the thread — in about 5 minutes.
Steps
1. **Split if needed** — If the doc won't fit, summarize section by section (or use a tool with large context / RAG).
2. **Set role + task** — "You are a careful editor. Summarize for a busy manager."
3. **Paste or attach one section** with a label: `=== Section 2: Budget ===`
4. **Specify format** — "10 bullets, bold key numbers, max 200 words."
5. **Ask for gaps** — "List anything unclear or missing from this section."
6. **Merge** — Combine section summaries yourself, or ask for a final rollup.
Copy-paste prompt
Summarize the text below for [audience].
Format: [bullets / paragraph / executive summary]
Length: [word or bullet count]
Must include: [decisions, dates, action items]
Must not: invent facts not in the text
Text:
[paste here]Watch out
Models may **invent** action items or stats. Cross-check names, numbers, and dates against the original.