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How to Summarize a Long Letter, Article or Document With AI

Long letters, contracts and articles can be tiring to read. AI can give you the short version and explain anything confusing. It is one of the most useful everyday tricks.

Step by step

  1. Remove private details. Delete names, account numbers and addresses before pasting.
  2. Paste the text. Or upload the file if your assistant allows it.
  3. Ask for the format you want. Five bullet points, one paragraph, or a list of what I need to do.
  4. Ask follow-up questions. What does this clause mean? Is there a deadline?
  5. Read the key parts yourself. For contracts and legal notices, use AI for understanding, not as a substitute for advice.

A prompt you can copy

Type this into ChatGPT, Claude or Gemini

Summarize the following letter in five short bullet points, then list any deadlines or actions I need to take. Use plain words. [paste text]

Good to know. Ask the AI to quote the exact sentence that supports each point so you can check it.

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Common questions

Is there a length limit?

Yes, but it is large. Very long documents may need to be split into parts.

Can it summarize a web page?

Paste the text, or give the link if your assistant can browse.

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