Skip to main content

How to Summarize a Word Document Using AI

Author: Amanda Li Last Modified: 2025-03-05

AI summarization is the process of using artificial intelligence to extract key points from a document, creating a concise and structured summary while retaining essential details. AI-powered summarization tools enhance productivity, document readability, and reading comprehension by allowing users to quickly grasp the main ideas of lengthy texts.

With the rise of AI for document processing, summarizing Word documents has never been easier. Various AI summarization tools can automatically generate short, coherent summaries, helping users save time while maintaining accuracy. Some of the most effective AI summarization tools include:

This tutorial will explore different methods for AI-based summarization in Word (see links above), followed by best practices for optimizing AI-generated summaries (see links below) for accuracy and readability.


Summarize a Word Document using Kutools for Word’s AI Assistant

Kutools for Word’s AI Assistant provides an intuitive way to summarize documents directly within Microsoft Word. This feature allows users to engage in real-time AI-powered chatting and quickly extract key points from their documents without switching between applications.

Kutools for Word, equipped with AI 🤖, offers over 100 handy features to simplify your tasks.
  1. Open the document that contains content you want to summarize and click Kutools > AI Assistant. AI-powered features provided by Kutools are completely free for all users.
    A screenshot of the AI Assistant option in the Kutools tab on the Ribbon in Microsoft Word
  2. In the Kutools AI Assistant pane, navigate to the Document QA tab.
  3. Request a summary of your document using either of the methods:
    • Using a preset summarization prompt: Click the "Summarize Document Content" prompt to send a predefined summarization request to Kutools AI Assistant.

      A screenshot of the Kutools AI Assistant pane in Microsoft Word with the preset summarization prompt selected

      Tip: To tailor the AI’s summarization output to your needs, click the Edit A screenshot of the Edit icon in the Kutools AI Assistant pane button next to the prompt bar and adjust the text before sending your request.

      A screenshot of the Edit Prompt dialog box
    • Typing a custom request manually: In the chat input box, type a request such as:
      • “Summarize this document.”
      • “Summarize the key points in bullet points.”
      • “Give me a short summary of the selected text.” ( Select text in your document before sending this request.)
        A screenshot of the Kutools AI Assistant pane in Microsoft Word with a custom request
  4. Ask Kutools AI Assistant to refine the summary by adjusting your request and resending it in the chat if it is too broad or too detailed.

Note: Kutools allows you to select any content in the chat and copy it for easy reference and further use.


Summarize a Word Document using Kutools for Word’s Real-Time Assistant

Kutools for Word’s Real-Time Assistant offers a customizable summarization experience, allowing users to set conditions, select a summarization language, and enable auto-generation for instant summaries.

Kutools for Word, equipped with AI 🤖, offers over 100 handy features to simplify your tasks.
  1. Open your Word document and click Kutools > Real-Time Assistant > Summary. AI-powered features provided by Kutools are completely free for all users.
  2. Highlight the specific text in your document that you want to summarize.
  3. Click Generate to create a summary of the selected content.
    A screenshot of the Kutools Real-Time Assistant pane in Microsoft Word

Notes:

  • Before generating a summary, you can customize various settings for better AI-generated summaries:
    • Choose the summarization language (see Mark 1 in the screenshot below).
    • Select from predefined summarization conditions (see Mark 2).
    • Add your own custom condition or modify the AI role prompt to tailor the summarization style and focus (see Mark 3).
  • Toggle the Auto Button (see Mark 4) to enable automatic summarization - selecting text in the document will instantly generate a summary without clicking Generate.
    A screenshot of the Summary box in the Kutools Real-Time Assistant pane and the Settings dialog box

Summarize a Word Document using Online Summarization Tools

Online AI summarization tools provide a flexible and accessible solution for summarizing Word documents, making it easy to extract key points without installing additional software.


QuillBot Summarizer

QuillBot Summarizer is a powerful AI-based summarization tool that helps users condense lengthy text into clear and concise summaries. It offers multiple summarization formats, allowing users to customize the level of detail in their summaries. QuillBot also provides an intuitive interface and seamless integration with web browsers like Chrome, making it a convenient choice for quick and efficient text summarization.

  1. Go to the QuillBot summarization tool page at https://quillbot.com/summarize.
  2. Select a summarization mode, such as Paragraph, Bullet Points or Custom, and adjust the summary length to control the level of detail in the generated text.
  3. Paste your text into the input box. Tip: After pasting, you can select one or multiple keywords to enhance the summary.
  4. Click the Summarize button.
    A screenshot of the QuillBot summarization tool page

Note: Scribbr Summarizer offers a similar interface and summarization experience. If you're interested, you can explore it at https://www.scribbr.com/text-summarizer/.


TLDR This

TLDR This is an AI-powered summarization tool designed to quickly condense long articles, research papers, and documents into concise, digestible summaries. It allows users to upload a Word document or PDF file, add a URL, or simply paste text to be summarized, making it ideal for those seeking to efficiently grasp the essence of lengthy content.

  1. Navigate to the TLDR This summarization page at https://www.tldrthis.com/#uploadFileSection.
  2. Select an input method and upload or enter your content:
    • Upload File: For Word documents or PDFs.
    • Add URL: To summarize content from a webpage.
    • Add Text: To paste the text directly.
  3. Click the SUMMARIZE THIS button.
  4. TLDR This will present the summary on a new chat page. You can continue interacting by asking further questions or refining the summary as needed.
    A screenshot of the TLDR This page

ChatGPT

ChatGPT, powered by OpenAI, is a versatile tool that provides high-quality rephrasing suggestions. By entering your text and specifying your goals (e.g., simplifying, professional tone, etc.), ChatGPT can generate multiple alternatives tailored to your needs.

  1. Open ChatGPT in your web browser at https://chatgpt.com/.
  2. Paste your text into the chat, or upload a file by clicking the plus (+) button, and request a summary with a prompt like:
    • “Summarize this document in a few sentences.”
    • “Provide a bullet-point summary of the key points.”
    • “Generate a concise summary focusing on the main arguments.”
  3. If the summary is too broad or lacks detail, refine your request, such as:
    • “Make the summary more detailed.”
    • “Focus only on the key takeaways.”
    • “Rewrite the summary in simpler language.”
    A screenshot showing ChatGPT website
Tip: To learn how to get an OpenAI API key, visit the How to get an OpenAI API key (steps by steps & FAQ) page.

Do More in Less Time with AI-Enhanced Kutools for Word

Kutools for Word isn't just a set of tools - it's a smart solution designed to boost your productivity. With AI-driven capabilities and the most essential features, Kutools helps you accomplish more in less time:

  • Create, refine, translate, summarize and secure documents effortlessly.
  • Improve grammar, clarity, and tone as you write in real time.
  • Rephrase and translate content with no layout or formatting changes.
  • Ask how to complete a task - like removing section breaks - and the AI will guide you or do it for you.
  • All tools work seamlessly inside Word, always within reach.
Learn more about Kutools for Word Download Now
Kutools for Word features

Best Practices for AI Summarization in Word

To ensure AI-generated summaries are accurate, readable, and effective, follow these best practices:


Customizing AI prompts for better results
  • When using tools like Kutools Real-Time Assistant that allow prompt customization, adjust the role prompt to refine the AI’s response.
  • Add specific instructions such as “Highlight key points and remove redundant details.

Choosing the right AI model based on document complexity

Tools like Kutools AI Assistant, Real-Time Assistant, and ChatGPT allow users to select different AI models for summarization. Choosing the appropriate model ensures better accuracy and efficiency based on the document’s complexity.

  • For simple documents: A standard AI model, such as GPT-3.5, is sufficient for summarizing straightforward content with clear structure.
  • For complex reports or academic papers: Opt for a more advanced AI model, such as GPT-4, that can process nuanced information and maintain coherence.
  • For highly detailed or technical content: Choose an AI model designed for deep analysis, such as GPT-4 Turbo, ensuring key insights are retained.
Tip: When using Kutools AI Assistant or Real-Time Assistant with KutoolsAI as the selected AI provider, the system intelligently leverages advanced AI models from OpenAI and GoogleAI. It dynamically chooses the most suitable model based on the complexity of your request, ensuring optimal summarization results. New users can register an account to access a free trial and experience its full capabilities.

Summarizing long documents section by section
  • Instead of summarizing an entire document at once, divide it into sections and summarize them separately.
  • This ensures key details are not lost in overly condensed summaries.

Avoiding overuse of AI summaries
  • AI-generated summaries save time, but always fact-check critical information for accuracy.
  • Review AI summaries and remove redundant phrases to enhance readability.
  • Combine AI-generated summaries with human editing for better precision and context.

Above is all the relevant content related to summarizing Word documents or text using AI. I hope you find the tutorial helpful. If you're looking to explore more Word tips and tricks, please click here to access our extensive collection of tutorials.