What to know

  • Opal is now embedded inside the Gemini web interface via the Gems manager, so users can design reusable AI mini-apps without leaving Gemini.
  • Users describe the functionality they want in natural language, and Opal translates it into a visual workflow that can be edited and rearranged, removing the need for coding skills.
  • A new “text-to-steps” view automatically converts prompts into structured step lists, improving clarity and ease of app creation.
  • Once created, these mini-apps "Gems" can be saved and reused within Gemini; advanced customization remains available via the Opal Advanced Editor at opal.google.com.

Google has officially integrated its experimental “vibe-coding” tool, Opal, into the Gemini web application, marking a significant expansion of the company’s efforts to make AI-driven app creation accessible to a broader audience. With this integration, users can now build and customize AI-powered mini-applications—called Gems - directly within the Gemini interface using natural-language descriptions and a visual editor, without writing traditional code.

Opal, which originated as part of Google Labs, allows users to describe the functionality they want in plain English while the system leverages Gemini’s generative models to assemble the underlying workflow. The result is a visual sequence of steps that can be rearranged and fine-tuned through the editor embedded in the Gems manager on the Gemini web platform. This approach aligns with the growing trend of “vibe-coding,” where natural-language input replaces conventional programming for rapid prototyping and lightweight application development.

According to Google, the updated visual editor within Gemini now includes a text-to-steps view that automatically converts user prompts into clear, editable step lists, simplifying the process of understanding and refining custom AI apps. Once built, these Gems can be saved and reused within the Gemini ecosystem, and users seeking deeper customization can switch to the Opal Advanced Editor at opal.google.com.

Gems were first introduced in 2024 as task-specific versions of Gemini, tailored for uses such as learning assistance, brainstorming, coding support, and editing tasks. By embedding Opal directly into Gemini, Google is extending the platform beyond pre-configured assistants toward a more flexible no-code development environment.

The company’s move reflects broader industry momentum behind democratizing software creation and empowering non-technical users to build functional AI tools. Similar capabilities are also emerging from startups and established AI vendors that emphasize natural-language interfaces for app creation.