---
title: "Summarize a document"
description: "Create a structured Deep Summary of a long document, then continue working with it in the same chat."
canonical: "https://bearly.ai/docs/features/deep-summary/"
markdown: "https://bearly.ai/docs/features/deep-summary.md"
---

# Summarize a document

HTML: [https://bearly.ai/docs/features/deep-summary/](https://bearly.ai/docs/features/deep-summary/)

> Create a structured Deep Summary of a long document, then continue working with it in the same chat.

**Deep Summary** condenses a document into a readable overview. It is useful when you want the main argument, important sections, decisions, or themes before examining individual details.

For a precise question, quotation, or source comparison, ask Bearly to read or search the document instead of summarizing it.

## Create a Deep Summary



1. **Attach the document**

   Open a chat, select the plus icon beside the message box, choose **Attach files**, and select the document. Wait until the file finishes attaching.

2. **Choose Deep Summary**

   Type `/summarize`, then select **Deep Summary** from the command menu.

3. **Describe the summary you need**

   You can request a general overview or identify what should receive the most attention.

   ```text copy
   Summarize this report for an executive reader. Preserve the central argument, major evidence, risks, and every explicit recommendation.
   ```

4. **Send the message**

   Bearly reads the document and writes the summary into the conversation. Long documents can take more time because their sections are processed before the final summary is complete.



Deep Summary is clearest when you summarize one document at a time. If several files are attached, name the file you want summarized.

## Continue from the summary

The summary remains part of the chat, so you can ask Bearly to:

- Expand one section or explain an unfamiliar term.
- Turn the summary into a briefing, outline, email, or list of questions.
- Compare a claim against the attached source.
- Identify details that the condensed summary may have omitted.

> **Caution**
> A summary is a condensed interpretation, not a substitute for reviewing the source when exact wording or complete detail matters. Ask Bearly to read the relevant passage before relying on a quotation, number, deadline, or legal obligation.


## If Bearly cannot summarize the file

- Confirm that the upload finished and send the request again.
- If the document is password-protected, unlock it and attach an accessible copy.
- If the file contains scanned pages, allow more time for the text to become available.
- If Bearly says it cannot extract the document content, copy the relevant text into the chat or export the document to PDF and try again.
- For a very large file, ask for the most important sections first, then request a broader synthesis.

Learn how Bearly works with source material in [Document Research](https://bearly.ai/docs/features/document-research.md).

## Continue through the documentation

- [Documentation index](https://bearly.ai/docs.md): Browse every Bearly guide.
- [Previous: Search the web and run Deep Research](https://bearly.ai/docs/features/web-search-deep-research.md)
- [Next: Talk with Bearly by voice](https://bearly.ai/docs/features/voice-conversations.md)
- [Related: Research your documents](https://bearly.ai/docs/features/document-research.md)