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How to Save AI's Work

A plain English guide to keeping what AI creates for you

You just had a wonderful conversation with an AI. It wrote you a letter, made a list, or explained something perfectly. Now you want to save it, email it to someone, or put it in a document.

But... how?

The chat just sits there. You can't seem to download it. And copying and pasting feels clunky.

This guide will show you exactly how to get your AI's work out of the chat and into something you can actually use.

First: Just Ask for What You Want

The easiest method? Tell the AI what format you need upfront.

Try saying:

  • "Write me a letter I can copy into an email"
  • "Make me a list I can paste into a Word document"
  • "Create a table I can put in Excel"
  • "Give me this as a PDF I can download"

The AI will format its response to match what you need.

The Copy and Paste Method

This is the simplest approach and works with any AI, free or paid.

Step 1: Highlight the text you want to keep

Click at the beginning of the text. Hold down your mouse button. Drag to the end of what you want. Let go.

Step 2: Copy it

On Mac: Press Command and C together
On Windows: Press Ctrl and C together
Or: Right click and choose "Copy"

Step 3: Open where you want to put it

This could be an email, a Word document, Google Docs, Pages, or your Notes app.

Step 4: Paste it

On Mac: Press Command and V together
On Windows: Press Ctrl and V together
Or: Right click and choose "Paste"

That's it! Your AI's work is now in your document.

Getting Files You Can Download

Some AIs can create actual files for you, like Word documents, PDFs, or spreadsheets. This is usually a paid feature.

ChatGPT

Paid version ($20/month): Can create Word documents, Excel spreadsheets, PowerPoint presentations, and PDFs. Say "Create this as a Word document I can download" and a download link will appear in the chat.

Free version: Cannot create downloadable files. Use the copy and paste method instead.

Claude

Paid version ($20/month): Can create Word documents, Excel spreadsheets, PowerPoint presentations, and PDFs. Say "Save this as a PDF" or "Create a Word document with this" and you'll get a download link.

Free version: Cannot create downloadable files. Use the copy and paste method instead.

Google Gemini

Can export responses directly to Google Docs. Look for the "Export" button after a response. This works with both free and paid versions, but you'll need a Google account.

What Format Should I Ask For?

  • →For a letter, essay, or report: Ask for plain text, then paste it into Word, Pages, Google Docs, or an email
  • →For a list or outline: Ask for bullet points, then paste into Word, Pages, or your Notes app
  • →For data or numbers: Ask for an Excel file or CSV, then open it in Excel, Numbers, or Google Sheets
  • →For something to print: Ask for a PDF, then open and print directly
  • →For a presentation: Ask for a PowerPoint file or PowerPoint outline, then open in PowerPoint or Keynote

Note for Mac users: Even if the AI gives you an "Excel file," you can open it in Numbers (Apple's free spreadsheet app). They work together just fine.

Can AI Email Things Directly?

Short answer: Not usually, and that's actually a good thing.

Most AIs cannot send emails on your behalf because they don't have access to your email account. This is a safety feature, not a limitation.

What to do instead:

  1. Ask the AI to write the email
  2. Copy the text
  3. Paste it into a new email in your email program
  4. Review it and make any changes
  5. Send it yourself

This keeps you in control of what goes out with your name on it.

Saving a Whole Conversation

Sometimes you want to keep the entire back and forth, not just one answer.

ChatGPT: Click the three dots next to the conversation name. Choose "Share" to get a link you can save or send to someone.

Claude: Click the conversation title at the top. Use "Share" to create a link you can bookmark or send.

Helpful tip: If you want to save a conversation, ask the AI: "Summarize our conversation so far in a format I can save." You'll get a clean recap you can copy and paste.

Practice Exercises

Try these to get comfortable:

Exercise 1: Basic copy and paste

Ask your AI: "Write a short thank you note for a birthday gift"

Copy it using the steps above. Paste it into an email.

Exercise 2: Getting a table

Ask: "Make a table comparing three popular streaming services with price and main features"

Copy the table. Paste into Word or Google Docs. The table should keep its formatting.

Exercise 3: Spreadsheet data

Ask: "Create a simple monthly budget template"

If you have a paid version, ask for it as an Excel file and download it. If you have a free version, copy the response and paste it into Excel or Numbers.

Troubleshooting

"The formatting got messed up when I pasted"

Try looking in the Edit menu for "Paste and Match Formatting" or "Paste as Plain Text." This strips out any weird formatting and uses your document's style instead.

"I can't find the download button"

If you're using a free version, download buttons aren't available. The copy and paste method always works as a backup.

"The table turned into a mess"

Make sure you're pasting into a program that supports tables, like Word or Google Docs. Plain text editors like Notepad won't preserve table formatting. If tables aren't working, ask the AI to "format this as plain text" instead.

Remember

  • → Copy and paste works everywhere, every time
  • → Ask for the format you need upfront
  • → Downloadable files are usually a paid feature
  • → Always review before sending anything
  • → When in doubt, ask the AI: "How can I save this?"

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I help people like you feel confident using AI in everyday life. No jargon, no judgment, just practical guidance.