Write an output-format spec that holds
Describes the shape rather than an example, and defines what an empty field contains.
| Category | Using AI › Writing prompts |
|---|---|
| Tags | ReformattingDraftingTemplate |
Write the output-format specification for this prompt. **Rules for the spec:** 1. ***Describe the shape, not an example.*** **An example gets copied literally** — the model reuses your sample values 2. **Name every field, say what type it is and whether it is required** 3. **State what goes in a field when there is nothing to put there** — ***empty, a marker, or omit the row.*** **Not deciding this is how "not applicable" and "forgotten" become indistinguishable** 4. **Say whether anything may appear outside the format** — preamble, closing remarks, explanation 5. **For tables: fix the columns. Say what determines the number of rows** 6. **For lists: fix the ordering rule.** Otherwise it reorders every run **Then:** - Which parts of the format the model will most likely break, and the one line that prevents it - ***If the format is over-specified for the task, say so.*** *A rigid format on an exploratory task produces filled-in blanks instead of thinking*
After pasting, fill in the fields at the bottom (What you want out · Where it goes)
What this prompt does
Give an example format and the model copies its sample values. This specifies shape, names every field, and decides in advance what an empty cell means.
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