Get the format you actually need
Stop reformatting AI's answers by hand. Tell it the shape, length and structure up front.
What you’ll do
- Take a task where you keep fixing the format afterwards.
- Specify length, structure and tone in the prompt.
- Re-run and see how much less editing it needs.
Common questions
What kinds of constraints actually make a difference?
Length (word count or number of bullet points), format (table, bullets, short paragraph), tone (plain and direct, warm and friendly), and what to leave out. The lesson walks through each one with examples.
What if it still doesn't follow my instructions?
Be more specific rather than repeating the same instruction. 'Three bullet points, no longer than one line each' works better than 'keep it short'. The lesson shows how to tighten constraints when the first try misses.
Can I save a format instruction so I don't have to type it every time?
Yes — a later lesson covers turning your format preferences into a standing instruction. For now, pasting it at the start of each session is the quick fix.
Does this work for tables and spreadsheet-style output too?
Yes. You can ask for a table with specific column headers and it'll follow the structure. You then copy it into wherever you use it — AI doesn't send it anywhere directly.