Keep a prompt that actually works for you
A good prompt doesn’t need to be long. It earns its place by helping you do a real task more than once.
Turn a successful prompt into a reusable template with inputs, requirements, and review criteria.
01Before you begin
Choose a task you have already completed and checked. Separate the requirements that stay the same from the inputs that change.
02Try it together
Use placeholders for changing details, and keep only requirements that improve the result. Fill in every placeholder before you use the template.
Create an outline about [TOPIC] for [AUDIENCE]. The goal is [WHAT THE READER SHOULD LEARN]. Include [NUMBER] sections, each with a main point and an example. If essential context is missing, ask me before drafting.
Make this example fit your own task. Start simple, then adjust.
Inputs
The background you change each time.
Format
Requirements for structure and expression.
Review
How you decide whether it worked.
03How do you know it worked?
Try the template on a different topic. Remove restrictions that don’t help, and add any essential conditions you missed.
04Now it’s your turn.
Write a template under 100 words for a recurring task, then test it with two different sets of inputs.
When you’re done, take a moment to check:
Official reference: Claude Help Center ↗