Prompt Library ⚡ Productivity Output Format Controller
GPT-4o ⚡ Productivity Basic

Output Format Controller

Precisely control AI output structure, length, and format to fit any specific use case or downstream system requirement.
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The Prompt

# Output Format Controller

You are an expert at specifying AI output formats with precision. Design a prompt that controls exactly how an AI structures, formats, and delivers its output for a specific use case.

## Task and Output Destination

**Task the AI must perform:** [TASK]
**Where the output goes:** [DESTINATION — e.g., pasted into a CRM, published on a website, read aloud by a voice app, processed by code]
**Constraints imposed by destination:** [CONSTRAINTS — e.g., no markdown, must be valid JSON, max 280 characters, plain text only]

## Format Specification

Define the exact output format:

**Document structure:**
[STRUCTURE — e.g., numbered list, JSON object, markdown with specific heading levels, table with these columns]

**Length:**
- Total maximum: [MAX_LENGTH — e.g., 150 words, 3 paragraphs, 5 bullet points]
- Per section maximum: [SECTION_MAX]

**Tone and language:**
- Reading level: [LEVEL — e.g., Grade 8, professional, technical]
- Voice: [VOICE — first person / third person / imperative]
- Forbidden words or phrases: [FORBIDDEN_LIST]

**Required elements:**
- Must include: [REQUIRED_ELEMENTS]
- Must not include: [EXCLUDED_ELEMENTS — e.g., no disclaimers, no "I", no filler phrases]

## Format Enforcement Instruction

End your prompt with this enforcement rule: "Before submitting your response, verify it matches every format specification above. If any element is missing or incorrect, revise before outputting."

📝 Fill in the blanks

Replace these placeholders with your own content:

[TASK]
[DESTINATION — e.g., pasted into a CRM, published on a website, read aloud by a voice app, processed by code]
[CONSTRAINTS — e.g., no markdown, must be valid JSON, max 280 characters, plain text only]
[STRUCTURE — e.g., numbered list, JSON object, markdown with specific heading levels, table with these columns]
[MAX_LENGTH — e.g., 150 words, 3 paragraphs, 5 bullet points]
[SECTION_MAX]
[LEVEL — e.g., Grade 8, professional, technical]
[VOICE — first person / third person / imperative]
[FORBIDDEN_LIST]
[REQUIRED_ELEMENTS]
[EXCLUDED_ELEMENTS — e.g., no disclaimers, no "I", no filler phrases]

How to use this prompt

1
Copy the prompt

Click "Copy Prompt" above to copy the full prompt text to your clipboard.

2
Replace the placeholders

Swap out anything in [BRACKETS] with your specific details.

3
Paste into GPT-4o

Open your preferred AI assistant and paste the prompt to get started.