Writing Prompts

Learn about prompt engineering for AI tasks.

Prompts are the foundation of how your AI worker understands and executes tasks. A well-written prompt ensures your AI worker delivers precise and meaningful results.

What is a Prompt?

A prompt is a set of instructions that tells the AI worker what to do. It provides the context and parameters for generating the desired output. Just like giving someone directions, a good prompt ensures the AI knows exactly what to deliver. In MindStudio, prompts can be used at two levels: System Prompts and Block Prompts.

System Prompt

The System Prompt appears in the Prompt Tab of a workflow file. It serves as the AI worker's core instructions, defining its role, capabilities, and constraints and acts as the foundation, guiding how the AI behaves throughout the workflow.

When you write a system prompt, you’re establishing the AI's "role" and general approach to tasks. Every action in the workflow will follow this overarching guidance unless overridden by specific block prompts.

You can write a system prompt manually by typing into the blank space of the Prompt Tab, or you can click on the Generate Prompt button at the bottom left to have the Prompt Generator to write the prompt for you.

Using the Prompt Generator

  1. Click on the Generate Prompt button at the bottom left of the prompt area. This will open the Prompt Generator Modal.

  2. Using natural language, enter a brief description of what your AI worker is supposed to do.

    1. Example:

      Assistant finds daily technology news, summarize it, and send an email at 8:00 AM. It includes up-to-date, and accurate information based on the context it is provided.

  3. After entering your description, click the Generate button. The system will automatically create a structured prompt based on your input.

  4. Carefully review the generated prompt to make sure it aligns with your requirements. You can edit the prompt directly in the editor if adjustments are needed.

Block Prompt

A block prompt is used for specific tasks within the workflow. While the system prompt provides overall guidance, a block prompt gives detailed instructions for a particular step.

Example of a Block Prompt (within a Generate Text block):

Summarize the following news articles: {{google_result}}.

Here, the block prompt tells the AI to focus on summarizing a specific piece of information (e.g., the result of a Google search). This allows you to customize how the AI performs at different stages of the workflow.

How System Prompts and Block Prompts Work Together

System Prompt
Block Prompt

Purpose: Acts like the big picture instruction. It’s the AI’s mindset for the entire workflow.

Purpose: Adds specific, step-by-step instructions for individual tasks.

Example: "You are a tech-savvy assistant that simplifies complex topics for general audiences.”

Example: "Write a one-paragraph summary of the latest AI breakthrough using non-technical language."

Key Aspects of Prompt Writing

A good prompt is clear, specific, and provides enough context for the AI to understand what’s needed.

Key aspects of an effective Prompts:

  • Clarity: Use straightforward language to avoid confusion. Clearly define the AI worker's purpose and main tasks

  • Specificity: Be detailed about what you want. Specify any limitations or guidelines that your AI Worker should follow when executing its task

  • Context: Explain the purpose or provide a scenario to guide the AI. Context can be provided via direct instruction or by calling Variables within a prompt.

  • Output Format: Outline the expected format or structure of its output.

Examples of Good Prompts vs. Bad Prompts

Scenario
Good Prompt
Bad Prompt

Summarizing an Article

"Summarize this article in 3 bullet points, focusing on key trends in technology."

"Summarize this."

Writing an Email

"Write a professional email to a client, introducing our new AI tool and inviting them for a demo."

"Write an email about our product."

Data Analysis

"Analyze the provided sales data and list the top 3 trends for Q4 in bullet points."

"Analyze this data."

Creative Writing

"Write a 150-word humorous story about a robot learning to make ice cream."

"Write a funny story about a robot."

Using Markdown to Write Prompts

Markdown is a lightweight formatting language that can be used to structure prompts, making them clearer and easier for the AI to interpret. By using Markdown, you can organize your instructions in a readable and visually structured way.

Why Use Markdown in Prompts?

  1. Clarity: Break down complex instructions into digestible sections.

  2. Readability: Using formatting like headers, bullet points, and code blocks to make prompts easier to follow.

  3. Consistency: Ensure your prompt has a standardized structure, especially for complex tasks.

  4. Debugging: Allows for easier debugging and refinement of prompts.

Common Markdown Elements for Prompts

Here are some common Markdown features and how to use them:

  1. Headers

    • Purpose: Use headers to introduce sections or tasks.

    • Variations:

      • # for H1

      • ## for H2

      • ### for H3

      • #### for H4

    • Example:

      # Task: Summarize the Article

  2. Bullet Points

    • Purpose: Break down requirements into bullet points for clarity.

    • Example:

      - Summarize the following text.
- Highlight key trends in technology.
- Keep the summary under 100 words.

  3. Numbered Lists

    • Purpose: Use for step-by-step instructions.

    • Example:

      1. Analyze the data provided.
2. Identify the top three trends.
3. Provide a summary in bullet points.

  4. Code Blocks

    • Purpose: Use code blocks for examples or templates.

    • Example:

      ```json
{
    "topic": "daily tech news",
    "summary_length": "3 sentences"
}

  5. Bold and Italics

    • Purpose: Emphasize key instructions.

    • Example:

      **Focus on key trends only.**
*Avoid including minor details.*

Example System Prompt Using Markdown


# Daily Tech News Assistant

## Role:
You are an AI assistant designed to summarize daily technology news for a non-technical audience. Your goal is to deliver concise, accurate, and well-structured summaries.

---

## Guidelines:
- Focus on **key trends and developments** in technology.
- Summaries must be written in simple, clear language suitable for readers with no technical background.
- Avoid including unnecessary details or jargon.

---

## Tasks:
1. Perform a search for the latest **technology news** based on the provided topic.
2. Summarize the articles into concise bullet points.
3. Format the output in the specified structure.

---

## Output Format:
The summary should be formatted as follows:

```markdown
### Daily Tech News Summary
1. [Key Trend 1]
2. [Key Trend 2]
3. [Key Trend 3]

For more information on Markdown, see the Markdown Cheatsheet.

Auto-Enhance Prompts

The Auto-Enhance feature helps polish and refine your prompts after you've made modifications. It analyzes your prompt for clarity, formatting, and potential ambiguities, then suggests improvements while maintaining your original intent.

How Auto-Enhance Works

  1. Access the feature: Click the "Enhance" button in the bottom bar or use the keyboard shortcut Option + K

  2. Review suggestions: The system presents an enhanced version of your prompt with improvements in:

    • Grammar and spelling

    • Markdown formatting consistency

    • Clarity and precision of instructions

    • Structure and organization

  3. Accept or reject changes: Choose whether to implement the suggested improvements

This feature works both in the main Prompt Tab and in fullscreen Send Message blocks, making it easy to maintain high-quality prompts throughout your workflow.

Pro Tip: Auto-Enhance is particularly useful when you've started with a generated prompt and made manual modifications, helping ensure your customizations maintain professional quality and clarity.

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