The PowerPrompt Generator - User Guide
The PowerPrompt Generator - User Guide
Introduction.............................................................................................................................................................................3
Welcome to The PowerPrompt Generator!.........................................................................................................3
About this guide............................................................................................................................................................ 3
Quick Start Guide..................................................................................................................................................................4
Building your first prompt.......................................................................................................................................... 4
1. Select a Use Case.............................................................................................................................................4
2. Input Your Details............................................................................................................................................. 5
3. Choose a Prompt Style...................................................................................................................................6
4. Review and Adjust........................................................................................................................................... 6
5. Collect your Output..........................................................................................................................................7
Some other tips...................................................................................................................................................... 7
And it doesn't stop there............................................................................................................................................8
Let’s get detailed.................................................................................................................................................................. 9
Accessing The PowerPrompt Generator..............................................................................................................9
Understanding the tabs......................................................................................................................................................9
The Inputs Sheet........................................................................................................................................................ 10
Selecting Your Use Case.................................................................................................................................. 10
Also on the Inputs sheet…............................................................................................................................... 11
Selecting the Prompt Format..........................................................................................................................11
Editing and Interpreting Prompt Outputs.................................................................................................. 12
Managing Notes and Error Notifications.................................................................................................... 12
Prompt Styles......................................................................................................................................................................13
What are prompt styles?.........................................................................................................................................13
How do they affect the outcome?........................................................................................................................ 13
In detail: the prompt styles..................................................................................................................................... 13
Essential................................................................................................................................................................. 13
Important............................................................................................................................................................... 14
Flexible................................................................................................................................................................... 14
Brainstorm............................................................................................................................................................. 15
Non-Essential / Exclusion................................................................................................................................ 16
AI Input Solicitation............................................................................................................................................16
Open with input...................................................................................................................................................17
Prompt Elements............................................................................................................................................................... 18
What are prompt elements?...........................................................................................................................18
How do they affect the outcome?.................................................................................................................18
In detail: the prompt elements.............................................................................................................................. 18
Objective................................................................................................................................................................ 18
Specifics / Details................................................................................................................................................18
Reference Text..................................................................................................................................................... 19
Subtasks.................................................................................................................................................................19
Reasoning Steps................................................................................................................................................. 20
External Tools.......................................................................................................................................................20
Desired Output Format..................................................................................................................................... 20
Testing / Feedback Loop...................................................................................................................................21
Contextual Background.................................................................................................................................... 21
Tone and Style..................................................................................................................................................... 21
Constraints / Limitations...................................................................................................................................22
Interactive Elements.......................................................................................................................................... 22
Prioritization.......................................................................................................................................................... 23
Other tabs.............................................................................................................................................................................24
What are prompt use cases?..........................................................................................................................24
How do they affect the outcome?.................................................................................................................24
Feedback Logger.................................................................................................................................................24
Outputs..................................................................................................................................................................................24
Introduction
Welcome to The PowerPrompt Generator!
Welcome to The PowerPrompt Generator, a versatile tool designed to create tailored prompts for a
variety of applications.
Built in Google Sheets, this tool combines structured inputs and weighted elements to craft
prompts that are precisely aligned with your specific needs.
Whether your focus is on social media content, technical writing, coding projects, or any of the other
pre-loaded use cases, The PowerPrompt Generator is equipped to assist you in generating effective
and engaging content.
It provides detailed guidance on how to navigate and utilize the tool to its fullest, adapting its
features to suit your unique project requirements.
From beginners to seasoned users, this manual aims to enhance your understanding, efficiency, and
creative output using The PowerPrompt Generator.
Quick Start Guide
Building your first prompt
The PowerPrompt Generator is designed to be instantly usable. While you can, of course, customize
it to your heart's delight, you can also get straight into the thick of the action by opening up the
Inputs tab and generating your first prompt.
It couldn't be more straightforward: you choose your settings, then input the information the AI will
need to know (or needs to help you determine) in order to help you reach your goal.
Start by picking the use case that matches your project. This helps the AI understand the context
and focus of your work, whether you're working on a social media campaign, a DIY project, or
anything in between.
The Use Case you choose won't necessarily impact the text of the prompt – but it will affect how
the prompt is ordered, laid out, and scored. If you select 'Content Creation' and don't provide any
information on tone/style, then the Generator will give you a helpful nudge to remind you that's
pretty important for a project of that type!
2. Input Your Details
Each row of your Input sheet represents one prompt 'element' – such as Objective, Subtasks,
Format, etc.
Your job is simple: add the relevant detail into the 'Input' column. And that's it!
These are the pieces of the puzzle that the AI will combine to give you the output you want; the
more of these you include, the more complete your result will be.
As we mentioned above, each element will impact your prompt's score based on the Use Case
you've selected. Pay attention to the score, and how it changes as you add information.
For more detail on prompt elements, see the Prompt Elements chapter of this guide
3. Choose a Prompt Style
Pick a style that matches how you want the AI to handle each prompt element.
These determine what template is used, which is a hugely important part of the prompt-building
process.
You can use different styles for different parts of your input; so if your timelines are locked down
and non-negotiable, you can choose a style that reflects this; it will keep the AI's focus on the parts
you need to work on, and can control.
Similarly, if there's a part of the project you just haven't got around to considering yet, you can ask
the AI to brainstorm some ideas for you. Choosing the right style for each element will focus the AI
more effectively, and get better results for you.
Tip
If you're just in brainstorming mode, or if you want to bypass these, we recommend you set all of
them to 'Flexible' or 'Open with input'.
For more detail on prompt styles, see the Prompt Styles chapter of this guide
Once you're happy with your input, head over to the Output tab to see the final version of your
prompt.
You'll notice that the order of the elements here will move around depending on a number of
factors – by default, it puts the most important information at the top, and works its way down
towards areas where you're less certain/need input.
You can control this by using the settings on this page; play around with it and see what works best
for you; doing this without the Generator would take more time than it was worth, but now it just
takes a couple of clicks!
Be specific
The more detailed your input, the more accurate and useful your prompt will be. This tool saves you
a lot of time writing the 'structure' of the prompt; if you reinvest even some of that time in fleshing
out your details, you'll be richly rewarded in quality.
Including/Excluding elements
You can use the 'Include?' checkbox to include or exclude certain elements from your prompt.
However, generally we don't recommend this – it's better if you use a Prompt Style to tell the AI "I
don't want to focus on X". Otherwise it might take the liberty of filling the gaps for you.
For instance, if you don't want to use external tools for your project and you simply omit this row,
the AI may wrongly interpret this and suggest external tools – which is annoying for you, and also
detracts from the AI's key focus.
Read on below to find out how you can edit these 'building blocks' to create a prompt generator
that's even better tailored to your own needs!
Let’s get detailed
Okay, so that's the quick start guide. Next, let's take a step back and go into it all in more detail.
To start using The PowerPrompt Generator, you need to access the master version in Google
Sheets and create an editable copy for yourself. The link provided with your purchase should do this
automatically, but if it didn’t, here’s how:
1. Open the link to the master version of The PowerPrompt Generator in Google Sheets.
5. Click "OK" to create a copy that you can edit and personalize.
● Inputs Sheet: The primary workspace where you select a use case and provide details for
your prompt. It's where you see the direct impact of your inputs on the prompt's structure
and content.
● Styles Tab: This tab allows you to define the different prompt styles, shaping the way your
prompts are presented.
● Elements Tab: Understand, edit and utilize the 13 primary prompt elements essential for
creating effective prompts.
● Use Cases Tab: Explore predefined use cases such as Social Media/Creative Content,
Technical Writing/Documentation, Coding/Software Development, and more. You can also
customize or add new use cases to fit your specific needs.
● Scoring Matrix: Adjust the weight of each element in your prompts according to the
selected use case, ensuring the most relevant aspects are emphasized.
● Testing/Feedback: Document your experiences with different prompts and outputs, using
this space for continuous improvement.
● Output: View, organize and copy the final, consolidated output of your prompt, ready for
use.
Throughout this manual, we'll delve into each of these areas in detail, ensuring you have a
comprehensive understanding of how to make the most of The PowerPrompt Generator.
● How to Select:
1. Review the Pre-loaded Use Cases: Familiarize yourself with the available options,
like Social Media/Creative Content, Coding/Software Development,
Research/Analysis, etc.
2. Choose a Use Case: Select the one that most closely aligns with your current
project's needs.
3. Customizing: If your project doesn't fit the pre-loaded options, customize or add a
new use case to better match your requirements.
Also on the Inputs sheet…
● Tips column: Here, you can view in-app information about each element, to remind you of
what's important, how it impacts the AI's 'thinking' and tips for success.
● Weight: Each element on the Inputs Sheet has a weight assigned based on the selected use
case, impacting the importance of that element in the final prompt.
● Input: Here, you enter the specific details of your project. Be as clear and concise as possible
to ensure accurate prompt generation.
● Include?: This option allows you to include or exclude specific elements from your prompt.
Use this feature to tailor the prompt to your exact needs.
● How to Select:
1. Review Available Styles: Understand the different styles available, such as Essential,
Important, Flexible, etc.
2. Choose a Style: Pick the style that best suits the nature of your project and the level
of guidance or creativity you desire from the AI.
3. Combining Styles: You can mix and match styles for different elements based on
your project's needs.
Editing and Interpreting Prompt Outputs
● Prompt Output: As you input information, the prompt elements automatically generate in
this section.
● Editing: Review and fine-tune these auto-generated elements to ensure they align perfectly
with your project's objectives.
● Finalizing the Prompt: Once you're satisfied with the generated elements, consolidate them
to form your complete, customized prompt.
● How to Address: Use these notifications to refine your inputs, ensuring a more accurate and
effective prompt generation.
Prompt Styles
What are prompt styles?
Prompt styles in The PowerPrompt Generator are preset approaches that determine how the AI
interprets and responds to your inputs. They range from strictly adhering to your instructions (e.g.,
'Essential') to encouraging more creative and open-ended responses (e.g., 'Brainstorm'). Each style
has its own characteristics and influence on the AI's response process.
The style you select should align with your project's goals and the type of response you're seeking
from the AI.
Essential
Example
The output format is fixed: {{input}}.
Description
This approach is used when your requirements or preferences are non-negotiable and you need the
AI to strictly adhere to them. Using this can help to focus the AI – it won't spend too much effort
debating these details, and it will also use them as helpful boundaries in shaping the overall task.
Important
Example
I prefer this output format: {{input}}. Is it suitable?
Description
This approach is for when you have a clear vision yet appreciate the AI's input for refinement. It's
like having the blueprint of a building and allowing an architect to suggest minor design
improvements. The AI stays within your framework but adds value through subtle enhancements or
alternatives.
Flexible
Example
Thinking about this format: {{input}}. Can it be improved?
Brainstorm
Example
Exploring formats. Initial idea: {{input}}.
Description
This method is perfect for pure idea generation. It's like throwing a handful of seeds into the soil
and waiting to see what sprouts. You provide a starting point or a theme, and the AI runs with it,
coming back with a bouquet of creative possibilities.
Example
The format isn't our main concern right now.
Description
This approach is used when certain aspects of your task are not relevant or needed in the current
context. It's like telling a storyteller to skip a chapter that isn't necessary to the overall narrative. By
explicitly stating that an element is non-essential, you're directing the AI's focus to the areas that
truly matter, without spending time on irrelevant details. This differs from simply not including the
element because it actively informs the AI to disregard certain aspects – ones that it might
instinctively focus upon – ensuring that the response is not diluted with unnecessary information.
AI Input Solicitation
Example
What output format would you suggest for this?
Description
In this approach, you're seeking the AI's expertise or suggestions in areas where you don't have
specific inputs. It's like asking a tour guide to show you around a city you know nothing about. Here,
you rely on the AI to fill in the gaps with its knowledge or creativity. This should be used when
other elements of your task provide sufficient context, allowing the AI to generate informed and
relevant ideas or solutions in areas where your own input is lacking.
Example
Regarding the format: {{input}}
Description
This is a very simple format, where you simply add your thoughts on the topic. How the AI
interprets it will very much depend on the content of your prompt, but it's helpful when none of the
pre-existing styles suit your needs.
Objective
For instance...
Imagine telling a taxi driver, Take me to the airport. The destination is clear, guiding the driver (AI) to
your intended endpoint.
Specifics / Details
For instance...
If you ask for a cake, you might get any cake. But if you specify a chocolate cake with raspberry
filling, you'll get exactly what you want.
Reference Text
For instance...
Handing an architect a blueprint and saying, I want something like this, helps them design a house
that fits your vision.
Subtasks
For instance...
If you're organizing a party, you'll need to handle different aspects separately. The AI does the
same, tackling each subtask to achieve the overall goal.
Reasoning Steps
For instance...
It's like giving someone directions to solve a Sudoku puzzle. Each step helps them get closer to the
correct solution.
External Tools
For instance...
If you tell a carpenter they have oak wood and a set of chisels, they'll craft something considering
those resources.
For instance...
As you taste a dish while cooking, you adjust the seasoning. Similarly, feedback helps fine-tune the
AI's response.
Contextual Background
For instance...
Telling a story about a beach vacation sets a different scene than one about a mountain hike.
Context sets the scene for the AI's response.
For instance...
Wearing a suit for a business meeting or casual clothes for a coffee with friends. The AI's tone and
style suit the 'occasion' of your request.
Constraints / Limitations
For instance...
In a game of soccer, you can't use your hands. Similarly, the AI stays within the 'rules' you set with
constraints.
Interactive Elements
For instance...
A presenter asking the audience questions. Similarly, interactive elements in a prompt engage you
more actively.
Prioritization
For instance...
If you have a list and buying milk is at the top, you'll do it first. The AI similarly prioritizes tasks in
your request.
Other tabs
What are prompt use cases?
Prompt use cases are predefined scenarios or project types within The PowerPrompt Generator.
They include a variety of contexts like 'Social Media Content', 'Technical Writing', or 'Coding
Projects'. Each use case has associated weights that influence the importance of different prompt
elements.
Feedback Logger
The Feedback Logger is a feature in The PowerPrompt Generator designed for documenting your
experiences with different prompts and their outputs. It allows you to record the effectiveness of
each prompt, providing insights for future improvements.
Outputs
Outputs in The PowerPrompt Generator refer to the final, AI-generated content produced based on
your inputs. This section consolidates all the elements, styles, and specifics you've provided into a
coherent prompt.
The Output tab is where you can view and copy this final prompt, ready for use in your intended
application. The quality and relevance of the output are directly influenced by how well you've
defined your use case, chosen appropriate styles, and detailed your prompt elements.