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Specify the Output Format
Principle: Tell the AI exactly how you want the answer shaped — a list, a table, JSON, a specific length — and it will deliver something you can use right away.
Ask for the shape you need
Format requested
List 5 healthy breakfast ideas. Format as a table with columns: Meal, Main ingredients, Prep time.
| Meal | Main ingredients | Prep time |
| Overnight oats | Oats, milk, berries | 5 min |
| Veggie omelette | Eggs, spinach, cheese | 10 min |
...
Useful format instructions
- "Answer in exactly 3 bullet points"
- "Return the result as a numbered list"
- "Give the output as a table with these columns: ..."
- "Respond only with valid JSON, no explanation"
- "Keep it under 100 words"
Why it helps
A defined format removes guesswork and makes the output easy to paste into a document, spreadsheet, or program. It is one of the fastest ways to upgrade your results.
💡 Tip: for anything you will reuse (data, code, lists), always state the format. It saves cleanup later.
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