Tip Card: Format Constraints Cheat Sheet
Spend 10 seconds specifying a format in your prompt, save 10 minutes of reformatting afterward.
Here are 6 of the most useful format constraints, each with a prompt template you can use right away.
1. Markdown Table
Best for: structured information that needs comparison or summarization.
“Output as a Markdown table with the following columns: Name, Description, Use Case, Notes”
2. Numbered List
Best for: steps, key points, quick scanning.
“Output as a numbered list. Keep each item under 50 words. Lead with the conclusion, then elaborate.”
3. JSON Structured Data
Best for: content that needs to be processed, stored, or parsed by a program.
“Output as a JSON array. Each object should have three fields: name, description, priority.”
4. Sectioned Structure
Best for: reports or analysis documents that need a fixed paragraph logic.
“Use the following structure: conclusion first (under 100 words), then 3 supporting arguments (200 words each), ending with action items (3 items, numbered list).”
5. Dialogue Format
Best for: mock interviews, role-playing, teaching scenarios.
“Use dialogue format. You play the interviewer. Ask one question at a time and wait for my answer before asking the next.”
6. Code Block
Best for: code, config files, or scripts meant to run directly.
“Put the complete code inside a
code block. Include comments explaining key steps. The code should be runnable as-is.”
One habit: Before every prompt, spend 5 seconds deciding what format you want the answer in—and write that format into the prompt. The long-term payoff is enormous.
One-liner to remember: You decide the format of AI output. If you don’t specify one, you’re giving the AI permission to improvise.
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