Prompts for GPT: structure first, ambiguity last

Reusable GPT prompt templates: clear constraints, formats, and iteration loops.

Last updated: November 9, 2026 · Markdown version

What changes with this model

Even if prompt structure is similar, each model has biases: some follow strict instructions better, some are more creative, and some need examples. These templates are designed to reduce ambiguity and improve consistency.

Recommendation: define output format (ideally with a checklist), add constraints, and if you need precision, use few-shot or require strict JSON.

Strict JSON Few-shot Hallucinations

Current models Promptea supports

Data taken from each provider’s official documentation; every entry shows the date it was last verified.

GPT-6 Astra

default

OpenAI's most capable model (GPT-6, Sep 2026) for the hardest end-to-end work. It needs less step-by-step instruction than earlier GPTs: give it the goal, constraints, and permissions, and let it carry the task through.

Context window: 1.05M tokens
Max output: 128K tokens
Input / output: text, image / text
Latency: slower (deliberate)
Structured output: yes
Tool use / native search: yes / yes

How to prompt it: Prefer the goal and constraints over step lists — overly specific guidance now hurts results. Tell it to bias toward action and finish the task, grant explicit permissions (run tests and fix failures without asking), and ask for prose if you don't want lists. It has no 'none' effort: use 'low' as the floor.

Verified on September 24, 2026 · official source

GPT-6.1 Sol

OpenAI's current Sol model (2026-09-29): near-Astra performance for complex coding, computer use, and professional work at a lower cost. OpenAI suggests comparing it with Astra on your tasks to weigh quality against cost.

Context window: 1.05M tokens
Max output: 128K tokens
Input / output: text, image / text
Latency: balanced
Structured output: yes
Tool use / native search: yes / yes

How to prompt it: OpenAI publishes no 6.1 Sol–specific prompting rules: start from the GPT-6 family guidance (goal, constraints, and an exact output format, each instruction stated once). Effort runs low to max (default medium); 'none' and 'minimal' aren't supported, so 'low' is the floor. Tool calling requires the Responses API.

Verified on October 9, 2026 · official source

GPT-6 Luna

The most efficient GPT-6 model, for focused, high-volume tasks. Prefer short, ordered steps and one example of the expected result.

Context window: 1.05M tokens
Max output: 128K tokens
Input / output: text, image / text
Latency: fast
Structured output: yes
Tool use / native search: yes / yes

How to prompt it: Keep prompts compact: short ordered steps, one example of the expected result, and an explicit output format. For genuinely hard tasks escalate to Sol or Astra rather than raising Luna's effort.

Verified on September 24, 2026 · official source

Quick tips

Put the instruction first, then context, then output format.
Use delimiters for long context (\"\"\" ... \"\"\").
Ask for questions first if info is missing.

Templates

Clear answer + format

Goal: [what you want]
Context: [key facts]
Output format: bullet list with headings.
If info is missing, ask up to 3 questions first.

Opens the analyzer with the prompt prefilled.

Open in Promptea

Decision memo

Write a decision memo.
Options: [A, B, C]
Constraints: [budget/time]
Return:
- recommendation
- pros/cons per option
- risks
- next steps

Opens the analyzer with the prompt prefilled.

Open in Promptea

FAQ

How do I reduce generic answers?

Force an output structure and add constraints. Without constraints, the model fills gaps with generic advice.