How to write & save Prompts

Prompts vs. Agents

A Prompt is a saved message template you can drop into any chat. An Agent is a fully configured assistant with tools and knowledge (Power plan; see the agents guide). Use Prompts for repeatable text patterns; use Agents when you need a persistent persona with capabilities.

Anatomy of a good prompt

1. Role: who is Calanthe in this task? "You're a project manager reviewing a sprint plan."
2. Task: what do you want done? "Identify the three biggest risks."
3. Context: what does she need to know? Paste the relevant info or reference uploaded files.
4. Format: how should the output look? "Bulleted list, max 3 items, each <= 25 words."
5. Constraints: what NOT to do. "Don't suggest hiring more people. Don't push the date."

Saving a prompt

1. Open Prompts from the side panel.
2. Click Create Prompt.
3. Give it a memorable name (this is what shows in the picker).
4. Write the prompt. You can use {{variable}} placeholders that get filled in when you use it, e.g. Summarize this {{document_type}} for a {{audience}}.
5. Save. Your prompts are private to your account.

Using a saved prompt

In the chat input, type / to open the prompt picker, then start typing the prompt's name. Pick it, fill in any variables, and send. The full prompt expands into your message.

Prompts that always work

• Meeting notes → action items: paste raw notes, get back a structured list with owners and deadlines.
• Code review against standards: paste a diff, get feedback against rules you've defined.
• Email tone shifter: "Rewrite this email to be {{tone}}: {{email}}".
• Long doc summary: upload + "Summarize for a {{audience}} in <= {{N}} bullets."
• Decision matrix: "Compare these {{N}} options across {{criteria}}, table format, recommend one."

General prompting tips

• Show, don't just tell: include one example of the output you want and she will match it.
• One task per message beats five stacked asks. Chain follow-ups instead.
• Tell her the audience: "explain to a new hire" and "explain to the CFO" produce very different answers.
• Iterate out loud: "closer, but make it half as long and drop the jargon" is a perfectly good prompt.
• For repeated specialist work, try a ready-made role before writing your own prompt from scratch.