ChatGPT Short Codes: 50+ Powerful Prompt Shortcuts to Save Time
ChatGPT short codes are simple prompt shortcuts that help you tell ChatGPT what you want faster and more clearly. They can be useful for writing, summarizing, brainstorming, learning, coding, research, formatting, and many everyday tasks.
These shortcuts are not official ChatGPT commands. Instead, they are user-created prompt patterns that can make your instructions more structured and easier to reuse.
If you regularly use ChatGPT, keeping a collection of useful short codes can save time and help you create more consistent prompts.
Table of Contents
- What Are ChatGPT Short Codes?
- How ChatGPT Short Codes Work
- Basic ChatGPT Short Codes
- Writing and Content Short Codes
- Editing Short Codes
- Learning and Explanation Short Codes
- Tone and Style Short Codes
- Role-Based Short Codes
- Formatting Short Codes
- Brainstorming Short Codes
- Coding and Technical Short Codes
- Research Short Codes
- Productivity Short Codes
- How to Combine ChatGPT Short Codes
- Best Prompt Structure for ChatGPT
- Are ChatGPT Short Codes Official?
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Final Thoughts
What Are ChatGPT Short Codes?
ChatGPT short codes are short words or phrases that you place at the beginning of a prompt to quickly communicate the type of response you want.
For example:
TL;DR: Summarize this article in 5 bullet points.Or:
REWRITE: Make this email professional and friendly.The shortcut itself does not unlock a hidden ChatGPT feature. Its value comes from giving ChatGPT a clear instruction about the task, format, audience, or style.
OpenAI recommends making prompts clear and specific, providing useful context, and describing the desired output.
Read OpenAI's prompt engineering best practices
How ChatGPT Short Codes Work
A short code works as a reusable instruction pattern.
For example:
EXPLAIN: Explain blockchain to a beginner.You can reuse the same pattern for many subjects:
EXPLAIN: Explain SEO to a beginner.EXPLAIN: Explain quantum computing to a beginner.The important part is not the word EXPLAIN itself. The important part is that your prompt clearly tells ChatGPT what you want it to do.
This makes short codes especially useful when you perform the same types of tasks repeatedly.
Basic ChatGPT Short Codes
Here are some simple ChatGPT short codes you can use for everyday tasks.
| Short Code | Purpose | Example |
|---|---|---|
TL;DR |
Summarize content | TL;DR: Summarize this report. |
ELI5 |
Explain simply | ELI5: How does inflation work? |
EXPLAIN |
Explain a topic | EXPLAIN: Explain SEO. |
LIST |
Create a list | LIST: 20 blog ideas. |
STEP |
Give steps | STEP: How do I create a website? |
FAQ |
Generate FAQs | FAQ: Common questions about AI. |
COMPARE |
Compare options | COMPARE: WordPress vs Wix. |
DEFINE |
Define a term | DEFINE: What is prompt engineering? |
These shortcuts are useful when you want a predictable structure from your prompt.
Writing and Content Short Codes
ChatGPT is frequently used for writing emails, articles, social media posts, scripts, product descriptions, and other content.
| Short Code | Purpose | Example |
|---|---|---|
BLOG |
Create a blog post | BLOG: Write about AI productivity. |
TITLE |
Generate titles | TITLE: Give me 15 YouTube titles. |
DESC |
Write a description | DESC: Write a product description. |
SCRIPT |
Create a script | SCRIPT: Create a 60-second video script. |
STORY |
Write a story | STORY: Write a short mystery story. |
CAPTION |
Create captions | CAPTION: Instagram caption about travel. |
INTRO |
Create an introduction | INTRO: Write an introduction for this article. |
OUTRO |
Create a conclusion | OUTRO: Write a strong conclusion. |
HOOK |
Create an opening hook | HOOK: Give me 10 hooks for this article. |
Example Writing Prompt
Instead of writing:
Write something about productivity.Try:
BLOG: Write a 1,500-word beginner-friendly article about productivity. Use short paragraphs, H2 headings, examples, and a practical conclusion.The second prompt gives ChatGPT more context and a clearer output target.
Editing ChatGPT Short Codes
You can also use short codes to improve text that you have already written.
| Short Code | Purpose | Example |
|---|---|---|
REWRITE |
Rewrite text | REWRITE: Make this email professional. |
GRAMMAR |
Correct grammar | GRAMMAR: Fix this paragraph. |
SIMPLIFY |
Make text easier | SIMPLIFY: Rewrite this for beginners. |
SHORTEN |
Reduce length | SHORTEN: Reduce this to 100 words. |
EXPAND |
Add detail | EXPAND: Add examples to this section. |
IMPROVE |
Improve quality | IMPROVE: Make this clearer. |
POLISH |
Polish writing | POLISH: Improve this introduction. |
PARAPHRASE |
Rephrase content | PARAPHRASE: Rewrite without changing the meaning. |
PROOFREAD |
Check writing | PROOFREAD: Find grammar and spelling errors. |
Learning and Explanation Short Codes
ChatGPT can also act as a learning assistant. You can use prompt shortcuts to control how a concept is explained.
| Short Code | Purpose | Example |
|---|---|---|
ELI5 |
Very simple explanation | ELI5: Explain machine learning. |
FEYNMAN |
Explain from fundamentals | FEYNMAN: Explain photosynthesis. |
WHY |
Explain a cause | WHY: Why do websites need SEO? |
EXAMPLE |
Provide examples | EXAMPLE: Give 5 examples of APIs. |
ANALOGY |
Explain with an analogy | ANALOGY: Explain cloud computing. |
QUIZ |
Create questions | QUIZ: Test me on Python basics. |
FLASHCARDS |
Create study cards | FLASHCARDS: Create cards for biology. |
SUMMARY |
Summarize information | SUMMARY: Summarize this chapter. |
For learning, it is often helpful to include your current skill level.
EXPLAIN: Explain JavaScript promises to someone who understands basic JavaScript but has never used asynchronous programming.Tone and Style Short Codes
You can tell ChatGPT how you want your content to sound.
| Short Code | Purpose | Example |
|---|---|---|
TONE: Friendly |
Friendly writing | TONE: Friendly — rewrite this email. |
TONE: Formal |
Formal writing | TONE: Formal — rewrite this proposal. |
CASUAL |
Casual style | CASUAL: Rewrite this message. |
PROFESSIONAL |
Professional style | PROFESSIONAL: Rewrite this paragraph. |
HUMANIZE |
More natural language | HUMANIZE: Rewrite this article. |
CONCISE |
Short response | CONCISE: Explain this topic. |
PERSUASIVE |
Persuasive style | PERSUASIVE: Rewrite this product copy. |
You can also combine tone with audience.
HUMANIZE: Rewrite this technical explanation for small-business owners using simple language.Role-Based ChatGPT Short Codes
Role-based prompting tells ChatGPT what perspective or role you want it to use.
| Short Code | Purpose | Example |
|---|---|---|
ACT AS |
Assign a role | ACT AS: A professional copywriter. |
EXPERT |
Request expert-level detail | EXPERT: Explain technical SEO. |
CONSULTANT |
Ask for structured advice | CONSULTANT: Review this business idea. |
TEACHER |
Explain as an instructor | TEACHER: Teach me basic Python. |
EDITOR |
Review writing | EDITOR: Review this article. |
COACH |
Guide improvement | COACH: Help me improve my presentation. |
For example:
ACT AS: An SEO content editor. Review this article for readability, search intent, headings, internal linking opportunities, and keyword usage.Formatting ChatGPT Short Codes
You can ask ChatGPT to structure its answer in a specific format.
| Short Code | Purpose | Example |
|---|---|---|
TABLE |
Create a table | TABLE: Compare iPhone and Android. |
BULLETS |
Use bullet points | BULLETS: Benefits of AI. |
CHECKLIST |
Create a checklist | CHECKLIST: Website launch. |
OUTLINE |
Create an outline | OUTLINE: Blog post about SEO. |
JSON |
Return JSON | JSON: Convert this information. |
CSV |
Create CSV-style data | CSV: Organize these contacts. |
NUMBERED |
Number the response | NUMBERED: Give me the steps. |
If the format matters, say exactly what you want.
TABLE: Compare three website builders using price, ease of use, SEO features, and hosting. Keep each cell under 30 words.Brainstorming Short Codes
Use these shortcuts when you need ideas.
IDEA— Generate ideas.IDEAS10— Generate 10 ideas.HOOKS10— Generate hooks.NAMES— Generate names.PLAN— Create a plan.OPTIONS— Provide alternatives.PROS CONS— Compare advantages and disadvantages.
Example Brainstorming Prompt
IDEAS10: Give me 10 YouTube video ideas about ChatGPT for beginners. For each idea, provide a title, target audience, and one-sentence description.Adding the output requirements makes the ideas easier to use.
Coding and Technical Short Codes
Developers can use similar prompt patterns for coding tasks.
| Short Code | Purpose | Example |
|---|---|---|
CODE |
Generate code | CODE: Create a Python calculator. |
DEBUG |
Find problems | DEBUG: Find the error in this code. |
REFACTOR |
Improve code | REFACTOR: Simplify this JavaScript. |
SQL |
Create SQL | SQL: Find duplicate customer records. |
JSON |
Work with JSON | JSON: Convert this data to JSON. |
REGEX |
Create regex | REGEX: Match Indian phone numbers. |
EXPLAIN CODE |
Explain code | EXPLAIN CODE: Explain this function. |
TEST |
Create tests | TEST: Write unit tests for this function. |
For technical work, include the programming language, framework, input, expected output, and relevant constraints.
DEBUG: Find the bug in this Python function. Explain the problem, provide the corrected code, and list the changes you made.Research ChatGPT Short Codes
You can create research-oriented prompts using shortcuts such as:
RESEARCH— Research a topic.SUMMARIZE— Summarize research.COMPARE— Compare sources or concepts.FACT CHECK— Check claims.PROS CONS— Identify advantages and disadvantages.QUESTIONS— Generate research questions.
When accuracy and currency matter, ask ChatGPT to use current sources or provide citations where the available ChatGPT tools support web research.
Productivity ChatGPT Short Codes
You can also build shortcuts around everyday tasks.
PLAN— Create a plan.PRIORITIZE— Organize tasks by importance.CHECKLIST— Turn a task into a checklist.SUMMARY— Condense information.ACTION ITEMS— Extract next steps.TEMPLATE— Create a reusable template.AGENDA— Create a meeting agenda.EMAIL— Draft an email.NOTES— Organize rough notes.DECISION— Structure the factors involved in a decision.
For example:
ACTION ITEMS: Turn these meeting notes into a list of tasks, owners, and deadlines.How to Combine ChatGPT Short Codes
The real power comes from combining multiple instructions.
Instead of:
BLOG: Write about SEO.Try:
ACT AS: An experienced SEO content writer.
TASK: Write a beginner-friendly article about SEO.
AUDIENCE: Small-business owners.
TONE: Clear and professional.
FORMAT: Use H2 and H3 headings, short paragraphs, examples, and bullet points.
LENGTH: Approximately 1,500 words.You can also put everything into one prompt:
ACT AS: SEO writer. TASK: Write a 1,500-word beginner guide to SEO. AUDIENCE: Small-business owners. TONE: Clear and professional. FORMAT: H2/H3 headings, short paragraphs, examples, and bullet points.OpenAI's prompting guidance recommends clearly defining the task, adding useful context, and describing the desired output.
Best Prompt Structure for ChatGPT
A useful prompt does not need to be complicated.
A simple structure is:
Role + Task + Context + Output + Tone
For example:
ROLE: SEO content writer
TASK: Write an article about local SEO.
CONTEXT: The audience is beginners who own small businesses.
OUTPUT: 1,500 words with H2 headings, examples, and a checklist.
TONE: Helpful and easy to understand.This structure can be adapted to almost any ChatGPT task.
You can also refine your prompt after receiving the first answer. Iterative prompting can help you improve the result instead of expecting every prompt to be perfect on the first attempt.
Are ChatGPT Short Codes Official?
No. ChatGPT short codes such as TL;DR, ELI5, BLOG, REWRITE, and ACT AS are not official commands that activate hidden ChatGPT features.
They are convenient prompt patterns created and shared by users.
You can create your own shortcuts too.
For example, if you frequently ask ChatGPT to rewrite articles for beginners, you could create a reusable instruction such as:
BEGINNER-SEO: Rewrite this article in simple language, use short paragraphs, add useful headings, preserve important facts, and include practical examples.The benefit comes from the clarity and consistency of the instruction rather than from the shortcut's name.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are ChatGPT short codes?
ChatGPT short codes are reusable words or phrases that help structure prompts and communicate the desired task, style, or output format.
Are ChatGPT short codes official commands?
No. They are user-created prompt techniques rather than official ChatGPT commands.
Do ChatGPT short codes unlock hidden features?
No. A shortcut such as ELI5 or BLOG does not unlock a hidden feature. It simply provides a concise instruction.
Can beginners use ChatGPT short codes?
Yes. Beginners can use simple shortcuts such as SUMMARY, LIST, EXPLAIN, REWRITE, and CHECKLIST to make common tasks easier.
Can I create my own ChatGPT short codes?
Yes. You can create reusable prompt templates for tasks you perform frequently.
What is the best ChatGPT short code?
There is no single best shortcut. The useful shortcut depends on the task. A writing task may benefit from REWRITE, while a learning task may benefit from EXPLAIN or ELI5.
Do short codes improve every ChatGPT response?
Not automatically. Clear instructions, relevant context, and a well-defined desired output are more important than the shortcut itself.
Final Thoughts
ChatGPT short codes are a convenient way to turn common instructions into reusable prompt patterns. They can help you summarize information, generate ideas, write content, edit drafts, learn new topics, format data, and work through technical problems.
The most useful approach is to combine a shortcut with clear instructions.
Instead of simply writing:
BLOG: AIgive ChatGPT enough information to understand your goal:
BLOG: Write a beginner-friendly 1,500-word article explaining how AI can help small businesses. Use H2 headings, practical examples, short paragraphs, and a concise conclusion.For more reliable results, focus on the task, provide useful context, and specify the output you want.
Explore OpenAI's official prompting guidance
Start with a few shortcuts that match the tasks you perform most often, then turn your best prompts into reusable templates.