Tiny Prefix, Big Power: A Beginner-Friendly Guide to ChatGPT “Magic Words”

Wait – what’s a prefix?

A prefix is just a single word in ALL CAPS followed by an underscore.
Drop it at the very start of your prompt and ChatGPT instantly knows what hat to wear.

Example:

CODE_ Make a quick HTML signup form with a "Join" button.

No extra fluff. No “Dear ChatGPT, you are an expert developer…” needed.

How does it help?

1. Less typing, clearer answers – One word tells the AI exactly what you need.
2. Consistent results – Handy when you batch tasks or build automations later.
3. Zero tech jargon – You don’t have to learn fancy prompt-engineering tricks.

If you run a small business (or just hate wasting time), prefixes are your new cheat codes.

Four Prefix Families (with starter picks)

(Yes, you can mix-and-match later, but keep it simple for now.)

How to use a prefix (3-step mini-recipe)

1. Pick the job you need: code, rewrite, brainstorm, etc.
2. Type the prefix in all caps with an underscore.
3. Add the plain-English request right after.

SUMMARIZE_ Turn this 1,000-word blog post into a 3-bullet LinkedIn update.

That’s it. Hit enter.

Real-Life Beginner Examples

1. Quick Instagram Caption

REWRITE_ Make this product description sound fun and add 3 emojis.

2. Customer Apology Email

SAGE_ Draft a calm reply to a customer whose order arrived late.

3. Speedy Market Research

COMPARE_ List the main differences between Mailchimp and ConvertKit for newsletters.

Copy-Paste Starter Cheat Sheet

# DO SOMETHING
CODE_ | FIX_ | REWRITE_ | SUMMARIZE_

# WEAR A HAT
SAGE_ | SHERLOCK_ | LAWYER_

# THINK IT THROUGH
MAP_ | ANALYZE_ | COMPARE_

# GET CREATIVE
IDEA_ | PITCH_ | BRAND_

Save this in your notes. Next time you stare at a blank prompt, pick a word, underscore it, and go.

Quick Tips Before You Fly

• All caps matters. Lowercase code_ won’t always click.
• One or two prefixes max. More can confuse the model.
• Be concrete. After the prefix, say exactly what you need (“200 words,” “list of 5,” etc.).
• Practice on low-stakes tasks first. You’ll get comfy fast.

Prefixes are the nearest thing to “easy mode” for ChatGPT.