An independent reference for working with AI
PROMPTMANUAL
Built to inform,
not to impress.
A free, independent manual for working with AI. Find useful answers. Question the results. Bring what you learn into everyday life.
Explore the manualRead: Your first clear request ↗
“Help me practise English.”
“I’m a beginner. Practise ordering in a café with me. Ask one question at a time and explain corrections in German.”
Both requests can start a conversation. The second explains more clearly what kind of help you need.
Explore the example →Explore the manual.
Read what you need.
Return when you're curious.
No course. No required order.
The Getting started articles are ready to explore. Other topics below are planned.
Getting started
A first question. A useful next step.
Getting started
A first question. A useful next step.
Fundamentals
PlannedUnderstand what makes a difference.
Fundamentals
PlannedUnderstand what makes a difference.
- What a prompt isPlanned
- What language models can and cannot doPlanned
- Goals and expectationsPlanned
- Helpful background informationPlanned
- Tasks, constraints and freedomPlanned
- Choosing an answer formatPlanned
- What the AI actually knowsPlanned
- Why answers differPlanned
Methods
PlannedFind an approach that fits your task.
Methods
PlannedFind an approach that fits your task.
- Ask directlyPlanned
- Work with examplesPlanned
- Choose a role or perspectivePlanned
- Use clarifying questionsPlanned
- Break tasks into stepsPlanned
- Revise through dialoguePlanned
- Work with source materialPlanned
- Explore alternatives and objectionsPlanned
- Adapt reusable templatesPlanned
Practical examples
PlannedBring it into your work and everyday life.
Practical examples
PlannedBring it into your work and everyday life.
- Write and revisePlanned
- Summarise and extract informationPlanned
- Prepare and support researchPlanned
- Learn and understandPlanned
- Translate and adapt languagePlanned
- Code and investigate errorsPlanned
- Discuss documents and imagesPlanned
- Plan and prepare decisionsPlanned
Evaluate answers
PlannedLook closer. Check what matters.
Evaluate answers
PlannedLook closer. Check what matters.
- Does it meet the brief?Planned
- Facts, assumptions and opinionsPlanned
- Check sources and quotationsPlanned
- Handle uncertaintyPlanned
- Compare AI systemsPlanned
- Question agreement and contradictionsPlanned
- How we chose the name PROMPT MANUALPlanned
- Assess prompting tips and promisesPlanned
Privacy & safety
PlannedChoose what you share and allow.
Privacy & safety
PlannedChoose what you share and allow.
- Which information is needed?Planned
- Remove sensitive detailsPlanned
- Check files before uploadingPlanned
- Understand a service's data practicesPlanned
- Recognise instructions in outside contentPlanned
- When AI uses tools and takes actionPlanned
Built through
conversation.
A personal project by Mario, developed with his AI assistant Aik. We ask, make, compare and revise — and share what helps us understand.
Why we’re building this ↗
Mario learns through the work itself. If even a handful of readers take something useful away, this free and independent project has served its purpose.