85 ChatGPT Shortcuts That Actually Work (+ How to Set Them Up)

Why long prompts waste your time

If you use ChatGPT every day, you probably type the same instructions again and again: "keep it short," "explain it simply," "give me examples," "make it a checklist," "don't sound robotic." Each time, it takes a few seconds and breaks your focus.

Shortcuts fix that. You define each instruction once, give it a short name, and then type only the name. /brief What is SEO? replaces a full paragraph of instructions.

What ChatGPT shortcuts are (and aren't)

Let's be clear: these are not hidden or official ChatGPT commands. ChatGPT doesn't come with built-in shortcuts like /brief. If you type one without setting it up, ChatGPT may guess what you mean, but the results are inconsistent.

They work because you teach ChatGPT once. You paste a short list that says what each shortcut means, and ChatGPT follows it every time you use one.

How to set them up in 2 minutes

1. Copy the Starter Pack from the box below.
2. In ChatGPT, open Settings → Personalization → Custom instructions. Menu names change from time to time; look for "Personalization" or "Customize ChatGPT."
3. Paste the list into the custom instructions box, make sure it's turned on for new chats, and click Save.
4. Open a new chat and test it: type /brief What is SEO?

The Starter Pack (copy and paste)

These 15 shortcuts cover most everyday tasks and fit comfortably inside Custom Instructions.

When my message starts with one or more of these shortcuts, follow their instructions:
/brief = Give the shortest answer that is still useful.
/eli5 = Explain it like I'm 5, using simple words and an everyday example.
/stepbystep = Explain or solve it step by step, one numbered step at a time.
/examples = Give practical, real-world examples.
/critic = Find the weaknesses, risks and flaws in my idea or text, then suggest fixes.
/factcheck = Separate verified facts from claims and opinions, and flag anything that needs a source.
/proscons = List the pros and cons of each option.
/checklist = Turn the answer into a practical checklist.
/table = Organize the answer as a table.
/rewrite = Rewrite my text with clearer, better wording.
/concise = Remove unnecessary words and make it shorter.
/human = Write naturally like a real person: varied sentences, no cliches, no robotic phrasing.
/hook = Write 5 short, attention-grabbing hooks.
/caption = Write a social media caption with a hook and a call to action.
/planner = Turn this into an actionable plan with steps and deadlines.

15 shortcuts with examples

Here's what each shortcut in the Starter Pack does, with an example you can try right away. Add your request after the shortcut, and combine shortcuts when you need to.

Get better answers

• /brief

  Give the shortest answer that is still useful.

  Try: /brief What is SEO?

• /eli5

  Explain it like I'm 5, using simple words and an everyday example.

  Try: /eli5 How does compound interest work?

• /stepbystep

  Explain or solve it step by step, one numbered step at a time.

  Try: /stepbystep How do I set up a Gmail filter?

• /examples

  Give practical, real-world examples.

  Try: /examples Ways to use AI in a small bakery

• /table

  Organize the answer as a table.

  Try: /table Compare Canva, Figma and Photopea

Think and decide

• /critic

  Find the weaknesses, risks and flaws in my idea or text, then suggest fixes.

  Try: /critic My plan: launch a newsletter with 3 posts a week

• /factcheck

  Separate verified facts from claims and opinions, and flag anything that needs a source.

  Try: /factcheck [paste an article or claim]

• /proscons

  List the pros and cons of each option.

  Try: /proscons Freelancing vs. a full-time job

• /checklist

  Turn the answer into a practical checklist.

  Try: /checklist Launching my first online product

• /planner

  Turn this into an actionable plan with steps and deadlines.

  Try: /planner Learn basic web development in 8 weeks

Write and create content

• /rewrite

  Rewrite my text with clearer, better wording.

  Try: /rewrite [paste your paragraph]

• /concise

  Remove unnecessary words and make it shorter.

  Try: /concise [paste a long email]

• /human

  Write naturally like a real person: varied sentences, no cliches, no robotic phrasing.

  Try: /human Write a short bio for my Instagram

• /hook

  Write 5 short, attention-grabbing hooks.

  Try: /hook A Reel about free AI tools for students

• /caption

  Write a social media caption with a hook and a call to action.

  Try: /caption Post about my new Canva template

Tips to get better results

• Combine shortcuts. /brief /table gives a short answer as a table. /critic /planner finds the problems in an idea, then turns the fixes into a plan.
• Always add details after the shortcut. The shortcut sets the format; your words give the context: /caption A post about my new Canva template, friendly tone.
• Create your own. Follow the same pattern: /myshortcut = what you want ChatGPT to do. The best ones are for tasks you repeat every week.
• Keep your list short. 10 to 20 shortcuts you actually use work better than a long list you forget.
• Still check important facts. Shortcuts change how ChatGPT answers, not how accurate it is. Use /factcheck and verify anything that matters.

FAQ