Markdown makes your prompts clearer, more organized, and easier for AI to understand and follow.

Why Use Markdown in Prompts?

• Structure - Clear hierarchy and organization
• Readability - Easy to scan and understand
• Emphasis - Highlight important parts
• Examples - Format code and samples cleanly
• Templates - Create reusable prompt structures

Basic Prompt Structure with Markdown

The Template

# Task: [Clear title]

## Context
Brief background and setting

## Requirements
- Specific requirement 1
- Specific requirement 2
- Specific requirement 3

## Format
Expected output structure

## Examples
Sample inputs/outputs

## Constraints
- Length limits
- Style guidelines
- What to avoid

Practical Examples

Example 1: Content Creation Prompt

# Task: Write Social Media Posts

## Context
You are a social media manager for a sustainable fashion brand targeting millennials.

## Requirements
- Create **3 Instagram posts**
- Focus on *sustainability* and *style*
- Include relevant hashtags
- Engaging, conversational tone

## Format
For each post:
**Caption:** [Main text]
**Hashtags:** [5-8 relevant hashtags]
**Call-to-action:** [What should users do?]

## Example Output
**Caption:** Just dropped our new recycled cotton collection! 🌱
**Hashtags:** #SustainableFashion #EcoStyle #SlowFashion #GreenLiving
**Call-to-action:** Shop the collection - link in bio!

## Constraints
- Maximum 150 words per caption
- Include at least one emoji
- No controversial topics

Example 2: Code Review Prompt

# Task: Code Review and Optimization

## Context
Review this Python function for a data processing pipeline.

## Code to Review
```python
def process_data(data):
    results = []
    for item in data:
        if item > 0:
            results.append(item * 2)
    return results

Review Criteria

1. Performance - Can it be optimized?
2. Readability - Is it clear and well-structured?
3. Error Handling - What edge cases are missing?
4. Best Practices - Any Python conventions violated?

Expected Output Format

Issues Found

• Issue 1: [Description]
• Issue 2: [Description]

Suggested Improvements

# Improved code here

Explanation

Brief explanation of changes and benefits.

### Example 3: Analysis Prompt

```markdown
# Task: Competitive Analysis Report

## Context
Analyze three competitors in the meal delivery space: DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Grubhub.

## Analysis Framework
Compare across these dimensions:
1. **Market Position**
2. **Key Features**
3. **Pricing Strategy**
4. **User Experience**
5. **Strengths & Weaknesses**

## Output Format
### [Competitor Name]
- **Market Position:** Brief description
- **Key Features:** 
  - Feature 1
  - Feature 2
  - Feature 3
- **Pricing:** Strategy overview
- **UX Highlights:** What stands out
- **Strengths:** Top 2-3 advantages
- **Weaknesses:** Top 2-3 disadvantages

### Summary Table
| Aspect | DoorDash | Uber Eats | Grubhub |
|--------|----------|-----------|---------|
| Market Share | % | % | % |
| Key Differentiator | X | Y | Z |

## Constraints
- Focus on ***current*** market data (2024-2025)
- Keep each section under 100 words
- Include specific examples where possible

Advanced Markdown Techniques for Prompts

Using Nested Lists for Complex Instructions

## Task Breakdown
1. **Research Phase**
   - Gather primary sources
   - Identify key stakeholders
   - Note any conflicting information

2. **Analysis Phase**
   - Compare different perspectives
   - Identify patterns and trends
   - Draw preliminary conclusions

3. **Synthesis Phase**
   - Create unified narrative
   - Address contradictions
   - Provide recommendations

Using Blockquotes for Context or Examples

## Background
The client mentioned:
> "We need something that feels premium but approachable, 
> professional but not stuffy. Think Apple meets local coffee shop."

This suggests they want:
- **Premium feel** without being intimidating
- **Professional quality** with personality
- **Accessible** to everyday users

Using Code Blocks for Templates

## Email Template Required
Please create emails following this structure:

Subject: [Action-oriented subject line]

Hi [Name],

[Personal opening - reference previous interaction]

[Main message - 2-3 sentences max]

[Clear call-to-action]

Best regards, [Signature]

## Best Practices

### Do ✅
- Use **bold** for critical requirements
- Use *italics* for emphasis and nuance
- Structure with clear headers (`##`, `###`)
- Include concrete examples in code blocks
- Use lists for multiple items or steps
- Add horizontal rules (`---`) to separate major sections

### Don't ❌
- Overuse formatting - it loses impact
- Create deeply nested structures (keep to 3 levels max)
- Use markdown just for decoration
- Forget to test your formatting
- Make headers too long or vague

## Template for Any Prompt

```markdown
# Task: [One clear sentence]

## Context
[2-3 sentences about the situation]

## Specific Requirements
- [ ] Requirement 1
- [ ] Requirement 2  
- [ ] Requirement 3

## Success Criteria
What does "good" look like?

## Format/Template
Expected structure of output

## Examples
[Show, don't just tell]

## Additional Notes
Any special considerations

Remember: Markdown in prompts isn't about making things look pretty - it's about making your intentions crystal clear to the AI.