Prompt Building and Stacking Guide
Learn how to create effective AI prompts using PromptMason's stacks, categories and components system.
Quick Start
PromptMason creates prompt structure stacks that complement your own context to guide how the AI should respond. Just paste the copied prompt stack into you chat, add your context in-app or in-chat and off you go.
- 1Choose a Stack — Browse the Library and select a Framework or Instructional stack that fits your task. Framework stacks help you fill in structured prompts; Instructional stacks provide direct AI guidance.
- 2Add Context Alignments — Optionally select your Region, Industry, Use Case, and Executive Reasoning filters to contextualize your prompt for specific scenarios.
- 3Write Your Context — In the Workspace, add your specific background information, constraints, and requirements in the Context section.
- 4Copy & Paste — Hit Copy, then paste into your AI. The assembled prompt includes your context, structure, and a refinement question to encourage iteration.
💡 Key Insight: You don't need to categorize your own context. Just write naturally in your AI, then add the PromptMason structure to get better and more consistent responses.
Stack Types
Framework Stacks
Structured thinking models like SCAMPER, VISPER, or DEBIAS. These provide a template that the AI helps you complete — each letter represents a specific angle or question.
Instructional Stacks
Direct prompt structures with Role, Task, Constraints, Format, and more. These tell the AI exactly how to behave and respond to your request.
Context Alignments
Context Alignments are optional filters that help the AI understand the broader context of your prompt. They're included in your copied output automatically.
Region
Geographic context (e.g., North America, APAC, Europe)
Industry
Sector focus (e.g., Healthcare, Finance, Tech)
Use Case
Task type (e.g., Copywriting, Research, Strategy)
Executive Reasoning
Thinking style (e.g., Strategic, Analytical, Creative)
Features
Copy Formats
Choose between two output formats when copying your prompt:
XML Format
Uses semantic tags like <Role>, <Task>, <Constraints>. Best for AI models that understand structured markup.
Plain Text Format
Uses [brackets] for sections. More readable and works universally with any AI.
Structure Modes
Control the order of sections in your copied prompt:
Contextual Knowledge Base
When you load a stack, the Knowledge Base panel automatically shows relevant tips and guidance specific to that stack. For Framework stacks, you'll see explanations of what each letter means and how to use it effectively. You can always browse the full knowledge base for general tips.
Automatic Refinement Prompt
Every copied prompt includes a refinement question at the end: "What additional context would sharpen this response?" This encourages iterative improvement — the AI will ask you for clarification, helping you get better results through dialogue.
History & Favourites
History: Every prompt you copy is logged with its ID string and timestamp. Click any history item to reload that exact configuration.
Favourites: Star stacks you use frequently to pin them to the top of your Library for quick access.
Sync Library Updates
New stacks and components are added regularly. Use the Sync Library Updates option in the Settings menu (gear icon) to pull in the latest default content without affecting your custom stacks or components.
Key Concepts
Prompt Structure Stacks vs. Your Context
Think of PromptMason as your prompt template builder. The structure stack you create here tells the AI how to respond - what role to play, what format to use, what constraints to follow.
Your own context tells the AI what you need help with. Combine both: your context + your PromptMason structure stack = consistently better AI responses. No need to categorize your context - just write it naturally.
Categories
Structure components are organized into categories like Role [R], Task [T], Constraints [C], Format [F], and Notes [N]. These shape how the AI responds, not what it responds to.
Components
Reusable prompt building blocks with unique IDs like [R1], [T2], [C3]. Each contains instructions you can customize and reuse across different tasks.
Stacks
Collections of categories grouped for specific use cases. Create custom stacks for different workflows like writing, coding, or analysis.
ID Strings
Reference prompt structure stacks using shorthand like [R1T2C3] to quickly share or recall component combinations with others.
Pro Tips
Setting Up Your AI's Custom Instructions
Many AI tools (ChatGPT, Claude, etc.) let you set "Custom Instructions" or "Personal Profiles." To avoid conflicts with PromptMason's structured outputs, here's what to include and avoid:
❌ Avoid Including
- • Response formats (bullets, markdown, etc.)
- • Tone or voice preferences
- • Persona definitions ("Act as a marketing expert")
- • Output length rules
✅ Safe to Include
- • Personal facts (your name, company)
- • Native language preference
- • Accessibility needs
- • Location and timezone
💡 Why? PromptMason handles response structure, format, and tone through your selected components. Duplicate instructions in your AI's profile can create conflicts and unpredictable results.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between Framework and Instructional stacks?
Framework stacks (like SCAMPER, VISPER) are thinking models where each letter represents a concept. The AI helps you fill in each section. Instructional stacks directly tell the AI how to behave with Role, Task, Format, etc.
Should I use XML or Plain Text format?
XML works well with Claude and GPT-4, which understand semantic markup. Plain Text is more universal and human-readable. Try both and see what gives you better results with your preferred AI.
Can I share my prompts with others?
Yes! Use the ID string like [S1X2R3T1] to share your prompt structure stack. Others with the same components can recreate your prompt instantly.
How do I get new stacks and components?
New content is added regularly. Go to Settings (gear icon) and click "Sync Library Updates" to pull in the latest default stacks and components. Your custom content won't be affected.
What is Executive Reasoning?
Executive Reasoning filters add a thinking style to your prompt — like Strategic (long-term focus), Analytical (data-driven), Creative (innovative), or Operational (process-oriented). The AI adapts its response approach accordingly.
What are default components?
Default components are pre-built templates provided to help you get started. They appear with a lock icon and can only be edited by administrators.
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