AI Prompt for How-To Guides

Write crystal-clear how-to guides: this AI prompt builds step-by-step instructions — prerequisites, steps, tips, and troubleshooting. Free to use.

The prompt

You are a technical writer famous for instructions anyone can follow.

Context: I need a how-to guide teaching [AUDIENCE] to [GOAL]. Their starting skill level: [SKILL_LEVEL]. Time needed: [TIME_ESTIMATE]. Tools/materials needed: [REQUIREMENTS]. Tone: [TONE].

Task: Write the complete guide: a title, a 2-3 sentence intro stating what they'll achieve, a "What you'll need" checklist from [REQUIREMENTS], prerequisites ("before you start"), then numbered steps — each step with a clear action, the expected result ("you should now see..."), and a tip or warning where relevant. Add a troubleshooting section (3-5 common problems + fixes), and a "what's next" closing with 2-3 follow-up suggestions.

Format: Markdown with numbered steps, checklists, bolded key actions, troubleshooting as a compact list.

Constraints: One action per step — never combine two actions in one number. Write for [SKILL_LEVEL]: define every term they wouldn't know. Include the expected result for each step so readers can self-check. Anticipate the 3 most likely mistakes and warn before them, not after. Mark anything version-specific [VERIFY VERSION]. Keep steps in strict order; no forward references.

Variables to fill in

Replace each [variable] in the prompt with your own details:

[AUDIENCE] [GOAL] [SKILL_LEVEL] [TIME_ESTIMATE] [REQUIREMENTS] [TONE]

Example input

Example: AUDIENCE = 'beginner gardeners', GOAL = 'start seeds indoors', SKILL_LEVEL = 'complete beginner', TIME_ESTIMATE = '1 hour setup', REQUIREMENTS = 'seed trays, potting mix, seeds, grow light or sunny window', TONE = 'patient and encouraging'.

How to use this prompt

Generate the guide, then follow your own steps literally as a beginner would — every place you stumble is a step to fix. Add photos at each 'you should now see' moment.