Prompt frameworks give your AI requests a repeatable structure, so you get consistent results instead of vague answers. The five frameworks below each come with a plain breakdown and a copy-paste example, and they pair well with the 26 principles of prompt engineering and these 10 free AI cheat sheets. When you are ready to go deeper, the AI Central Library has over 1,200 step-by-step tutorials.
The 5 AI Prompt Frameworks (With Copy-Paste Examples)
1. RTF Framework
Role - Task - Format
Role: Define the perspective or role ChatGPT should adopt (e.g., sales rep, software engineer).
Task: Describe the specific task to be accomplished (e.g., generate a sales pitch, create a report).
Format: Specify the desired format of the response (e.g., concise paragraph, step-by-step guide).
Example:
“You are a software consultant. Your task is to provide a solution for improving the user interface of a website. Please provide a detailed plan in a bulleted list.”
2. BAB Framework
Before - After - Bridge
Before: Describe the current challenge or situation.
After: Explain the ideal future state or outcome.
Bridge: Request the steps or actions to transition from the "Before" to the "After."
Example:
“Before: Our customer satisfaction is low due to long delivery times.
After: We want to improve our delivery time to enhance satisfaction.
Bridge: Suggest strategies to streamline our logistics process.
3. SCQA Framework
Situation - Complication - Question - Answer
Situation: Set the context by describing the current situation.
Complication: Introduce a complication or challenge.
Question: Ask a question to address the complication.
Answer: Expect a solution or answer to the question.
Example:
“Situation: Our product team is facing difficulties with prioritizing features. Complication: There is no clear framework for evaluating feature importance. Question: How can we implement an effective feature prioritization method?
Answer: Develop a scoring system based on customer feedback and business impact.”
4. 5Ws and 1H Framework
Who - What - When - Where - Why - How
Who: Define the stakeholders involved.
What: State the subject or task.
When: Specify the timing or deadline.
Where: Describe the location or context.
Why: Ask for an explanation of the reasoning behind decisions.
How: Request steps or processes to achieve the goal.
Example:
“Who: The marketing team.
What: Develop a new campaign strategy.
When: Launch within the next 3 months.
Where: Online platforms.
Why: To increase brand awareness.
How: Outline a step-by-step process for creating the campaign.”
5. PS Framework
Problem - Solution
Problem: Describe the problem or challenge.
Solution: Request a response that suggests a solution or plan to resolve the issue.
Example:
“Problem: We are experiencing a drop in website traffic.
Solution: Propose actionable strategies to improve SEO and content marketing.”
Prefer a copy you can keep? Download all five frameworks as a free PDF:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a prompt framework?
A prompt framework is a repeatable structure for writing AI requests, such as Role - Task - Format. Instead of typing whatever comes to mind, you fill in a few fixed slots, which makes outputs more consistent and easier to refine.
Which AI prompt framework is best for beginners?
Start with RTF (Role - Task - Format). It has only three parts and works for almost any request. If you are brand new to AI tools, our beginner's guide to generative AI covers the basics first.
Do prompt frameworks work with ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini?
Yes. All five frameworks structure the information you give a model rather than relying on any single tool, so they work in ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, Copilot, and any other AI chatbot.
Can I combine prompt frameworks?
Yes. A common combination is RTF for the overall request plus 5Ws and 1H to supply context. Keep the final prompt focused on one task so the model does not have to guess your priority.
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