The RTF Framework
Role, Task, Format
RTF is the simplest prompt framework worth knowing, and the one most people reach for day to day. You tell the AI who to be (Role), what to do (Task), and how to lay the answer out (Format). It takes seconds to apply and instantly removes most of the vagueness that makes AI output feel generic. If you only learn one framework, start here.
Last updated · By the Prompt Orange team
Best for
Quick, everyday prompts where you just need a clean, well-shaped answer.
What each part means
RTF stands for Role, Task, Format. Here's what to put in each slot.
Role
Tell the model who it should act as. A role primes the right vocabulary, depth, and assumptions.
Example: Act as a senior copywriter who specialises in B2B SaaS.
Task
State the single, concrete thing you want done. One clear task beats three fuzzy ones.
Example: Write three subject lines for a product-launch email.
Format
Describe the shape of the output — length, structure, style — so you don't have to reshape it afterwards.
Example: Return them as a numbered list, each under 50 characters.
The RTF template
Copy this, fill in the brackets, and paste it into ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, or any AI tool.
Role: Act as a [specific role/expertise]. Task: [The one concrete thing you want done]. Format: [Length, structure, and style of the answer].
Before & after: RTF in action
See how the framework turns a vague prompt into a strong one.
“Write me some email subject lines.”
Too vague—AI has to guess what you want
“Act as a senior B2B SaaS copywriter. Write three subject lines for an email announcing our new analytics dashboard to existing customers. Return them as a numbered list, each under 50 characters, with no emojis.”
Specific, clear, ready to use
Why this works:
The weak prompt leaves role, audience, count, length, and tone to chance, so you get bland, generic lines. The RTF version pins down who's writing, exactly what to produce, and the precise format — so the first draft is usable instead of a starting point you have to re-explain.
Tips for getting the most from RTF
Make the Role specific ("senior tax accountant", not just "expert") — specificity changes the depth of the answer.
Keep it to one Task per prompt. If you need several outputs, ask for them in sequence rather than cramming them together.
Use Format to save yourself editing time: ask for the exact length, bullet vs. prose, and any structure up front.
RTF is deliberately lightweight. If your task is multi-step or needs background context, reach for RACE, CRAFT, or RISEN instead.