ChatGPT Control Commands — Complete Cheat Sheet

This guide lists the most useful commands you can give ChatGPT to control how it behaves, when it acts, and what mode it should be in.
These commands are not magic keywords — they are clear instructions that change the workflow between you and ChatGPT.

🟦 1. Listening & Intake Mode

“Just listen”

Puts ChatGPT into intake only mode. ChatGPT will not act, summarize, rewrite, or advise.

Other variations:

  • “Just listen and gather information.”
  • “Don’t process this yet.”
  • “Do not act yet.”
  • “I am giving you notes — don’t respond with analysis.”

ChatGPT will acknowledge and wait.

🟦 2. Action Mode

“Process now”

Switches ChatGPT out of listening mode and tells it to act on everything provided so far.

Other variations:

  • “You may act now.”
  • “Summarize now.”
  • “Generate the file now.”
  • “Run all calculations.”

🟦 3. Pause / Stop

“Pause.”

Stops whatever process is happening.

Other variations:

  • “Hold.”
  • “Stop processing.”
  • “Do not continue.”

🟦 4. Resetting Context

“Reset.”

Clears the conversation context, but not your stored memory.

Other variations:

  • “New topic. Ignore previous messages.”
  • “Start fresh.”

🟦 5. Memory Controls

“Remember this…”

Stores long-term info about your preferences.

“Forget that…”

Removes stored memory on request.

Examples:

  • “Remember that my preferred output for recipes is Markdown.”
  • “Forget my home address.”

🟦 6. Output Length & Style

You can control the tone, length, and formatting:

  • “Be brief.”
  • “Be detailed.”
  • “Use bullet points only.”
  • “Explain it like I’m five.”
  • “Explain like I’m a developer.”
  • “Summaries only.”
  • “Full technical detail.”

🟦 7. Role / Mode Commands

“Act as…”

Puts ChatGPT into a specific working role.

Examples:

  • “Act as my PowerShell tutor.”
  • “Act as a technical assistant.”
  • “Act as a proofreader.”

Cancel with:

  • “Stop that mode.”
  • “Return to normal mode.”

🟦 8. Output Format Commands

ChatGPT can produce content in many formats:

  • “Give this as Markdown.”
  • “Give me a Jekyll-ready Markdown post.”
  • “Generate a DOCX file.”
  • “Generate a PDF.”
  • “Produce a PowerShell script.”
  • “Put this into a table.”

🟦 9. Depth of Analysis

Control how deeply ChatGPT thinks:

  • “High-level explanation.”
  • “Surface summary.”
  • “Deep technical analysis.”
  • “Show all steps.”
  • “Give examples.”

🟦 10. Continue / Expand

If ChatGPT pauses or you want more detail:

  • “Continue.”
  • “Go on.”
  • “Expand that section.”
  • “More examples.”

🟦 11. Multi-Step Workflow Commands

These are especially useful for long tasks:

  • “I will give you multiple inputs — don’t act until I say ‘process now.’”
  • “Wait for more information.”
  • “Tell me when you’re ready for the next section.”

🟦 Summary

These commands let you control:

✔ When ChatGPT listens
✔ When ChatGPT processes
✔ What role ChatGPT plays
✔ The depth and style of output
✔ The format (Markdown, DOCX, PDF, etc.)
✔ Whether to store or forget long-term memory
✔ How long or short the explanation should be

Use these commands anytime to shape the workflow exactly the way you want.