This post documents the custom command modes I use with ChatGPT to control how it responds.
All commands are typed at the start of a message (except s and go, which can be sent alone).

Core Control Commands

Standby / Resume

  • s – Standby mode
    • Puts ChatGPT into listen-only mode.
    • It will not respond again until I send go.
  • go – Resume / process
    • Tells ChatGPT to resume normal processing and reply to my next message.

Reset

  • reset – Clear modes
    • Clears any temporary modes like min, max, nx, etc.
    • Returns output to normal length, normal style.
    • Does not erase memory, only response-mode tweaks.

Output-Control Modes

These change how long or structured the answer is.

  • nx – No extras
    • Short, direct answer. No side comments or fluff.
  • min – Minimal mode
    • One or two sentences. Very concise.
  • max – Detailed mode
    • Very thorough, expanded explanation with extra context.
  • 1s – One-sentence mode
    • Exactly one sentence in the reply.
  • bp – Bullet-point mode
    • Respond using bullet lists instead of paragraphs when possible.
  • code – Code-only mode
    • Output is only code blocks, with no explanation text around them.

Writing Style Modes

These change the tone or style of the writing.

  • cas – Casual
    • Friendly, informal tone.
  • fmt – Formal
    • More professional, polished phrasing.
  • leg – Legal tone
    • Legal-ish structure and wording (still informational, not legal advice).
  • tec – Technical
    • More technical language, geared toward experienced users.
  • ast – Assertive
    • Direct, confident language.
  • pol – Polite
    • Extra courteous and softened phrasing.

Task / Transformation Modes

These tell ChatGPT what to do with text I provide.

  • sum – Summarize
    • Summarize the text or content I provide next.
  • xp – Expand
    • Make the text longer, more detailed, or more fully explained.
  • sh – Shorten
    • Compress the content while keeping the key meaning.
  • rw – Rewrite
    • Rephrase the text with the same meaning, different wording.
  • fx – Fix
    • Improve grammar, clarity, and readability without changing the core meaning.
  • tr – Translate
    • Translate the provided text into the language I specify (or into English by default).

Coding / Technical Modes

These commands are useful when working with code or technical content.

  • dbg – Debug code
    • Look for bugs, errors, and logic problems in the code I paste.
  • opt – Optimize code
    • Suggest improvements for performance, readability, or structure.
  • conv – Convert code
    • Convert code from one language to another (e.g., Python → C#).
  • tpl – Template
    • Generate a generic starter template for the thing I describe (script, document, etc.).

Creative / Idea Modes

  • br – Brainstorm
    • Generate ideas, options, or variations around a topic.
  • ls – List
    • Produce a structured list of items, steps, or options.
  • st – Story mode
    • Write narrative-style text (stories, scenes, etc.).
  • cont – Continue
    • Continue from the previous text or section without restarting.

Usage Examples

1. Enter standby, then resume

s

(ChatGPT goes quiet and waits.)

go
Explain what happens when police take your phone during an arrest.

2. Ask for a very short answer

min
In one or two sentences, what is Riley v. California about?

3. Get a detailed technical explanation

max tec
Explain how BitLocker works on Windows 11 and how recovery keys are stored.

4. Rewrite and clean up text

rw fx
[paste messy paragraph here]

ChatGPT will rewrite the text and fix grammar/clarity at the same time.

5. Summarize something in bullet points

sum bp
[paste long email or article]

Notes

  • Commands like min, max, nx, bp, code, style modes, and task modes apply to the current request (and possibly nearby ones) until I override them or use reset.
  • s (standby) and go (resume) are always available as my main control switches.
  • reset is the quick way to go back to normal behavior if things get too verbose or constrained.

This cheat sheet is meant for my own workflow with ChatGPT so I can drive it quickly with short commands.