Placeholder Inputs

BetterPrompt turns complex prompts into easy, "fill‑in‑the‑blank" templates using placeholder inputs.

This article shows you how they work and how to get the most out of them.

What placeholder inputs are

A placeholder input is a named slot inside a prompt, such as:

Write a LinkedIn post announcing {{ product_name }} to {{ target_audience }}.

Here, {{ company_name }} and {{ target_audience }} are inputs.

When you run the prompt, BetterPrompt:

1. Shows those inputs in a form.
2. Lets you fill them with your own values.
3. If the input is for images, you can upload the image.
4. Merges your values with the rest of the (hidden) prompt instructions.

Why inputs are powerful

Inputs make prompts:

• Reusable: Same structure, new data each time.
• Safer: You only expose the inputs, not the full internal logic.
• Easier to share: Teammates don't need to read or understand the underlying prompt engineering.

They turn a complex prompt into a simple form anyone can use.

Filling in inputs as a user

When you open a prompt:

• Look for labeled fields that correspond to placeholders.
• Provide concrete, specific values:
  • Instead of "customers", try "freelance designers running small studios".
  • Instead of "new feature", try "AI‑assisted proofreading in our writing app".

Richer, more precise inputs usually lead to much better outputs.

Viewing inputs as an author

When creating your prompts, you'll define placeholders directly in your prompt text, for example:

• {{ company_name }}
• {{ product_benefit }}
• {{ tone }} or {{ reading_level }}

BetterPrompt detects these tokens and exposes them as input fields when others run your prompt.

Design a small set of clear, well‑named placeholders so users know exactly what to provide.