> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.minibuddies.ai/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.
# Prompting best practices
> Advanced prompting techniques for Minibuddies. Use the C.L.E.A.R. framework and agent-specific strategies for better results.
## The C.L.E.A.R. framework
C.L.E.A.R. is a simple structure for writing effective prompts. Each letter stands for a principle that improves clarity and output quality.
### Concise
Keep prompts focused. Avoid filler words and tangents. Get to the point.
**Do this:**
> "Add a booking form with fields for name, email, and preferred time. Include a submit button."
**Not this:**
> "I was thinking we could really use a form that collects user details like their name and email address, and also asks them when they'd like to book something. It would be great if there was a button to submit it too."
### Logical
Order your request in a way that makes sense. Put steps in sequence, and structure complex asks clearly.
**Do this:**
> "Create a form with a heading at the top, then fields for name, email, and time slot, and a submit button at the bottom."
**Not this:**
> "Put the email field first, then add a heading somewhere, include a name field, and a button."
### Explicit
Be clear and specific. Don't rely on the agent to guess.
**Do this:**
> "Add placeholder text to each input field. Use a dropdown for time selection. Show a success message when the form is submitted."
**Not this:**
> "Make a form with some fields and make sure it works properly."
### Adaptive
Adjust your style to the task. Different goals need different prompts.
**For design:**
> "Create a centered booking form with plenty of white space and a clean, minimal look."
**For functionality:**
> "When the form is submitted, validate all fields, save the data to the bookings table, and display a confirmation message."
**For fixing issues:**
> "The submit button isn't working. Check if it's disabled or missing the click handler, and make sure it actually submits the form."
### Reflective
Review the output and refine your prompt. Learn what works and what doesn't. If the result is off, try rephrasing, adding examples, or splitting the request.
## Agent-specific tips
### Brain (general)
* Good for open-ended and exploratory tasks
* Provide context about your domain and audience
* Use follow-ups to narrow or expand the response
* Attach files when they add useful context
### Luma (social)
* Specify platform: LinkedIn, etc.
* Mention tone: professional, casual, playful
* Include length: character count for Twitter/X, word count for LinkedIn
* Add brand voice via Memory or examples in the prompt
### Optimus (SEO)
* Provide your website URL when relevant
* Specify scope: full audit, specific page, keywords only
* Mention competitors if you want comparison
* Ask for actionable recommendations, not just data
### Atlas (data)
* Attach the data file or describe its structure
* Specify output: summary, tables
* Mention the question you want answered
### Ledger (finance)
* Provide context: business type, time period
* Specify output: P\&L, cash flow, expense summary
* Mention any categories or accounts to focus on
* Clarify if this is for internal use or external reporting
### Justice (legal)
* Attach the document when possible
* Specify what you need: risk review, clause summary, redlining
* Mention jurisdiction if relevant
* Clarify if you need plain-language explanations
### Polyglot (translation)
* Specify source and target languages
* Mention tone: formal, casual, technical
* Include domain: legal, medical, marketing
* Ask to preserve formatting if needed
## Handling errors and refinements
When the response is wrong or incomplete:
1. **Identify what's off** - Tone? Length? Missing sections? Wrong facts?
2. **Give targeted feedback** - "The tone is too casual. Make it more formal."
3. **Provide examples** - "Here's the style I want: \[paste example]."
4. **Simplify** - Break the request into smaller steps.
5. **Switch agents** - If a specialized agent isn't working, try Brain or another agent.
Agents can make mistakes. For legal, financial, or critical decisions, always have a human review the output before acting on it.
## Using Memory with prompts
Memories give agents lasting context. Reference them when helpful:
> "Using my brand guidelines in Memory, draft a LinkedIn post about \[topic]."
> "Reference the product specs in Memory when answering questions about features."
You don't have to paste Memory content into every prompt - agents access it when relevant. Mentioning it explicitly can help when you want to ensure it's used.
## What's next?
Review the fundamentals of good prompts.
Copy-paste prompts for common tasks.
Add context agents can use across chats.
Choose the right agent for your task.
## Need help?
Questions about prompting? Reach out at [contact@minibuddies.ai](mailto:contact@minibuddies.ai) or join our [Discord community](https://discord.com/invite/ZJDSJxwx).