Output Formatting

Output formatting tells the model exactly what structure to return, such as JSON, tables, markdown sections, or XML-like blocks.

Beginner Behavior control

When to use

Use it when downstream code must parse the result, when repeated calls need a stable structure, or when a document format matters.

Prompt example

Task: Apply Output Formatting to the user's request.

Context: describe the input, constraints, target audience, and desired format.

Instruction: be explicit, keep the output structured, and state any assumptions.

Output example

Structured answer based on the requested technique.

Key result: the model follows the stated task and format.
Notes: validate the output before using it in production.

Best practices

Provide the full expected schema or example.
State how to handle missing values.
Ask for no extra text when returning JSON.
Validate output on the application side.

Common pitfalls

Deeply nested formats increase error risk.
Models may add explanations around JSON.
Schema drift can happen after small prompt edits.