Carry out a task using Work, Task, or Cowork
Specify the task, sources, and workspace, and review the file or result that was actually produced.
Let's understand the idea
If you need more than an answer, such as a task with a finished spreadsheet, file, or presentation, use task mode. In ChatGPT it's called Work, in Gemini it's Task, and in Claude it's Cowork. You'll find it alongside chat mode.
Give it the requirements, files, and result format. Say what it should check with you before doing. Follow its progress and open the final file yourself.
Connecting the apps you work in lets it retrieve the information it needs instead of you gathering and uploading it every time. If a step needs a website or a file on your device, the method depends on the tools it has.
Tools for this workflow
Choose from what's available to you. You can use these prompts with several tools. What they can carry out depends on supported features and files.
See tool details and uses in the Tools library →Examples to expand the idea
A freelancer has 40 PDF invoices from different clients. They open ChatGPT in Work mode, upload them, and request a spreadsheet with the client, amount, date, and payment status. When a number is unclear, it asks instead of guessing. Finally, the freelancer manually checks five invoices against the spreadsheet.
A browser task
Specify the website, account, result, and required actions. Local access differs from cloud access. Successfully reading a page doesn't mean it can perform every action on it.
When an app or source fails
Ask it to explain where it failed and make a limited retry or use a suitable alternative input. Don't treat a written response as completed work.
From a campaign idea to deliverables
Gather audience research, copy, and assets. Specify what to carry out and what should remain a draft. Start with one piece and review it before producing the whole campaign.
Steps from start to delivery
Open any step by its heading. Each explains what to do, why, and what to check before continuing.
1Choose a task with a clear outputA task with a beginning and an end.Details
An agent helps when you need actual steps brought together into a deliverable.
What should I do?
- Example: gather project updates from files and messages and produce a task report.
- Define the inputs, deliverable format, and a criterion for knowing the task is complete.
Tools for this part: choose one2Decide where the work happensA workspace suited to the task.Details
A cloud browser differs from a local browser or access to files on your device.
What should I do?
- Clarify whether the work involves websites, local files, or connected apps.
- Check what your account supports and whether your device needs to stay on for the chosen method.
3Prepare sources and action limitsClear instructions and sources.Details
The assistant needs to know what to use and what to check with you.
What should I do?
- Specify folders, accounts, and file links. Request drafts when you need to review before sending.
- Agree on how to handle missing information or a blocked step.
4Run one test and follow itAn actual test you can inspect.Details
Start manually to confirm the approach works before considering repetition.
What should I do?
- Follow the task's progress and questions, and clarify anything ambiguous.
- Review the actions and resulting files, and open the final deliverable.
5Improve and save the approachA successful approach you can reuse.Details
After a successful test, save instructions to help with the next task.
What should I do?
- Record errors, review criteria, and the delivery method.
- If you want repetition, go to the scheduling guide and set the time there. Running an agent once doesn't create a schedule.
Prompts for your work
Open a prompt and fill in your details. Empty fields remain visible so you don't forget them.
Hand over a task with multiple stepsOpen it to copy or tailor the prompt
Start the task in ChatGPT Work, Gemini Task, or Claude Cowork, depending on what's available to you.
Copy the prompt as it is, or tailor it with your details first.
Tailor the prompt to your workOptional: add your details and the prompt adjusts itself
View full prompt
Why is the prompt written this way?
Connecting apps reduces information gathering. Defining the requirements keeps the assistant working with your relevant context.
Did the result serve your original goal?
Review the output, where the work was carried out, and the sources. Ask what was completed and what was blocked before relying on the deliverable.
- Did the result meet the requirements without significant gaps?
- Were the sources and details that must stay accurate checked?
- Did you open the file or link and test it as it will be used?
If there's a problem, name the unsuitable part, show an example, and request a specific edit.