Prompts

Prompts turn one question into a repeatable workflow. SpotAsk includes four built-in prompts: Translate, Explain, Summarize, and Polish.

Use a prompt

In the question window, choose a prompt before sending:

• With content in the input, selecting a prompt sends it immediately.
• With an empty input, select a prompt, enter your question, then press ↩.
• The selected prompt appears as a compact badge at the top-left above the input field. Click its × or press its keyboard shortcut again to cancel the selection.

@ Command Palette

Type @ at the beginning of the input or after a space to open the floating command palette above the composer:

• Filter prompt presets and enabled External Ask targets by typing.
• Use arrow keys to navigate and press Return or Tab to select.
• Selecting a prompt attaches it as a mode badge while keeping your current draft intact.

Create a custom prompt

1. Open Settings > Prompts.
2. Select New.
3. Give the prompt a clear Name, such as "Rewrite an email".
4. Write the Content that tells the model what to do with the provided text.
5. Save it.

Open Settings in SpotAsk

Opens the Prompts page in SpotAsk. If SpotAsk is not installed this link does nothing — open it by hand instead: SpotAsk menu bar icon → Settings... → Prompts, or press ⌘ + , to open Settings. Direct link: spotask://settings/prompts

Custom prompts appear in the same picker as built-in prompts. Use the up and down buttons to control their order.

Enable and disable prompts

Turn off prompts you do not want to see. Disabled prompts are not available in the question window, keyboard shortcuts, or system shortcuts.

Prompt shortcuts

The first enabled prompts get ⌘ + 1 through ⌘ + 9 by default. Prompt order changes the assignment. You can reassign or clear prompt shortcuts in Settings > Shortcuts.

Custom instructions

Settings > Prompts also has Custom Instructions. This is a system-level instruction applied to your questions. Use it for a consistent tone, output format, or working style.

Selection default action

When the Selection Assistant uses Run default action, the default is the first enabled prompt unless you choose a different one in Settings > Selection Assistant.

Related: Selection Assistant, Spotlight, Siri & Shortcuts, External Ask