Codex Prompt Library
A copyable beginner prompt library for using Codex safely. These prompts are designed to slow the work down in a good way: inspect first, explain simply, make one change at a time, verify before publishing, and avoid secrets or private data.
How beginners should use Codex prompts
Do not ask Codex to change everything at once. Give it a clear goal, ask it to inspect first, and make sure you understand the plan before edits happen.
The first 10 prompts to try
If you are brand new, start with these 10. They teach Codex to orient, explain, plan, fix carefully, verify, and recommend one safe next step.
Search all 100 beginner prompts
100 prompts shown
Explain this project
When to use this: when you open a repo or folder for the first time
Help me with: Explain this project.
Use this when: when you open a repo or folder for the first time.
Please work like a beginner-friendly Codex partner:
1. Inspect first before changing anything.
2. Explain what you found in plain English.
3. Suggest one small safe next step.
4. If editing is needed, tell me exactly what you will change before you change it.
5. Make only the smallest useful change.
6. Verify the result after the change.
7. Tell me what I should manually review.
Important: do not use or expose passwords, API keys, private customer data, or secrets. If you see risk, stop and explain the safer option.
Find the most important files
When to use this: when you do not know where to start
Help me with: Find the most important files.
Use this when: when you do not know where to start.
Please work like a beginner-friendly Codex partner:
1. Inspect first before changing anything.
2. Explain what you found in plain English.
3. Suggest one small safe next step.
4. If editing is needed, tell me exactly what you will change before you change it.
5. Make only the smallest useful change.
6. Verify the result after the change.
7. Tell me what I should manually review.
Important: do not use or expose passwords, API keys, private customer data, or secrets. If you see risk, stop and explain the safer option.
Summarize the app in plain English
When to use this: when the project feels overwhelming
Help me with: Summarize the app in plain English.
Use this when: when the project feels overwhelming.
Please work like a beginner-friendly Codex partner:
1. Inspect first before changing anything.
2. Explain what you found in plain English.
3. Suggest one small safe next step.
4. If editing is needed, tell me exactly what you will change before you change it.
5. Make only the smallest useful change.
6. Verify the result after the change.
7. Tell me what I should manually review.
Important: do not use or expose passwords, API keys, private customer data, or secrets. If you see risk, stop and explain the safer option.
Explain how this page works
When to use this: when you are looking at one page or screen
Help me with: Explain how this page works.
Use this when: when you are looking at one page or screen.
Please work like a beginner-friendly Codex partner:
1. Inspect first before changing anything.
2. Explain what you found in plain English.
3. Suggest one small safe next step.
4. If editing is needed, tell me exactly what you will change before you change it.
5. Make only the smallest useful change.
6. Verify the result after the change.
7. Tell me what I should manually review.
Important: do not use or expose passwords, API keys, private customer data, or secrets. If you see risk, stop and explain the safer option.
Find the entry point
When to use this: when you need to know what runs first
Help me with: Find the entry point.
Use this when: when you need to know what runs first.
Please work like a beginner-friendly Codex partner:
1. Inspect first before changing anything.
2. Explain what you found in plain English.
3. Suggest one small safe next step.
4. If editing is needed, tell me exactly what you will change before you change it.
5. Make only the smallest useful change.
6. Verify the result after the change.
7. Tell me what I should manually review.
Important: do not use or expose passwords, API keys, private customer data, or secrets. If you see risk, stop and explain the safer option.
Map the folder structure
When to use this: when file names feel confusing
Help me with: Map the folder structure.
Use this when: when file names feel confusing.
Please work like a beginner-friendly Codex partner:
1. Inspect first before changing anything.
2. Explain what you found in plain English.
3. Suggest one small safe next step.
4. If editing is needed, tell me exactly what you will change before you change it.
5. Make only the smallest useful change.
6. Verify the result after the change.
7. Tell me what I should manually review.
Important: do not use or expose passwords, API keys, private customer data, or secrets. If you see risk, stop and explain the safer option.
Tell me what is safe to edit
When to use this: before touching an unfamiliar file
Help me with: Tell me what is safe to edit.
Use this when: before touching an unfamiliar file.
Please work like a beginner-friendly Codex partner:
1. Inspect first before changing anything.
2. Explain what you found in plain English.
3. Suggest one small safe next step.
4. If editing is needed, tell me exactly what you will change before you change it.
5. Make only the smallest useful change.
6. Verify the result after the change.
7. Tell me what I should manually review.
Important: do not use or expose passwords, API keys, private customer data, or secrets. If you see risk, stop and explain the safer option.
Find the build or start command
When to use this: when you need to run the project
Help me with: Find the build or start command.
Use this when: when you need to run the project.
Please work like a beginner-friendly Codex partner:
1. Inspect first before changing anything.
2. Explain what you found in plain English.
3. Suggest one small safe next step.
4. If editing is needed, tell me exactly what you will change before you change it.
5. Make only the smallest useful change.
6. Verify the result after the change.
7. Tell me what I should manually review.
Important: do not use or expose passwords, API keys, private customer data, or secrets. If you see risk, stop and explain the safer option.
Explain the tech stack
When to use this: when you see unfamiliar tools or frameworks
Help me with: Explain the tech stack.
Use this when: when you see unfamiliar tools or frameworks.
Please work like a beginner-friendly Codex partner:
1. Inspect first before changing anything.
2. Explain what you found in plain English.
3. Suggest one small safe next step.
4. If editing is needed, tell me exactly what you will change before you change it.
5. Make only the smallest useful change.
6. Verify the result after the change.
7. Tell me what I should manually review.
Important: do not use or expose passwords, API keys, private customer data, or secrets. If you see risk, stop and explain the safer option.
Create a beginner onboarding note
When to use this: when you want a simple project summary
Help me with: Create a beginner onboarding note.
Use this when: when you want a simple project summary.
Please work like a beginner-friendly Codex partner:
1. Inspect first before changing anything.
2. Explain what you found in plain English.
3. Suggest one small safe next step.
4. If editing is needed, tell me exactly what you will change before you change it.
5. Make only the smallest useful change.
6. Verify the result after the change.
7. Tell me what I should manually review.
Important: do not use or expose passwords, API keys, private customer data, or secrets. If you see risk, stop and explain the safer option.
Explain this file line by line
When to use this: when a file looks intimidating
Help me with: Explain this file line by line.
Use this when: when a file looks intimidating.
Please work like a beginner-friendly Codex partner:
1. Inspect first before changing anything.
2. Explain what you found in plain English.
3. Suggest one small safe next step.
4. If editing is needed, tell me exactly what you will change before you change it.
5. Make only the smallest useful change.
6. Verify the result after the change.
7. Tell me what I should manually review.
Important: do not use or expose passwords, API keys, private customer data, or secrets. If you see risk, stop and explain the safer option.
Explain this function
When to use this: when you need one block of code translated
Help me with: Explain this function.
Use this when: when you need one block of code translated.
Please work like a beginner-friendly Codex partner:
1. Inspect first before changing anything.
2. Explain what you found in plain English.
3. Suggest one small safe next step.
4. If editing is needed, tell me exactly what you will change before you change it.
5. Make only the smallest useful change.
6. Verify the result after the change.
7. Tell me what I should manually review.
Important: do not use or expose passwords, API keys, private customer data, or secrets. If you see risk, stop and explain the safer option.
Explain this error message
When to use this: when an error appears in the terminal or browser
Help me with: Explain this error message.
Use this when: when an error appears in the terminal or browser.
Please work like a beginner-friendly Codex partner:
1. Inspect first before changing anything.
2. Explain what you found in plain English.
3. Suggest one small safe next step.
4. If editing is needed, tell me exactly what you will change before you change it.
5. Make only the smallest useful change.
6. Verify the result after the change.
7. Tell me what I should manually review.
Important: do not use or expose passwords, API keys, private customer data, or secrets. If you see risk, stop and explain the safer option.
Explain this CSS
When to use this: when styling is confusing
Help me with: Explain this CSS.
Use this when: when styling is confusing.
Please work like a beginner-friendly Codex partner:
1. Inspect first before changing anything.
2. Explain what you found in plain English.
3. Suggest one small safe next step.
4. If editing is needed, tell me exactly what you will change before you change it.
5. Make only the smallest useful change.
6. Verify the result after the change.
7. Tell me what I should manually review.
Important: do not use or expose passwords, API keys, private customer data, or secrets. If you see risk, stop and explain the safer option.
Explain this HTML structure
When to use this: when page markup is hard to read
Help me with: Explain this HTML structure.
Use this when: when page markup is hard to read.
Please work like a beginner-friendly Codex partner:
1. Inspect first before changing anything.
2. Explain what you found in plain English.
3. Suggest one small safe next step.
4. If editing is needed, tell me exactly what you will change before you change it.
5. Make only the smallest useful change.
6. Verify the result after the change.
7. Tell me what I should manually review.
Important: do not use or expose passwords, API keys, private customer data, or secrets. If you see risk, stop and explain the safer option.
Explain this JavaScript behavior
When to use this: when a button, form, or interaction is unclear
Help me with: Explain this JavaScript behavior.
Use this when: when a button, form, or interaction is unclear.
Please work like a beginner-friendly Codex partner:
1. Inspect first before changing anything.
2. Explain what you found in plain English.
3. Suggest one small safe next step.
4. If editing is needed, tell me exactly what you will change before you change it.
5. Make only the smallest useful change.
6. Verify the result after the change.
7. Tell me what I should manually review.
Important: do not use or expose passwords, API keys, private customer data, or secrets. If you see risk, stop and explain the safer option.
Explain this dependency
When to use this: when you see a package or plugin name
Help me with: Explain this dependency.
Use this when: when you see a package or plugin name.
Please work like a beginner-friendly Codex partner:
1. Inspect first before changing anything.
2. Explain what you found in plain English.
3. Suggest one small safe next step.
4. If editing is needed, tell me exactly what you will change before you change it.
5. Make only the smallest useful change.
6. Verify the result after the change.
7. Tell me what I should manually review.
Important: do not use or expose passwords, API keys, private customer data, or secrets. If you see risk, stop and explain the safer option.
Explain this config file
When to use this: when settings are blocking progress
Help me with: Explain this config file.
Use this when: when settings are blocking progress.
Please work like a beginner-friendly Codex partner:
1. Inspect first before changing anything.
2. Explain what you found in plain English.
3. Suggest one small safe next step.
4. If editing is needed, tell me exactly what you will change before you change it.
5. Make only the smallest useful change.
6. Verify the result after the change.
7. Tell me what I should manually review.
Important: do not use or expose passwords, API keys, private customer data, or secrets. If you see risk, stop and explain the safer option.
Explain what data flows where
When to use this: when you need to understand inputs and outputs
Help me with: Explain what data flows where.
Use this when: when you need to understand inputs and outputs.
Please work like a beginner-friendly Codex partner:
1. Inspect first before changing anything.
2. Explain what you found in plain English.
3. Suggest one small safe next step.
4. If editing is needed, tell me exactly what you will change before you change it.
5. Make only the smallest useful change.
6. Verify the result after the change.
7. Tell me what I should manually review.
Important: do not use or expose passwords, API keys, private customer data, or secrets. If you see risk, stop and explain the safer option.
Teach me the concept behind this code
When to use this: when you want to learn, not just fix
Help me with: Teach me the concept behind this code.
Use this when: when you want to learn, not just fix.
Please work like a beginner-friendly Codex partner:
1. Inspect first before changing anything.
2. Explain what you found in plain English.
3. Suggest one small safe next step.
4. If editing is needed, tell me exactly what you will change before you change it.
5. Make only the smallest useful change.
6. Verify the result after the change.
7. Tell me what I should manually review.
Important: do not use or expose passwords, API keys, private customer data, or secrets. If you see risk, stop and explain the safer option.
Turn my request into a plan
When to use this: before starting any change
Help me with: Turn my request into a plan.
Use this when: before starting any change.
Please work like a beginner-friendly Codex partner:
1. Inspect first before changing anything.
2. Explain what you found in plain English.
3. Suggest one small safe next step.
4. If editing is needed, tell me exactly what you will change before you change it.
5. Make only the smallest useful change.
6. Verify the result after the change.
7. Tell me what I should manually review.
Important: do not use or expose passwords, API keys, private customer data, or secrets. If you see risk, stop and explain the safer option.
Break this task into small steps
When to use this: when the task feels too big
Help me with: Break this task into small steps.
Use this when: when the task feels too big.
Please work like a beginner-friendly Codex partner:
1. Inspect first before changing anything.
2. Explain what you found in plain English.
3. Suggest one small safe next step.
4. If editing is needed, tell me exactly what you will change before you change it.
5. Make only the smallest useful change.
6. Verify the result after the change.
7. Tell me what I should manually review.
Important: do not use or expose passwords, API keys, private customer data, or secrets. If you see risk, stop and explain the safer option.
Choose the safest first change
When to use this: when there are multiple possible approaches
Help me with: Choose the safest first change.
Use this when: when there are multiple possible approaches.
Please work like a beginner-friendly Codex partner:
1. Inspect first before changing anything.
2. Explain what you found in plain English.
3. Suggest one small safe next step.
4. If editing is needed, tell me exactly what you will change before you change it.
5. Make only the smallest useful change.
6. Verify the result after the change.
7. Tell me what I should manually review.
Important: do not use or expose passwords, API keys, private customer data, or secrets. If you see risk, stop and explain the safer option.
List files likely to change
When to use this: before asking Codex to edit
Help me with: List files likely to change.
Use this when: before asking Codex to edit.
Please work like a beginner-friendly Codex partner:
1. Inspect first before changing anything.
2. Explain what you found in plain English.
3. Suggest one small safe next step.
4. If editing is needed, tell me exactly what you will change before you change it.
5. Make only the smallest useful change.
6. Verify the result after the change.
7. Tell me what I should manually review.
Important: do not use or expose passwords, API keys, private customer data, or secrets. If you see risk, stop and explain the safer option.
Define done-when checks
When to use this: so you know when the task is finished
Help me with: Define done-when checks.
Use this when: so you know when the task is finished.
Please work like a beginner-friendly Codex partner:
1. Inspect first before changing anything.
2. Explain what you found in plain English.
3. Suggest one small safe next step.
4. If editing is needed, tell me exactly what you will change before you change it.
5. Make only the smallest useful change.
6. Verify the result after the change.
7. Tell me what I should manually review.
Important: do not use or expose passwords, API keys, private customer data, or secrets. If you see risk, stop and explain the safer option.
Write acceptance criteria
When to use this: when you want clear success conditions
Help me with: Write acceptance criteria.
Use this when: when you want clear success conditions.
Please work like a beginner-friendly Codex partner:
1. Inspect first before changing anything.
2. Explain what you found in plain English.
3. Suggest one small safe next step.
4. If editing is needed, tell me exactly what you will change before you change it.
5. Make only the smallest useful change.
6. Verify the result after the change.
7. Tell me what I should manually review.
Important: do not use or expose passwords, API keys, private customer data, or secrets. If you see risk, stop and explain the safer option.
Plan a one-page feature
When to use this: for a small UI or content change
Help me with: Plan a one-page feature.
Use this when: for a small UI or content change.
Please work like a beginner-friendly Codex partner:
1. Inspect first before changing anything.
2. Explain what you found in plain English.
3. Suggest one small safe next step.
4. If editing is needed, tell me exactly what you will change before you change it.
5. Make only the smallest useful change.
6. Verify the result after the change.
7. Tell me what I should manually review.
Important: do not use or expose passwords, API keys, private customer data, or secrets. If you see risk, stop and explain the safer option.
Plan a bug fix
When to use this: before debugging or editing
Help me with: Plan a bug fix.
Use this when: before debugging or editing.
Please work like a beginner-friendly Codex partner:
1. Inspect first before changing anything.
2. Explain what you found in plain English.
3. Suggest one small safe next step.
4. If editing is needed, tell me exactly what you will change before you change it.
5. Make only the smallest useful change.
6. Verify the result after the change.
7. Tell me what I should manually review.
Important: do not use or expose passwords, API keys, private customer data, or secrets. If you see risk, stop and explain the safer option.
Plan a WordPress content update
When to use this: before touching a live page
Help me with: Plan a WordPress content update.
Use this when: before touching a live page.
Please work like a beginner-friendly Codex partner:
1. Inspect first before changing anything.
2. Explain what you found in plain English.
3. Suggest one small safe next step.
4. If editing is needed, tell me exactly what you will change before you change it.
5. Make only the smallest useful change.
6. Verify the result after the change.
7. Tell me what I should manually review.
Important: do not use or expose passwords, API keys, private customer data, or secrets. If you see risk, stop and explain the safer option.
Explain risks before editing
When to use this: when you are worried about breaking something
Help me with: Explain risks before editing.
Use this when: when you are worried about breaking something.
Please work like a beginner-friendly Codex partner:
1. Inspect first before changing anything.
2. Explain what you found in plain English.
3. Suggest one small safe next step.
4. If editing is needed, tell me exactly what you will change before you change it.
5. Make only the smallest useful change.
6. Verify the result after the change.
7. Tell me what I should manually review.
Important: do not use or expose passwords, API keys, private customer data, or secrets. If you see risk, stop and explain the safer option.
Reproduce this bug first
When to use this: when something is broken but unclear
Help me with: Reproduce this bug first.
Use this when: when something is broken but unclear.
Please work like a beginner-friendly Codex partner:
1. Inspect first before changing anything.
2. Explain what you found in plain English.
3. Suggest one small safe next step.
4. If editing is needed, tell me exactly what you will change before you change it.
5. Make only the smallest useful change.
6. Verify the result after the change.
7. Tell me what I should manually review.
Important: do not use or expose passwords, API keys, private customer data, or secrets. If you see risk, stop and explain the safer option.
Find why this page looks wrong
When to use this: when layout or spacing is off
Help me with: Find why this page looks wrong.
Use this when: when layout or spacing is off.
Please work like a beginner-friendly Codex partner:
1. Inspect first before changing anything.
2. Explain what you found in plain English.
3. Suggest one small safe next step.
4. If editing is needed, tell me exactly what you will change before you change it.
5. Make only the smallest useful change.
6. Verify the result after the change.
7. Tell me what I should manually review.
Important: do not use or expose passwords, API keys, private customer data, or secrets. If you see risk, stop and explain the safer option.
Find why this button does not work
When to use this: when a click does nothing
Help me with: Find why this button does not work.
Use this when: when a click does nothing.
Please work like a beginner-friendly Codex partner:
1. Inspect first before changing anything.
2. Explain what you found in plain English.
3. Suggest one small safe next step.
4. If editing is needed, tell me exactly what you will change before you change it.
5. Make only the smallest useful change.
6. Verify the result after the change.
7. Tell me what I should manually review.
Important: do not use or expose passwords, API keys, private customer data, or secrets. If you see risk, stop and explain the safer option.
Find why text is hard to read
When to use this: when colors or contrast are bad
Help me with: Find why text is hard to read.
Use this when: when colors or contrast are bad.
Please work like a beginner-friendly Codex partner:
1. Inspect first before changing anything.
2. Explain what you found in plain English.
3. Suggest one small safe next step.
4. If editing is needed, tell me exactly what you will change before you change it.
5. Make only the smallest useful change.
6. Verify the result after the change.
7. Tell me what I should manually review.
Important: do not use or expose passwords, API keys, private customer data, or secrets. If you see risk, stop and explain the safer option.
Find why a link is broken
When to use this: when a link leads nowhere
Help me with: Find why a link is broken.
Use this when: when a link leads nowhere.
Please work like a beginner-friendly Codex partner:
1. Inspect first before changing anything.
2. Explain what you found in plain English.
3. Suggest one small safe next step.
4. If editing is needed, tell me exactly what you will change before you change it.
5. Make only the smallest useful change.
6. Verify the result after the change.
7. Tell me what I should manually review.
Important: do not use or expose passwords, API keys, private customer data, or secrets. If you see risk, stop and explain the safer option.
Find why a form fails
When to use this: when a form does not submit or save
Help me with: Find why a form fails.
Use this when: when a form does not submit or save.
Please work like a beginner-friendly Codex partner:
1. Inspect first before changing anything.
2. Explain what you found in plain English.
3. Suggest one small safe next step.
4. If editing is needed, tell me exactly what you will change before you change it.
5. Make only the smallest useful change.
6. Verify the result after the change.
7. Tell me what I should manually review.
Important: do not use or expose passwords, API keys, private customer data, or secrets. If you see risk, stop and explain the safer option.
Find why mobile layout breaks
When to use this: when the page looks bad on a phone
Help me with: Find why mobile layout breaks.
Use this when: when the page looks bad on a phone.
Please work like a beginner-friendly Codex partner:
1. Inspect first before changing anything.
2. Explain what you found in plain English.
3. Suggest one small safe next step.
4. If editing is needed, tell me exactly what you will change before you change it.
5. Make only the smallest useful change.
6. Verify the result after the change.
7. Tell me what I should manually review.
Important: do not use or expose passwords, API keys, private customer data, or secrets. If you see risk, stop and explain the safer option.
Find why content repeats
When to use this: when titles or sections duplicate
Help me with: Find why content repeats.
Use this when: when titles or sections duplicate.
Please work like a beginner-friendly Codex partner:
1. Inspect first before changing anything.
2. Explain what you found in plain English.
3. Suggest one small safe next step.
4. If editing is needed, tell me exactly what you will change before you change it.
5. Make only the smallest useful change.
6. Verify the result after the change.
7. Tell me what I should manually review.
Important: do not use or expose passwords, API keys, private customer data, or secrets. If you see risk, stop and explain the safer option.
Fix one bug safely
When to use this: when you want a small focused fix
Help me with: Fix one bug safely.
Use this when: when you want a small focused fix.
Please work like a beginner-friendly Codex partner:
1. Inspect first before changing anything.
2. Explain what you found in plain English.
3. Suggest one small safe next step.
4. If editing is needed, tell me exactly what you will change before you change it.
5. Make only the smallest useful change.
6. Verify the result after the change.
7. Tell me what I should manually review.
Important: do not use or expose passwords, API keys, private customer data, or secrets. If you see risk, stop and explain the safer option.
Explain the bug fix after editing
When to use this: when you need to understand what changed
Help me with: Explain the bug fix after editing.
Use this when: when you need to understand what changed.
Please work like a beginner-friendly Codex partner:
1. Inspect first before changing anything.
2. Explain what you found in plain English.
3. Suggest one small safe next step.
4. If editing is needed, tell me exactly what you will change before you change it.
5. Make only the smallest useful change.
6. Verify the result after the change.
7. Tell me what I should manually review.
Important: do not use or expose passwords, API keys, private customer data, or secrets. If you see risk, stop and explain the safer option.
Build a simple landing page
When to use this: when you need one clear offer page
Help me with: Build a simple landing page.
Use this when: when you need one clear offer page.
Please work like a beginner-friendly Codex partner:
1. Inspect first before changing anything.
2. Explain what you found in plain English.
3. Suggest one small safe next step.
4. If editing is needed, tell me exactly what you will change before you change it.
5. Make only the smallest useful change.
6. Verify the result after the change.
7. Tell me what I should manually review.
Important: do not use or expose passwords, API keys, private customer data, or secrets. If you see risk, stop and explain the safer option.
Build a checklist page
When to use this: when you want a useful downloadable-style resource
Help me with: Build a checklist page.
Use this when: when you want a useful downloadable-style resource.
Please work like a beginner-friendly Codex partner:
1. Inspect first before changing anything.
2. Explain what you found in plain English.
3. Suggest one small safe next step.
4. If editing is needed, tell me exactly what you will change before you change it.
5. Make only the smallest useful change.
6. Verify the result after the change.
7. Tell me what I should manually review.
Important: do not use or expose passwords, API keys, private customer data, or secrets. If you see risk, stop and explain the safer option.
Build a prompt library page
When to use this: when you want copyable prompts
Help me with: Build a prompt library page.
Use this when: when you want copyable prompts.
Please work like a beginner-friendly Codex partner:
1. Inspect first before changing anything.
2. Explain what you found in plain English.
3. Suggest one small safe next step.
4. If editing is needed, tell me exactly what you will change before you change it.
5. Make only the smallest useful change.
6. Verify the result after the change.
7. Tell me what I should manually review.
Important: do not use or expose passwords, API keys, private customer data, or secrets. If you see risk, stop and explain the safer option.
Build a simple calculator
When to use this: when you have a formula or score
Help me with: Build a simple calculator.
Use this when: when you have a formula or score.
Please work like a beginner-friendly Codex partner:
1. Inspect first before changing anything.
2. Explain what you found in plain English.
3. Suggest one small safe next step.
4. If editing is needed, tell me exactly what you will change before you change it.
5. Make only the smallest useful change.
6. Verify the result after the change.
7. Tell me what I should manually review.
Important: do not use or expose passwords, API keys, private customer data, or secrets. If you see risk, stop and explain the safer option.
Build a comparison table
When to use this: when readers need to choose between options
Help me with: Build a comparison table.
Use this when: when readers need to choose between options.
Please work like a beginner-friendly Codex partner:
1. Inspect first before changing anything.
2. Explain what you found in plain English.
3. Suggest one small safe next step.
4. If editing is needed, tell me exactly what you will change before you change it.
5. Make only the smallest useful change.
6. Verify the result after the change.
7. Tell me what I should manually review.
Important: do not use or expose passwords, API keys, private customer data, or secrets. If you see risk, stop and explain the safer option.
Build a resource directory
When to use this: when you have a list of tools or links
Help me with: Build a resource directory.
Use this when: when you have a list of tools or links.
Please work like a beginner-friendly Codex partner:
1. Inspect first before changing anything.
2. Explain what you found in plain English.
3. Suggest one small safe next step.
4. If editing is needed, tell me exactly what you will change before you change it.
5. Make only the smallest useful change.
6. Verify the result after the change.
7. Tell me what I should manually review.
Important: do not use or expose passwords, API keys, private customer data, or secrets. If you see risk, stop and explain the safer option.
Build a FAQ section
When to use this: when visitors have common questions
Help me with: Build a FAQ section.
Use this when: when visitors have common questions.
Please work like a beginner-friendly Codex partner:
1. Inspect first before changing anything.
2. Explain what you found in plain English.
3. Suggest one small safe next step.
4. If editing is needed, tell me exactly what you will change before you change it.
5. Make only the smallest useful change.
6. Verify the result after the change.
7. Tell me what I should manually review.
Important: do not use or expose passwords, API keys, private customer data, or secrets. If you see risk, stop and explain the safer option.
Build a mobile-friendly layout
When to use this: when the page must work on phones
Help me with: Build a mobile-friendly layout.
Use this when: when the page must work on phones.
Please work like a beginner-friendly Codex partner:
1. Inspect first before changing anything.
2. Explain what you found in plain English.
3. Suggest one small safe next step.
4. If editing is needed, tell me exactly what you will change before you change it.
5. Make only the smallest useful change.
6. Verify the result after the change.
7. Tell me what I should manually review.
Important: do not use or expose passwords, API keys, private customer data, or secrets. If you see risk, stop and explain the safer option.
Improve a page headline and intro
When to use this: when the page feels vague
Help me with: Improve a page headline and intro.
Use this when: when the page feels vague.
Please work like a beginner-friendly Codex partner:
1. Inspect first before changing anything.
2. Explain what you found in plain English.
3. Suggest one small safe next step.
4. If editing is needed, tell me exactly what you will change before you change it.
5. Make only the smallest useful change.
6. Verify the result after the change.
7. Tell me what I should manually review.
Important: do not use or expose passwords, API keys, private customer data, or secrets. If you see risk, stop and explain the safer option.
Make this page easier to scan
When to use this: when the content feels dense or messy
Help me with: Make this page easier to scan.
Use this when: when the content feels dense or messy.
Please work like a beginner-friendly Codex partner:
1. Inspect first before changing anything.
2. Explain what you found in plain English.
3. Suggest one small safe next step.
4. If editing is needed, tell me exactly what you will change before you change it.
5. Make only the smallest useful change.
6. Verify the result after the change.
7. Tell me what I should manually review.
Important: do not use or expose passwords, API keys, private customer data, or secrets. If you see risk, stop and explain the safer option.
Inspect this WordPress page
When to use this: before editing a live page
Help me with: Inspect this WordPress page.
Use this when: before editing a live page.
Please work like a beginner-friendly Codex partner:
1. Inspect first before changing anything.
2. Explain what you found in plain English.
3. Suggest one small safe next step.
4. If editing is needed, tell me exactly what you will change before you change it.
5. Make only the smallest useful change.
6. Verify the result after the change.
7. Tell me what I should manually review.
Important: do not use or expose passwords, API keys, private customer data, or secrets. If you see risk, stop and explain the safer option.
Fix visible shortcode text
When to use this: when shortcode output appears as plain text
Help me with: Fix visible shortcode text.
Use this when: when shortcode output appears as plain text.
Please work like a beginner-friendly Codex partner:
1. Inspect first before changing anything.
2. Explain what you found in plain English.
3. Suggest one small safe next step.
4. If editing is needed, tell me exactly what you will change before you change it.
5. Make only the smallest useful change.
6. Verify the result after the change.
7. Tell me what I should manually review.
Important: do not use or expose passwords, API keys, private customer data, or secrets. If you see risk, stop and explain the safer option.
Add page-scoped CSS
When to use this: when one page needs a style fix
Help me with: Add page-scoped CSS.
Use this when: when one page needs a style fix.
Please work like a beginner-friendly Codex partner:
1. Inspect first before changing anything.
2. Explain what you found in plain English.
3. Suggest one small safe next step.
4. If editing is needed, tell me exactly what you will change before you change it.
5. Make only the smallest useful change.
6. Verify the result after the change.
7. Tell me what I should manually review.
Important: do not use or expose passwords, API keys, private customer data, or secrets. If you see risk, stop and explain the safer option.
Find a theme CSS conflict
When to use this: when the theme overrides your colors
Help me with: Find a theme CSS conflict.
Use this when: when the theme overrides your colors.
Please work like a beginner-friendly Codex partner:
1. Inspect first before changing anything.
2. Explain what you found in plain English.
3. Suggest one small safe next step.
4. If editing is needed, tell me exactly what you will change before you change it.
5. Make only the smallest useful change.
6. Verify the result after the change.
7. Tell me what I should manually review.
Important: do not use or expose passwords, API keys, private customer data, or secrets. If you see risk, stop and explain the safer option.
Make CTA buttons readable
When to use this: when button text has poor contrast
Help me with: Make CTA buttons readable.
Use this when: when button text has poor contrast.
Please work like a beginner-friendly Codex partner:
1. Inspect first before changing anything.
2. Explain what you found in plain English.
3. Suggest one small safe next step.
4. If editing is needed, tell me exactly what you will change before you change it.
5. Make only the smallest useful change.
6. Verify the result after the change.
7. Tell me what I should manually review.
Important: do not use or expose passwords, API keys, private customer data, or secrets. If you see risk, stop and explain the safer option.
Check WordPress links
When to use this: after publishing or editing content
Help me with: Check WordPress links.
Use this when: after publishing or editing content.
Please work like a beginner-friendly Codex partner:
1. Inspect first before changing anything.
2. Explain what you found in plain English.
3. Suggest one small safe next step.
4. If editing is needed, tell me exactly what you will change before you change it.
5. Make only the smallest useful change.
6. Verify the result after the change.
7. Tell me what I should manually review.
Important: do not use or expose passwords, API keys, private customer data, or secrets. If you see risk, stop and explain the safer option.
Create a WordPress custom HTML block
When to use this: when you need a self-contained section
Help me with: Create a WordPress custom HTML block.
Use this when: when you need a self-contained section.
Please work like a beginner-friendly Codex partner:
1. Inspect first before changing anything.
2. Explain what you found in plain English.
3. Suggest one small safe next step.
4. If editing is needed, tell me exactly what you will change before you change it.
5. Make only the smallest useful change.
6. Verify the result after the change.
7. Tell me what I should manually review.
Important: do not use or expose passwords, API keys, private customer data, or secrets. If you see risk, stop and explain the safer option.
Update a page without publishing surprises
When to use this: when editing production content
Help me with: Update a page without publishing surprises.
Use this when: when editing production content.
Please work like a beginner-friendly Codex partner:
1. Inspect first before changing anything.
2. Explain what you found in plain English.
3. Suggest one small safe next step.
4. If editing is needed, tell me exactly what you will change before you change it.
5. Make only the smallest useful change.
6. Verify the result after the change.
7. Tell me what I should manually review.
Important: do not use or expose passwords, API keys, private customer data, or secrets. If you see risk, stop and explain the safer option.
Explain what WordPress changed
When to use this: after an update or REST edit
Help me with: Explain what WordPress changed.
Use this when: after an update or REST edit.
Please work like a beginner-friendly Codex partner:
1. Inspect first before changing anything.
2. Explain what you found in plain English.
3. Suggest one small safe next step.
4. If editing is needed, tell me exactly what you will change before you change it.
5. Make only the smallest useful change.
6. Verify the result after the change.
7. Tell me what I should manually review.
Important: do not use or expose passwords, API keys, private customer data, or secrets. If you see risk, stop and explain the safer option.
Make a rollback note
When to use this: before or after a risky WordPress change
Help me with: Make a rollback note.
Use this when: before or after a risky WordPress change.
Please work like a beginner-friendly Codex partner:
1. Inspect first before changing anything.
2. Explain what you found in plain English.
3. Suggest one small safe next step.
4. If editing is needed, tell me exactly what you will change before you change it.
5. Make only the smallest useful change.
6. Verify the result after the change.
7. Tell me what I should manually review.
Important: do not use or expose passwords, API keys, private customer data, or secrets. If you see risk, stop and explain the safer option.
Check the page loads
When to use this: after changing a page
Help me with: Check the page loads.
Use this when: after changing a page.
Please work like a beginner-friendly Codex partner:
1. Inspect first before changing anything.
2. Explain what you found in plain English.
3. Suggest one small safe next step.
4. If editing is needed, tell me exactly what you will change before you change it.
5. Make only the smallest useful change.
6. Verify the result after the change.
7. Tell me what I should manually review.
Important: do not use or expose passwords, API keys, private customer data, or secrets. If you see risk, stop and explain the safer option.
Check all links
When to use this: before publishing or sharing
Help me with: Check all links.
Use this when: before publishing or sharing.
Please work like a beginner-friendly Codex partner:
1. Inspect first before changing anything.
2. Explain what you found in plain English.
3. Suggest one small safe next step.
4. If editing is needed, tell me exactly what you will change before you change it.
5. Make only the smallest useful change.
6. Verify the result after the change.
7. Tell me what I should manually review.
Important: do not use or expose passwords, API keys, private customer data, or secrets. If you see risk, stop and explain the safer option.
Check buttons and forms
When to use this: after adding interactions
Help me with: Check buttons and forms.
Use this when: after adding interactions.
Please work like a beginner-friendly Codex partner:
1. Inspect first before changing anything.
2. Explain what you found in plain English.
3. Suggest one small safe next step.
4. If editing is needed, tell me exactly what you will change before you change it.
5. Make only the smallest useful change.
6. Verify the result after the change.
7. Tell me what I should manually review.
Important: do not use or expose passwords, API keys, private customer data, or secrets. If you see risk, stop and explain the safer option.
Check mobile layout
When to use this: before saying a page is finished
Help me with: Check mobile layout.
Use this when: before saying a page is finished.
Please work like a beginner-friendly Codex partner:
1. Inspect first before changing anything.
2. Explain what you found in plain English.
3. Suggest one small safe next step.
4. If editing is needed, tell me exactly what you will change before you change it.
5. Make only the smallest useful change.
6. Verify the result after the change.
7. Tell me what I should manually review.
Important: do not use or expose passwords, API keys, private customer data, or secrets. If you see risk, stop and explain the safer option.
Check text contrast
When to use this: when colors were changed
Help me with: Check text contrast.
Use this when: when colors were changed.
Please work like a beginner-friendly Codex partner:
1. Inspect first before changing anything.
2. Explain what you found in plain English.
3. Suggest one small safe next step.
4. If editing is needed, tell me exactly what you will change before you change it.
5. Make only the smallest useful change.
6. Verify the result after the change.
7. Tell me what I should manually review.
Important: do not use or expose passwords, API keys, private customer data, or secrets. If you see risk, stop and explain the safer option.
Check for raw code or shortcodes
When to use this: after replacing content
Help me with: Check for raw code or shortcodes.
Use this when: after replacing content.
Please work like a beginner-friendly Codex partner:
1. Inspect first before changing anything.
2. Explain what you found in plain English.
3. Suggest one small safe next step.
4. If editing is needed, tell me exactly what you will change before you change it.
5. Make only the smallest useful change.
6. Verify the result after the change.
7. Tell me what I should manually review.
Important: do not use or expose passwords, API keys, private customer data, or secrets. If you see risk, stop and explain the safer option.
Check browser console errors
When to use this: when JavaScript may be involved
Help me with: Check browser console errors.
Use this when: when JavaScript may be involved.
Please work like a beginner-friendly Codex partner:
1. Inspect first before changing anything.
2. Explain what you found in plain English.
3. Suggest one small safe next step.
4. If editing is needed, tell me exactly what you will change before you change it.
5. Make only the smallest useful change.
6. Verify the result after the change.
7. Tell me what I should manually review.
Important: do not use or expose passwords, API keys, private customer data, or secrets. If you see risk, stop and explain the safer option.
Create a simple QA checklist
When to use this: for a nontechnical review
Help me with: Create a simple QA checklist.
Use this when: for a nontechnical review.
Please work like a beginner-friendly Codex partner:
1. Inspect first before changing anything.
2. Explain what you found in plain English.
3. Suggest one small safe next step.
4. If editing is needed, tell me exactly what you will change before you change it.
5. Make only the smallest useful change.
6. Verify the result after the change.
7. Tell me what I should manually review.
Important: do not use or expose passwords, API keys, private customer data, or secrets. If you see risk, stop and explain the safer option.
Summarize what was verified
When to use this: when you need proof of work
Help me with: Summarize what was verified.
Use this when: when you need proof of work.
Please work like a beginner-friendly Codex partner:
1. Inspect first before changing anything.
2. Explain what you found in plain English.
3. Suggest one small safe next step.
4. If editing is needed, tell me exactly what you will change before you change it.
5. Make only the smallest useful change.
6. Verify the result after the change.
7. Tell me what I should manually review.
Important: do not use or expose passwords, API keys, private customer data, or secrets. If you see risk, stop and explain the safer option.
Tell me what I should manually review
When to use this: before final approval
Help me with: Tell me what I should manually review.
Use this when: before final approval.
Please work like a beginner-friendly Codex partner:
1. Inspect first before changing anything.
2. Explain what you found in plain English.
3. Suggest one small safe next step.
4. If editing is needed, tell me exactly what you will change before you change it.
5. Make only the smallest useful change.
6. Verify the result after the change.
7. Tell me what I should manually review.
Important: do not use or expose passwords, API keys, private customer data, or secrets. If you see risk, stop and explain the safer option.
Explain what Git changed
When to use this: when you see a list of modified files
Help me with: Explain what Git changed.
Use this when: when you see a list of modified files.
Please work like a beginner-friendly Codex partner:
1. Inspect first before changing anything.
2. Explain what you found in plain English.
3. Suggest one small safe next step.
4. If editing is needed, tell me exactly what you will change before you change it.
5. Make only the smallest useful change.
6. Verify the result after the change.
7. Tell me what I should manually review.
Important: do not use or expose passwords, API keys, private customer data, or secrets. If you see risk, stop and explain the safer option.
Summarize this diff
When to use this: before reviewing code changes
Help me with: Summarize this diff.
Use this when: before reviewing code changes.
Please work like a beginner-friendly Codex partner:
1. Inspect first before changing anything.
2. Explain what you found in plain English.
3. Suggest one small safe next step.
4. If editing is needed, tell me exactly what you will change before you change it.
5. Make only the smallest useful change.
6. Verify the result after the change.
7. Tell me what I should manually review.
Important: do not use or expose passwords, API keys, private customer data, or secrets. If you see risk, stop and explain the safer option.
Tell me which files are safe to commit
When to use this: when there are unrelated edits
Help me with: Tell me which files are safe to commit.
Use this when: when there are unrelated edits.
Please work like a beginner-friendly Codex partner:
1. Inspect first before changing anything.
2. Explain what you found in plain English.
3. Suggest one small safe next step.
4. If editing is needed, tell me exactly what you will change before you change it.
5. Make only the smallest useful change.
6. Verify the result after the change.
7. Tell me what I should manually review.
Important: do not use or expose passwords, API keys, private customer data, or secrets. If you see risk, stop and explain the safer option.
Write a simple commit message
When to use this: after a focused change
Help me with: Write a simple commit message.
Use this when: after a focused change.
Please work like a beginner-friendly Codex partner:
1. Inspect first before changing anything.
2. Explain what you found in plain English.
3. Suggest one small safe next step.
4. If editing is needed, tell me exactly what you will change before you change it.
5. Make only the smallest useful change.
6. Verify the result after the change.
7. Tell me what I should manually review.
Important: do not use or expose passwords, API keys, private customer data, or secrets. If you see risk, stop and explain the safer option.
Explain this Git error
When to use this: when a Git command fails
Help me with: Explain this Git error.
Use this when: when a Git command fails.
Please work like a beginner-friendly Codex partner:
1. Inspect first before changing anything.
2. Explain what you found in plain English.
3. Suggest one small safe next step.
4. If editing is needed, tell me exactly what you will change before you change it.
5. Make only the smallest useful change.
6. Verify the result after the change.
7. Tell me what I should manually review.
Important: do not use or expose passwords, API keys, private customer data, or secrets. If you see risk, stop and explain the safer option.
Check the current branch
When to use this: before starting work
Help me with: Check the current branch.
Use this when: before starting work.
Please work like a beginner-friendly Codex partner:
1. Inspect first before changing anything.
2. Explain what you found in plain English.
3. Suggest one small safe next step.
4. If editing is needed, tell me exactly what you will change before you change it.
5. Make only the smallest useful change.
6. Verify the result after the change.
7. Tell me what I should manually review.
Important: do not use or expose passwords, API keys, private customer data, or secrets. If you see risk, stop and explain the safer option.
Explain what a pull request should say
When to use this: before opening a PR
Help me with: Explain what a pull request should say.
Use this when: before opening a PR.
Please work like a beginner-friendly Codex partner:
1. Inspect first before changing anything.
2. Explain what you found in plain English.
3. Suggest one small safe next step.
4. If editing is needed, tell me exactly what you will change before you change it.
5. Make only the smallest useful change.
6. Verify the result after the change.
7. Tell me what I should manually review.
Important: do not use or expose passwords, API keys, private customer data, or secrets. If you see risk, stop and explain the safer option.
Review changes before commit
When to use this: to catch accidental edits
Help me with: Review changes before commit.
Use this when: to catch accidental edits.
Please work like a beginner-friendly Codex partner:
1. Inspect first before changing anything.
2. Explain what you found in plain English.
3. Suggest one small safe next step.
4. If editing is needed, tell me exactly what you will change before you change it.
5. Make only the smallest useful change.
6. Verify the result after the change.
7. Tell me what I should manually review.
Important: do not use or expose passwords, API keys, private customer data, or secrets. If you see risk, stop and explain the safer option.
Help me avoid overwriting someone else's work
When to use this: when the worktree is dirty
Help me with: Help me avoid overwriting someone else's work.
Use this when: when the worktree is dirty.
Please work like a beginner-friendly Codex partner:
1. Inspect first before changing anything.
2. Explain what you found in plain English.
3. Suggest one small safe next step.
4. If editing is needed, tell me exactly what you will change before you change it.
5. Make only the smallest useful change.
6. Verify the result after the change.
7. Tell me what I should manually review.
Important: do not use or expose passwords, API keys, private customer data, or secrets. If you see risk, stop and explain the safer option.
Explain rollback options
When to use this: when you need to undo safely
Help me with: Explain rollback options.
Use this when: when you need to undo safely.
Please work like a beginner-friendly Codex partner:
1. Inspect first before changing anything.
2. Explain what you found in plain English.
3. Suggest one small safe next step.
4. If editing is needed, tell me exactly what you will change before you change it.
5. Make only the smallest useful change.
6. Verify the result after the change.
7. Tell me what I should manually review.
Important: do not use or expose passwords, API keys, private customer data, or secrets. If you see risk, stop and explain the safer option.
Rewrite my prompt clearly
When to use this: when your first request feels vague
Help me with: Rewrite my prompt clearly.
Use this when: when your first request feels vague.
Please work like a beginner-friendly Codex partner:
1. Inspect first before changing anything.
2. Explain what you found in plain English.
3. Suggest one small safe next step.
4. If editing is needed, tell me exactly what you will change before you change it.
5. Make only the smallest useful change.
6. Verify the result after the change.
7. Tell me what I should manually review.
Important: do not use or expose passwords, API keys, private customer data, or secrets. If you see risk, stop and explain the safer option.
Add context to my prompt
When to use this: when Codex needs more background
Help me with: Add context to my prompt.
Use this when: when Codex needs more background.
Please work like a beginner-friendly Codex partner:
1. Inspect first before changing anything.
2. Explain what you found in plain English.
3. Suggest one small safe next step.
4. If editing is needed, tell me exactly what you will change before you change it.
5. Make only the smallest useful change.
6. Verify the result after the change.
7. Tell me what I should manually review.
Important: do not use or expose passwords, API keys, private customer data, or secrets. If you see risk, stop and explain the safer option.
Add constraints to my prompt
When to use this: when you want safer behavior
Help me with: Add constraints to my prompt.
Use this when: when you want safer behavior.
Please work like a beginner-friendly Codex partner:
1. Inspect first before changing anything.
2. Explain what you found in plain English.
3. Suggest one small safe next step.
4. If editing is needed, tell me exactly what you will change before you change it.
5. Make only the smallest useful change.
6. Verify the result after the change.
7. Tell me what I should manually review.
Important: do not use or expose passwords, API keys, private customer data, or secrets. If you see risk, stop and explain the safer option.
Add done-when criteria
When to use this: when you need a clear finish line
Help me with: Add done-when criteria.
Use this when: when you need a clear finish line.
Please work like a beginner-friendly Codex partner:
1. Inspect first before changing anything.
2. Explain what you found in plain English.
3. Suggest one small safe next step.
4. If editing is needed, tell me exactly what you will change before you change it.
5. Make only the smallest useful change.
6. Verify the result after the change.
7. Tell me what I should manually review.
Important: do not use or expose passwords, API keys, private customer data, or secrets. If you see risk, stop and explain the safer option.
Turn a screenshot into a prompt
When to use this: when you want a visual issue fixed
Help me with: Turn a screenshot into a prompt.
Use this when: when you want a visual issue fixed.
Please work like a beginner-friendly Codex partner:
1. Inspect first before changing anything.
2. Explain what you found in plain English.
3. Suggest one small safe next step.
4. If editing is needed, tell me exactly what you will change before you change it.
5. Make only the smallest useful change.
6. Verify the result after the change.
7. Tell me what I should manually review.
Important: do not use or expose passwords, API keys, private customer data, or secrets. If you see risk, stop and explain the safer option.
Turn feedback into an edit request
When to use this: when you want Codex to revise a page
Help me with: Turn feedback into an edit request.
Use this when: when you want Codex to revise a page.
Please work like a beginner-friendly Codex partner:
1. Inspect first before changing anything.
2. Explain what you found in plain English.
3. Suggest one small safe next step.
4. If editing is needed, tell me exactly what you will change before you change it.
5. Make only the smallest useful change.
6. Verify the result after the change.
7. Tell me what I should manually review.
Important: do not use or expose passwords, API keys, private customer data, or secrets. If you see risk, stop and explain the safer option.
Make my prompt beginner-friendly
When to use this: when the wording is too technical
Help me with: Make my prompt beginner-friendly.
Use this when: when the wording is too technical.
Please work like a beginner-friendly Codex partner:
1. Inspect first before changing anything.
2. Explain what you found in plain English.
3. Suggest one small safe next step.
4. If editing is needed, tell me exactly what you will change before you change it.
5. Make only the smallest useful change.
6. Verify the result after the change.
7. Tell me what I should manually review.
Important: do not use or expose passwords, API keys, private customer data, or secrets. If you see risk, stop and explain the safer option.
Ask me clarifying questions first
When to use this: when the task is fuzzy
Help me with: Ask me clarifying questions first.
Use this when: when the task is fuzzy.
Please work like a beginner-friendly Codex partner:
1. Inspect first before changing anything.
2. Explain what you found in plain English.
3. Suggest one small safe next step.
4. If editing is needed, tell me exactly what you will change before you change it.
5. Make only the smallest useful change.
6. Verify the result after the change.
7. Tell me what I should manually review.
Important: do not use or expose passwords, API keys, private customer data, or secrets. If you see risk, stop and explain the safer option.
Create a reusable prompt template
When to use this: when you repeat the same kind of work
Help me with: Create a reusable prompt template.
Use this when: when you repeat the same kind of work.
Please work like a beginner-friendly Codex partner:
1. Inspect first before changing anything.
2. Explain what you found in plain English.
3. Suggest one small safe next step.
4. If editing is needed, tell me exactly what you will change before you change it.
5. Make only the smallest useful change.
6. Verify the result after the change.
7. Tell me what I should manually review.
Important: do not use or expose passwords, API keys, private customer data, or secrets. If you see risk, stop and explain the safer option.
Review my prompt for risk
When to use this: before asking Codex to touch production
Help me with: Review my prompt for risk.
Use this when: before asking Codex to touch production.
Please work like a beginner-friendly Codex partner:
1. Inspect first before changing anything.
2. Explain what you found in plain English.
3. Suggest one small safe next step.
4. If editing is needed, tell me exactly what you will change before you change it.
5. Make only the smallest useful change.
6. Verify the result after the change.
7. Tell me what I should manually review.
Important: do not use or expose passwords, API keys, private customer data, or secrets. If you see risk, stop and explain the safer option.
Explain what you will change before editing
When to use this: before any production change
Help me with: Explain what you will change before editing.
Use this when: before any production change.
Please work like a beginner-friendly Codex partner:
1. Inspect first before changing anything.
2. Explain what you found in plain English.
3. Suggest one small safe next step.
4. If editing is needed, tell me exactly what you will change before you change it.
5. Make only the smallest useful change.
6. Verify the result after the change.
7. Tell me what I should manually review.
Important: do not use or expose passwords, API keys, private customer data, or secrets. If you see risk, stop and explain the safer option.
Check for risks before publishing
When to use this: when a page or feature is going live
Help me with: Check for risks before publishing.
Use this when: when a page or feature is going live.
Please work like a beginner-friendly Codex partner:
1. Inspect first before changing anything.
2. Explain what you found in plain English.
3. Suggest one small safe next step.
4. If editing is needed, tell me exactly what you will change before you change it.
5. Make only the smallest useful change.
6. Verify the result after the change.
7. Tell me what I should manually review.
Important: do not use or expose passwords, API keys, private customer data, or secrets. If you see risk, stop and explain the safer option.
Verify this page on mobile
When to use this: before final approval
Help me with: Verify this page on mobile.
Use this when: before final approval.
Please work like a beginner-friendly Codex partner:
1. Inspect first before changing anything.
2. Explain what you found in plain English.
3. Suggest one small safe next step.
4. If editing is needed, tell me exactly what you will change before you change it.
5. Make only the smallest useful change.
6. Verify the result after the change.
7. Tell me what I should manually review.
Important: do not use or expose passwords, API keys, private customer data, or secrets. If you see risk, stop and explain the safer option.
Tell me what I should manually review
When to use this: before calling the work done
Help me with: Tell me what I should manually review.
Use this when: before calling the work done.
Please work like a beginner-friendly Codex partner:
1. Inspect first before changing anything.
2. Explain what you found in plain English.
3. Suggest one small safe next step.
4. If editing is needed, tell me exactly what you will change before you change it.
5. Make only the smallest useful change.
6. Verify the result after the change.
7. Tell me what I should manually review.
Important: do not use or expose passwords, API keys, private customer data, or secrets. If you see risk, stop and explain the safer option.
Create a publish checklist
When to use this: before updating a live page
Help me with: Create a publish checklist.
Use this when: before updating a live page.
Please work like a beginner-friendly Codex partner:
1. Inspect first before changing anything.
2. Explain what you found in plain English.
3. Suggest one small safe next step.
4. If editing is needed, tell me exactly what you will change before you change it.
5. Make only the smallest useful change.
6. Verify the result after the change.
7. Tell me what I should manually review.
Important: do not use or expose passwords, API keys, private customer data, or secrets. If you see risk, stop and explain the safer option.
Create a rollback plan
When to use this: before a risky update
Help me with: Create a rollback plan.
Use this when: before a risky update.
Please work like a beginner-friendly Codex partner:
1. Inspect first before changing anything.
2. Explain what you found in plain English.
3. Suggest one small safe next step.
4. If editing is needed, tell me exactly what you will change before you change it.
5. Make only the smallest useful change.
6. Verify the result after the change.
7. Tell me what I should manually review.
Important: do not use or expose passwords, API keys, private customer data, or secrets. If you see risk, stop and explain the safer option.
Check for secrets or private data
When to use this: before sharing code or content
Help me with: Check for secrets or private data.
Use this when: before sharing code or content.
Please work like a beginner-friendly Codex partner:
1. Inspect first before changing anything.
2. Explain what you found in plain English.
3. Suggest one small safe next step.
4. If editing is needed, tell me exactly what you will change before you change it.
5. Make only the smallest useful change.
6. Verify the result after the change.
7. Tell me what I should manually review.
Important: do not use or expose passwords, API keys, private customer data, or secrets. If you see risk, stop and explain the safer option.
Check accessibility basics
When to use this: before publishing UI changes
Help me with: Check accessibility basics.
Use this when: before publishing UI changes.
Please work like a beginner-friendly Codex partner:
1. Inspect first before changing anything.
2. Explain what you found in plain English.
3. Suggest one small safe next step.
4. If editing is needed, tell me exactly what you will change before you change it.
5. Make only the smallest useful change.
6. Verify the result after the change.
7. Tell me what I should manually review.
Important: do not use or expose passwords, API keys, private customer data, or secrets. If you see risk, stop and explain the safer option.
Write a plain-English completion report
When to use this: after work is finished
Help me with: Write a plain-English completion report.
Use this when: after work is finished.
Please work like a beginner-friendly Codex partner:
1. Inspect first before changing anything.
2. Explain what you found in plain English.
3. Suggest one small safe next step.
4. If editing is needed, tell me exactly what you will change before you change it.
5. Make only the smallest useful change.
6. Verify the result after the change.
7. Tell me what I should manually review.
Important: do not use or expose passwords, API keys, private customer data, or secrets. If you see risk, stop and explain the safer option.
Recommend the next safe step
When to use this: when you are unsure what to do next
Help me with: Recommend the next safe step.
Use this when: when you are unsure what to do next.
Please work like a beginner-friendly Codex partner:
1. Inspect first before changing anything.
2. Explain what you found in plain English.
3. Suggest one small safe next step.
4. If editing is needed, tell me exactly what you will change before you change it.
5. Make only the smallest useful change.
6. Verify the result after the change.
7. Tell me what I should manually review.
Important: do not use or expose passwords, API keys, private customer data, or secrets. If you see risk, stop and explain the safer option.
Safety prompts to remember
These safety ideas are built into the library, but they are worth repeating before any live-site or production work.
- Explain what you will change before editing.
- Check for risks before publishing.
- Verify this page on mobile.
- Tell me what I should manually review.
- Check for secrets or private data before sharing anything.
When in doubt, ask Codex to inspect, explain, and suggest one safe next step before making edits.
Related Academy links
Codex Zero to Hero
Follow the full beginner course path.
Open courseCodex Prompt Builder
Turn your idea into a clearer build prompt.
Open toolBeginner App Prompts
Use starter app prompts for simple builds.
Open promptsAdvanced Codex Prompts
Move up when you are ready for deeper workflows.
Open library