Ever typed a long prompt into ChatGPT and still got a vague, wordy answer? Sometimes one short keyword is all it takes to fix that. This ChatGPT Secret Codes List brings together 70+ shortcuts, like /eli5, /tldr, /truthmode and /explode, that change how ChatGPT explains, writes, formats and even creates images.
Every code below comes with a simple explanation of what it does and a copy-paste example prompt, so you can try it in seconds. You’ll also find codes for students, coding, work, image generation and photo editing, plus an honest answer on whether free ChatGPT codes really exist.
What Are ChatGPT Secret Codes?
ChatGPT secret codes are short keywords you add to a prompt to change how ChatGPT answers. Type one word, and you can get a simpler explanation, a shorter summary, blunt feedback or a neatly formatted table, without writing a long prompt.
Here’s the difference one code can make:
Without a code: “How does inflation work?”
→ A long, textbook-style answer.
With a code: “/eli5 how does inflation work?”
→ A short, simple explanation a beginner can follow.
Ready to try it? Here’s the full ChatGPT secret codes list, starting with the simplest and most popular ones.
Simplify and Explain Codes
1. /eli5
What it does: Explains a topic in very simple words, like you’re a beginner.
Example Prompt: /eli5 how do credit scores work?
2. /eli10
What it does: Gives a bit more detail than /eli5, still in simple language.
Example Prompt: /eli10 why do airplanes stay in the air?
3. /tldr
What it does: Gives a short summary of a long text.
Example Prompt: /tldr [paste article here]
4. /simplify
What it does: Rewrites complicated text in easier language.
Example Prompt: /simplify this paragraph: [paste text]
5. /analogy
What it does: Explains an idea by comparing it to something familiar.
Example Prompt: /analogy explain how the stock market works
6. /steps
What it does: Breaks a process into clear, numbered steps.
Example Prompt: /steps how to set up a Roth IRA
7. /example
What it does: Adds real-life examples to make an idea clear.
Example Prompt: Explain compound interest. /example use a $1,000 deposit
Writing Style and Tone Codes
For a deeper guide, see our article on prompts to make ChatGPT write like a human.
8. /human
What it does: Makes text sound natural instead of robotic.
Example Prompt: /human rewrite this email so it sounds like a real person wrote it: [paste email]
9. /casual
What it does: Changes the tone to friendly and relaxed.
Example Prompt: /casual rewrite this message to a coworker: [paste message]
10. /formal
What it does: Changes the tone to polished and professional.
Example Prompt: /formal rewrite this note as a client email: [paste note]
11. /jargonize
What it does: Adds professional, industry-style wording.
Example Prompt: /jargonize this update for a marketing report: [paste text]
12. /dejargon
What it does: Removes technical language so anyone can follow.
Example Prompt: /dejargon this contract summary: [paste text]
13. /pastiche
What it does: Imitates a writing style that you describe.
Example Prompt: /pastiche write about Paris in the style of a friendly travel blogger
14. /persuade
What it does: Makes the writing more convincing.
Example Prompt: /persuade rewrite this product description: [paste text]
15. /storymode
What it does: Turns a topic into a short story so it’s easier to remember.
Example Prompt: /storymode explain photosynthesis
16. /plaintalk
What it does: Removes filler words and buzzwords.
Example Prompt: /plaintalk rewrite this LinkedIn post: [paste post]
17. /rewrite
What it does: Rewrites text in fresh wording while keeping the meaning.
Example Prompt: /rewrite this paragraph, same meaning, but shorter: [paste text]
Tip: After using /human, read the result aloud and edit anything that doesn’t sound like you.
ChatGPT Secret Codes for Image Generation and Photo Editing
If your ChatGPT plan supports image creation or photo editing, these keywords help steer the result. The first group is for explaining things visually. The second group is for editing and styling photos.
Visual explainer codes
18. /explode
What it does: Creates an exploded-view image, where an object is pulled apart to show its parts, with labels. Great for explaining how things are built.
Example Prompt: /explode create an exploded-view image of a smartphone showing the screen, battery, camera, chip and casing, with labels
19. /crosssection
What it does: Shows the inside of something, as if it were cut in half.
Example Prompt: /crosssection show the inside of a volcano with labeled layers
20. /infographic
What it does: Turns a topic into a clean, visual infographic.
Example Prompt: /infographic how the water cycle works, simple icons and short labels
21. /blueprint
What it does: Gives a technical blueprint or schematic look.
Example Prompt: /blueprint a small wooden treehouse, blue background, white lines
22. /isometric
What it does: Creates a 3D-style angled view, popular for rooms, cities and systems.
Example Prompt: /isometric a cozy home office with desk, plants and shelves
23. /labels
What it does: Adds labeled callouts pointing to parts of the image.
Example Prompt: /labels a human heart diagram with the four chambers named
24. /studyimage
What it does: Creates a visual study aid that explains a topic step by step in one picture.
Example Prompt: /studyimage explain how photosynthesis works, with arrows and short labels
Chatgpt Secret Code for Photo editing and Style Codes
25. /poster
What it does: Turns a photo or idea into a poster-style look.
Example Prompt: /poster turn this photo into a movie-style poster
26. /vintage
What it does: Gives an old-film, retro look.
Example Prompt: /vintage edit this photo with a 1970s film feel
27. /portrait
What it does: Creates a clean, professional portrait look.
Example Prompt: /portrait soft studio lighting, neutral background
28. /bgswap
What it does: Changes the background of a photo.
Example Prompt: /bgswap put the person in front of a beach at sunset
29. /restore
What it does: Cleans up old or damaged photos.
Example Prompt: /restore fix scratches and improve clarity
30. /cartoon
What it does: Turns a photo into an illustrated, cartoon-style image.
Example Prompt: /cartoon turn this photo into a friendly illustration
31. /miniature
What it does: Makes a scene look like a tiny handmade model or diorama.
Example Prompt: /miniature turn this street photo into a tiny toy-style diorama
Also Check: 15 Best ChatGPT Photo Editing Prompts Trending Instagram
Also Check: Top 15 Romantic Couple Prompt ChatGPT
ChatGPT Secret Codes for Students
Use these for revision, not to have your work done for you, because schools and colleges increasingly check for that.
32. /studyguide
What it does: Builds a study guide from a topic or your notes.
Example Prompt: /studyguide causes of World War I
33. /quizme
What it does: Quizzes you one question at a time.
Example Prompt: /quizme chapter on cell biology, 10 questions
34. /flashcards
What it does: Creates question and answer cards for revision.
Example Prompt: /flashcards 20 key terms on US government
35. /feynman
What it does: You explain a topic and ChatGPT points out the gaps.
Example Prompt: /feynman I’ll explain photosynthesis, tell me what I missed
36. /checkmywork
What it does: Reviews your answer and explains any mistakes.
Example Prompt: /checkmywork here’s my solution: [paste solution]
37. /essayoutline
What it does: Builds a structure for an essay, not the essay itself.
Example Prompt: /essayoutline climate policy, 5 paragraphs
38. /mnemonic
What it does: Creates memory tricks for lists and terms.
Example Prompt: /mnemonic the order of the planets
39. /studyplan
What it does: Makes a day-by-day revision plan.
Example Prompt: /studyplan exam in 14 days, 2 hours daily
40. /exampredict
What it does: Suggests likely exam-style questions from your notes.
Example Prompt: /exampredict [paste your notes]
41. /hintonly
What it does: Gives hints instead of full answers so you still do the thinking.
Example Prompt: /hintonly help me solve this algebra problem: [paste problem]
Tip: /hintonly and /feynman are the best for actual learning because they make you think first.
ChatGPT Coding Codes
42. /debug
What it does: Finds and explains errors in your code.
Example Prompt: /debug this Python function: [paste code]
43. /explaincode
What it does: Explains what code does, line by line.
Example Prompt: /explaincode [paste code]
44. /testcases
What it does: Suggests test cases for a function.
Example Prompt: /testcases for a login validation function
45. /sql
What it does: Writes and explains database queries.
Example Prompt: /sql top 10 customers by total sales from an orders table
Thinking and Feedback Codes
These make ChatGPT challenge you instead of agreeing with everything.
46. /truthmode
What it does: Gives honest, direct feedback without flattery.
Example Prompt: /truthmode review my business idea: [describe idea]
47. /critique
What it does: Finds weak points and suggests fixes.
Example Prompt: /critique my cover letter: [paste letter]
48. /redteam
What it does: Attacks your plan to find problems before they happen.
Example Prompt: /redteam my plan to launch a podcast
49. /proscons
What it does: Lists the benefits and drawbacks of a choice.
Example Prompt: /proscons renting vs buying a home
50. /compare
What it does: Compares two or more options side by side.
Example Prompt: /compare Notion vs Evernote for note-taking
51. /firstprinciples
What it does: Breaks a problem down to its basic facts instead of copying common advice.
Example Prompt: /firstprinciples how can I reduce my monthly bills?
52. /socrates
What it does: Teaches you by asking questions instead of giving answers.
Example Prompt: /socrates help me understand supply and demand
53. /steelman
What it does: Gives the strongest version of the opposing view.
Example Prompt: /steelman the argument against remote work
54. /premortem
What it does: Imagines why a plan might fail so you can prevent it.
Example Prompt: /premortem launching my online course
55. /swot
What it does: Lists strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats.
Example Prompt: /swot a small coffee shop
ChatGPT Secret Codes for Expert Roles
Be specific about the role for the best results. For health, legal or money topics, treat answers as general information, not professional advice.
56. /expert
What it does: Gives a detailed answer from a specialist’s point of view.
Example Prompt: /expert (nutritionist) is intermittent fasting safe for beginners?
57. /founder
What it does: Gives startup-style, practical thinking.
Example Prompt: /founder how would you validate this app idea: [describe idea]?
58. /coach
What it does: Gives encouraging, action-focused guidance.
Example Prompt: /coach help me build a daily study habit
59. /teacher
What it does: Explains clearly with examples, like a good teacher.
Example Prompt: /teacher explain fractions to a 6th grader
60. /editor
What it does: Improves clarity and flow in your writing.
Example Prompt: /editor tighten this blog intro: [paste text]
61. /interviewer
What it does: Asks you practice interview questions.
Example Prompt: /interviewer run a mock interview for a marketing role
62. /consultant
What it does: Gives structured, business-style recommendations.
Example Prompt: /consultant how can a local gym get more members?
Structure and Format
63. /table
What it does: Puts information into a table.
Example Prompt: /table compare iPhone vs Pixel
64. /listify
What it does: Turns a paragraph into a clean list.
Example Prompt: /listify [paste text]
65. /bullets
What it does: Gives short bullet points only.
Example Prompt: /bullets key points from this text: [paste text]
66. /outline
What it does: Creates a structure with headings and subpoints.
Example Prompt: /outline an article about home workouts
67. /checklist
What it does: Converts an answer into checkbox-style items.
Example Prompt: /checklist moving to a new apartment
68. /timeline
What it does: Puts events in order of time.
Example Prompt: /timeline history of the internet
69. /mindmap
What it does: Gives a text-based map of main ideas and branches.
Example Prompt: /mindmap digital marketing
70. /json
What it does: Returns data in JSON format.
Example Prompt: /json list these products with name and price: [paste list]
71. /execsum
What it does: Writes a short executive summary for busy readers.
Example Prompt: /execsum [paste report]
72. /headlines
What it does: Gives multiple title options.
Example Prompt: /headlines give me 10 title ideas for a post about budgeting
Work and Productivity Codes
73. /emailit
What it does: Turns rough notes into a clear, professional email.
Example Prompt: /emailit follow up after a job interview for a sales role
74. /seoit
What it does: Suggests keywords, titles and meta descriptions.
Example Prompt: /seoit a page about standing desks
Also Check: 10 AI Prompts for SEO
75. /adcopy
What it does: Writes short ad headlines and descriptions.
Example Prompt: /adcopy 5 headlines for a yoga studio
Also Check: 12 ChatGPT Prompts for Google Ads
76. /meetingnotes
What it does: Summarizes a meeting with action items.
Example Prompt: /meetingnotes [paste transcript]
77. /proofread
What it does: Fixes grammar and spelling only, without changing your wording.
Example Prompt: /proofread [paste text], don’t change my style
78. /translate
What it does: Translates text in the tone you specify.
Example Prompt: /translate to Spanish, friendly tone: [paste text]
FAQs
Q1. Are there really secret codes for ChatGPT?
These are keyword shortcuts that ChatGPT understands as instructions.
Q2. Do I need to type the slash before each code?
No. /eli5 and ELI5 work the same way. The slash is optional.
Q3. What are the best ChatGPT codes?
For most people: /eli5, /tldr, /table, /steps, /truthmode and /critique. They’re simple and useful in almost any situation.
Q4. What are the best ChatGPT codes for students?
/studyguide, /quizme, /flashcards, /feynman and /hintonly. They help you learn rather than just get answers.
Q5. What are the best codes for image generation or photo editing?
Style keywords like /vintage, /portrait, /poster and /restore help. Details about what you want in the picture matter more than the keyword.
Q6. What does EL10 mean in ChatGPT?
It’s most likely a typo of ELI10, meaning “explain like I’m 10.” It isn’t a documented ChatGPT feature.
Q7. Do these codes work on Gemini and other AI tools?
Usually yes, because Gemini and similar tools also read plain-language instructions. Results may differ a little.