According to the Microsoft New Future of Work Report 2023, AI prompting is now the primary way users and developers interact with large language models. While it might sound simple, consistently creating effective prompts can be tricky. A good prompt allows you to get more accurate answers, create interesting conversations, and even make the AI behave in a fun, engaging way.
But the big question is: how can you learn this skill without spending a fortune? Fortunately, there are plenty of free resources that teach AI prompting for tools like ChatGPT and MidJourney. In this guide, I’ve collected some of the best resources to help you on your journey. From simple tips for beginners to advanced techniques for professionals, you’ll find everything you need to get better at prompting.
1. Advanced MidJourney Prompt Engineering | Unleash Your Inner Artist
MidJourney is an AI tool that generates incredible images, and James Bachini’s tutorial on AI prompting focuses on how to get the most out of it. While MidJourney requires some experience, even beginners can follow the tips shared in this guide.
Example Prompts:
James gives examples of how to write prompts for different images, like robots, old women, world globes, horse carts, and racing cars.
Key Takeaways:
- Start by joining MidJourney through Discord.
- Use simple commands like
"/imagine prompt"to describe your desired image. - Experiment with styles, artists, and different aspects like aspect ratios to get unique results.
- Keep your prompts short and focused—stick to 2-3 main ideas for better results.
Best For: Intermediate to advanced users looking to create detailed and artistic images.
Time Investment: About 1-2 hours to explore and practice.
2. OpenAI: Cookbook
Note: You need some Python knowledge for the code.
OpenAI Cookbook is a must-have resource for those diving into advanced AI prompting. It covers various examples of how to use OpenAI’s tools like GPT, Whisper, and DALL-E.
Key Takeaways:
- Learn how to use API integrations and fine-tune models.
- This guide is great for creating more detailed text, code, and image outputs.
- Some knowledge of Python is helpful.
Best For: Advanced users and developers.
Time Investment: A few weeks to fully explore and experiment with the code.
3. ChatGPT Prompt Engineering for Developers
This course by DeepLearning.ai is perfect for software engineers wanting to master AI prompting for coding tasks. Taught by Isa Fulford and Andrew Ng, this course dives deep into how to write prompts that help developers get better results from ChatGPT.
Key Takeaways:
- It covers the basics of prompt engineering in the context of programming.
- Learn how to summarize, reformat, and transform information with prompts.
- The course is free but may require some Python knowledge.
Best For: Developers with some programming background.
Time Investment: 90 minutes to watch, with additional time needed for practical exercises.
4. Prompt Engineering Guide
Elvis Saravia’s guide on AI prompting is a detailed resource aimed at users with some experience. It goes beyond the basics and introduces advanced methods like zero-shot, few-shot, and chain-of-thought prompting.
Key Takeaways:
- Explore different models and how to structure prompts for each one.
- Learn from real examples, research papers, and case studies.
- Perfect for creating more effective prompts in both text and code.
Best For: Intermediate to advanced learners.
Time Investment: A few hours for the basics, with more time needed to explore the advanced techniques.
5. Prompt Engineering for ChatGPT
If you’re looking for a comprehensive course, Jules White’s AI prompting course is an excellent choice. Over three weeks, this free course covers everything from the basics of what prompts are to advanced techniques for structuring better prompts.
Key Takeaways:
- Learn how to create ‘personas’ and use root prompts for better results.
- Understand different types of prompts for various audiences.
- The course is structured like a university class, offering depth and hands-on learning.
Best For: Beginners and advanced learners alike.
Time Investment: 3 weeks with 6 hours of study each week.
6. Guide to Effective Communication with AI at Learnprompting.org
Learnprompting.org offers a treasure trove of tips for improving your AI prompting skills. It walks through everything from writing basic prompts to handling more complex communication with AI models.
Key Takeaways:
- The basics of writing prompts
- Embedding prompts in learning
- How to give clear instructions
- Assigning roles in prompts
- Using few-shot prompts
- Mixing different methods
- Making your prompts clear and structured
- Getting chatbots ready
- Practicing in OpenAI’s playground
Best For: Beginners and those looking for more advanced techniques.
Time Investment: 1–2 days for beginners, with more time needed for advanced sections.
7. 10 Need-to-Know Techniques
This resource condenses the essential techniques of AI prompting into a 45-minute lesson, making it ideal for those looking for a quick but effective course.
Key Takeaways:
- Includes cheat sheets for writing prompts and understanding their structure.
- Providing clear instructions.
- Covers clear instructions, format specifications, and how to manage uncertain responses from AI.
Best For: Beginners and intermediate users.
Time Investment: 45 minutes for the lesson and some extra time for hands-on practice.
8. Best Practices for Prompt Engineering with OpenAI API
For those just starting, OpenAI’s beginner guide is a great way to learn the best practices of AI prompting. It’s short but full of useful tips to get you started on the right foot.
Key Takeaways:
- How to keep your instructions clear and separate from the main content.
- How to clearly state what you want as a response.
- The difference between giving the AI no examples, one example, or a few examples to learn from.
- Focusing on telling the AI what to do instead of what not to do.
Best For: Beginners.
Time Investment: 10-15 minutes.
9. ChatGPT Prompt Engineering Course (Class Central)
This free course on Class Central covers the basics of AI prompting with a focus on ChatGPT. If you’re new to the concept, this course provides a great introduction.
Key Takeaways:
- How Generative Pretrained Transformers (GPT) work to generate text.
- The basics of how to write good prompts.
- There are different kinds of prompts you can use.
Best For: Beginners.
Time Investment: 2-3 hours.
10. Mindmap Prompt Engineering
The Mindmap Prompt Engineering guide focuses on breaking down complex prompt tasks into simpler, easy-to-follow steps.
Key Takeaways:
- Use external tools
- Test changes systematically
- Split complex tasks into simpler subtasks
- Write clear instructions
- Give the model time to “think”
Best For: Beginners.
Time Investment: 30 minutes.
11. Free MidJourney Course for Beginners by Skillademia
This course dives into the world of AI-generated art using MidJourney, with a special focus on how AI prompting can bring out the best creative results.
Key Takeaways:
- Create AI-powered art, including advanced techniques and community engagement.
- Understand platform parameters, model versions, and leveraging community features.
- Practical aspects of using Midjourney, such as subscription plans, image upscaling, and customization, alongside project-based learning for real-world applications.
Best For: Beginners to intermediate users.
Time Investment: 10 hours for the full course.
12. MidJourney & ChatGPT: Unleash AI for Unique Image Generation
This course focuses on using both MidJourney and ChatGPT together for creative projects, ideal for anyone looking to create unique images through AI prompting.
Key Takeaways:
- Learn how AI can help you make awesome images from simple instructions.
- Get to know how to tell Midjourney exactly what you want, whether it’s logos, product photos, or anything else creative.
- Discover tips for getting the most out of both tools with simple prompts.
Best For: Beginners.
Time Investment: 1-2 hours.
Take Your Time and Start Learning
Mastering AI prompting is a valuable skill that can open up a world of possibilities, whether you’re a developer, artist, or someone looking to explore new tools. The best part? You don’t have to spend a lot of money to get started. These 12 free resources provide everything you need to begin your journey into the world of prompt engineering.
So, what are you waiting for? Start exploring these resources today, improve your skills, and see how AI prompting can work for you in everything from creating art to coding more efficiently. The future is here – let’s learn how to talk to it.