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CRAFT Prompt Framework: Complete Guide with Examples (2026)

Last updated June 28, 2026 · 2 examples · Works with ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini
Quick Answer

CRAFT is a five-part prompt framework: Context sets the background, Role assigns the AI a persona, Action defines the task, Format specifies output structure, and Tone controls the emotional register. The explicit Tone field makes CRAFT the best choice when brand voice must be precisely maintained.

What Is the CRAFT Prompt Framework?

CRAFT is essentially RACE with an explicit Tone field added and Context moved to the front. The Tone field is the key differentiator — it lets you specify the emotional register of the output independently from the format.

What Does CRAFT Stand For?

Full-featured framework with explicit tone control for branded content.

C
Context
Background the AI needs to understand the task — product, audience, situation.
R
Role
The professional persona. For CRAFT, the role often implies a specific communication style.
A
Action
The specific task to perform.
F
Format
The structural output format — length, sections, bullet points, word count.
T
Tone
The emotional register and voice — warm, authoritative, playful, empathetic, urgent.
+R
Rules (optional)
Cross-cutting constraints added by Promptary as an optional sixth field.

When to Use CRAFT

Use CRAFT for branded content, customer-facing communications, social media, and any task where you have a defined tone of voice that must be maintained consistently.

CRAFT Examples

Customer support response
Context: A Promptary Developer plan subscriber cannot get their API key to work. They have been trying for 2 hours and are frustrated.
Role: You are a customer success specialist for a developer tool who is also technically proficient.
Action: Write a support email response to the customer.
Format: Under 120 words. No bullet lists. One paragraph acknowledging frustration, one with the fix, one sentence CTA.
Tone: Warm and empathetic but technically confident. Peer-to-peer, not corporate helpdesk.
Feature announcement
Context: Promptary just launched prompt version history for Team plan users.
Role: You are the founder of Promptary writing a product update to existing users.
Action: Write an in-app notification announcing the new feature.
Format: Under 60 words. One sentence what it is, one sentence why it matters, one sentence how to access it.
Tone: Founder voice — excited, direct, no fluff. Like a builder shipping something they are proud of.

CRAFT vs Other Frameworks

CRAFT vs RACE: CRAFT adds an explicit Tone field. Use CRAFT when tone must be precisely specified; RACE when tone is implicit in the Role. CRAFT vs CO-STAR: CO-STAR adds Objective, Style, and Audience for deeper communication control.

CO-STARRACERISENAll frameworks

Use this CRAFT template in Promptary — free

Save your first CRAFT prompt in the structured editor and get a permanent REST API endpoint. Personal plan is free forever, no credit card required.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does CRAFT stand for in prompt engineering?

CRAFT stands for Context, Role, Action, Format, and Tone. The Tone field is CRAFT's key addition — it lets you specify the emotional register independently from the structural format.

What is the difference between Format and Tone in CRAFT?

Format is structural — length, sections, bullet points. Tone is emotional — warm, authoritative, urgent. A piece can be long-form with a casual tone, or bullet-pointed with an authoritative tone.

When should I use CRAFT instead of CO-STAR?

Use CRAFT when you have a clear task and tone is the main variable. Use CO-STAR when you also need to specify writing style, target audience, and desired reader outcome.