Text vs. JSON Prompts: Differences and When to Use Each?

AI is only as good as the prompts you give it. Whether you’re writing content, extracting data, or automating workflows, the way you structure your prompts makes all the difference.

But not all prompts are created equal.

The two main types are text prompts and JSON prompts—and knowing when to use each can save you time and improve accuracy. Let’s break it down.

What’s a Text Prompt in AI?

A text prompt is the most common way to interact with AI. You type in a request—just like asking a question or giving an instruction—and the AI responds in natural language.

Why Use Text Prompts?

• Simple and quick—just type what you need
• Great for creative tasks like writing, summarizing, or brainstorming
• Flexible—you can experiment with different phrasings to get better results

Example: A Basic Text Prompt

“Explain the history of AI in 200 words.”

When to Use It:

• Content writing—blog posts, stories, summaries
• Casual AI interactions—like chatbots and brainstorming
• Idea generation—for new concepts or problem-solving

The downside? Text prompts can be inconsistent. If you need structured data, things can get messy. That’s where JSON prompts come in.

Understanding JSON Prompts for Structured AI Outputs

A JSON prompt is a structured way to communicate with AI. Instead of freeform text, you use JavaScript Object Notation (JSON) to tell the AI exactly how to format its response.

Why Use JSON Prompts?

• More control over the output—no surprises
• Great for automation and API-based AI interactions
• Perfect for extracting structured data

Example: JSON Prompt for AI to Follow a Specific Format

{
  "task": "Summarize AI history",
  "word_count": 200,
  "output_format": "paragraph"
}

Example: AI Response in JSON Format

{
  "summary": "Artificial Intelligence (AI) has evolved over decades, starting from symbolic reasoning in the 1950s to modern deep learning techniques. The development of expert systems in the 1980s, combined with the rise of big data and neural networks, has led to today's AI breakthroughs. AI now powers industries from healthcare to finance, shaping the future of automation."
}

When to Use It:

• APIs and automation—ensuring clean, structured responses
• Data extraction—getting AI to return information in a predictable format
• Building AI-driven apps and chatbots—so responses stay consistent

The tradeoff? JSON prompts require precise formatting. If something is off—like a missing comma or bracket—the whole thing can break. But not to worry, chat bots like ChatGPT can help you construct JSON from your text prompt.

Text vs. JSON: Which One Should You Use?

Still not sure? Here’s a simple rule:

• Need creative, freeform responses? → Use text prompts.
• Need structured, consistent data? → Use JSON prompts.
• Working with an API or automation system? → JSON is your best bet.

Real-World Examples of Text and JSON Prompts

Text Prompt for Blog Writing

Prompt:
“Write a compelling introduction for an article on AI in business.”

AI Response:
“Artificial Intelligence is transforming industries, from automating repetitive tasks to providing deep data-driven insights. In this article, we’ll explore how AI is reshaping businesses, boosting efficiency, and creating new opportunities.”

Best for: Blog posts, storytelling, or persuasive content.

JSON Prompt for Structured Data Extraction

Prompt:

{
  "task": "List three major AI trends",
  "output_format": {
    "trend": "string",
    "impact": "string",
    "year": "integer"
  },
  "limit": 3
}

AI Response:

[
  {
    "trend": "Generative AI",
    "impact": "Transforming content creation",
    "year": 2023
  },
  {
    "trend": "AI Ethics & Regulations",
    "impact": "Ensuring transparency and accountability",
    "year": 2024
  },
  {
    "trend": "AI in Healthcare",
    "impact": "Enhancing diagnostics and patient care",
    "year": 2025
  }
]

Best for: Reports, data visualization, and automation tools.

Final Thoughts

Both Text and JSON prompts have their place in AI interactions.

If you’re writing a blog, brainstorming ideas, or chatting with AI, text prompts are all you need. But if you’re building something that requires structured, predictable responses, JSON prompts will give you the precision and control you need.

What’s Next?

I’ll be sharing real-world examples of text and JSON prompts I’ve used for writing my crime thriller—so stay tuned!

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