Prompt Guide for MATE (InDesign, Illustrator, Figma)

Prompting is both an art form and a (kind of) programming language. Use this guide to unlock the full potential of MATE and get the best results for your tasks.

Overview

1. Every solution is unique

2. Break a big task into small tasks / go step by step

3. It's a conversation

4. Mistakes? Ask to fix them

5. Provide context and details

6. Use references like “For selected items”

7. Use quotation marks for names or terms

8. Specify text frames vs. text content

9. Generate UI for your script

1. Every solution is unique

Each solution is generated live by AI, which means different solutions can arise from the same prompt. There is no absolute 'right' or 'wrong' multiple answers could work but may differ in details. Be open to exploring and experimenting.

2. Break a task into small tasks / go step by step

Break down tasks: You’ll achieve better results by splitting complex tasks into smaller, manageable steps. A big prompt with many requirements might work, but it increases the chances of errors or missed details.

Iterate: Start with individual steps, and once satisfied, ask MATE to combine them into a single script or summarize the process.
Example: First create a rectangle, then adjust its color, and finally group it with another object.

3. Treat it like a conversation

Working with MATE often involves a back-and-forth process, not a one-shot perfect solution. Though MATE is less chatty than ChatGPT (by design), you’re still interacting with an AI. Don’t hesitate to ask:

'Explain why this didn’t work.'

'How do I manually duplicate layers without a script?'

Or even something fun like

'Tell me a designer joke!'

4. Mistakes? Ask to fix them.

AI can sometimes misunderstand prompts or miss details, leading to errors. Simply ask:

'Didn’t work. Fix it, please.'

If you encounter an error message, share it with MATE, and it can often resolve the issue.

Pro tip: When MATE feels 'stuck,' copy your latest prompt or result and start fresh in a new chat.

5. Provide context and details

MATE doesn’t see your InDesign document and doesn’t know your specific goals.
Be clear and detailed in your instructions.

Instead of: 'Create a rectangle,' specify:

'Create a rectangle with a width of 100mm, height of 50mm, positioned at x=10, y=10, with a red fill and no stroke.'

If working on selected items, make it explicit:

'For selected items: apply random opacity for each.'

Think of it as giving instructions to a person. Be as precise as possible!

6. Use references like “For selected items”

To work on current selections, include phrases like:

'For selected items: change the stroke color to blue.'

7. Use quotation marks for names or terms

Help MATE understand your intent by using quotation marks for clarity:

Instead of: 'Find a layer called layer,' use:

'Find a layer called "layer".'

Or

'Create a layer named "My new layer".'

8. Specify text frames vs. text content

Clearly differentiate between text frames and text content:
- Text frame: size, position, rotation.
- Text content: actual text inside the frame.
Example:

'Change all "e" to "a" in the selected text frame’s content.'

9. Specify text frames vs. text content

Once your script is finalized, ask MATE to create a user interface (UI) for easier use:

'Generate a UI for the most important values.'-

Add layout details:

'Generate a UI for min and max values. Layout in two columns. Add Cancel and OK buttons'

I'm pretty sure there is more to discover. Keep on experimenting.
And please share your tips and tricks. We will include them on this page: support@omata.io