OpenAI has published updated guidelines for working with the GPT-5.5 model, detailing methods for improving the accuracy of responses and minimizing AI errors. The new guide advises users to focus on structuring context rather than writing step-by-step instructions.
OpenAI has published updated guidelines for working with the GPT-5.5 model, detailing methods for improving the accuracy of responses and minimizing AI errors. The new guide advises users to focus on structuring context rather than writing step-by-step instructions.
This is stated in a post on the OpenAI developer portal. The company has updated the interaction strategies with the model, taking into account its ability to analyze data more deeply compared to previous versions.
«GPT-5.5 works most effectively when the prompts define the end result and leave the model room to choose an efficient path to achieve it. Compared to previous models, shorter prompts focused on the result can often be used: describe what a good result should look like, what constraints are important, what data is available, and what the final answer should contain,» OpenAI notes.
The main emphasis in the guide is on the importance of giving the AI time to «think.» OpenAI recommends starting with a short introduction so that the AI first builds the internal logic of the solution, and only then produces the final result. Developers are also advised to divide large tasks into smaller subtasks, which significantly reduces the likelihood of hallucinations.
«GPT-5.5 performs best when the query specifies the desired outcome, success criteria, constraints, and available context, and the model is left to choose the path to achieve the goal. For many tasks, it is better to describe the ultimate goal rather than each individual step. This gives the model the ability to independently choose the optimal search approach, tool, or reasoning strategy to complete the task,» the developers say.
OpenAI advises avoiding the overly categorical nature of prompts, which was common in previous models. Users are advised not to use strict instructions like «ALWAYS» or «NEVER» in cases that require subjective decisions. Such words should be reserved only for unchanging conditions: security rules or required output fields. Instead, for situations where the AI must choose whether to use a tool or ask a clarifying question, it is recommended to prescribe decision-making rules.
GPT 5.5 developers recommend that the model be given access to tools to verify the results whenever possible. For example, coding agents are encouraged to run unit tests, type checks (lint), or package builds immediately after changes are made. If full verification is not possible, the AI should explain the reasons and suggest an alternative testing option.
