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AI prompting guidelines
Crosslist's AI follows the instructions you give it. Clear, specific instructions get better results, and you'll spend less time editing and fewer AI credits regenerating.
This page covers the two places where you write instructions for the AI:
- Custom instructions in your AI settings, used when the AI writes your listings.
- Photo prompts, used when you generate or edit photos with AI.
INFO
To use Crosslist's AI features, you need the AI add-on.
Writing custom instructions for listings
Custom instructions apply every time the AI writes or completes a listing, including AI bulk create. You set them once in your AI settings.
Put each instruction in the right field
There are three custom instruction fields. The AI applies each field only to its own part of the listing, so an instruction in the wrong field may be ignored.
| Field | Use it for | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Custom title instructions | How titles are built | "Start every title with the brand name." |
| Custom description instructions | Structure, wording, and sign-offs in descriptions | "End every description with: Ships within 1 business day." |
| Other custom instructions | All other fields, like price, size, color, condition, and tags | "Round every suggested price to end in .99." |
Write direct rules
Write each instruction as a clear rule, not a wish or a suggestion. Words like always, never, and only make it clear what the AI should do.
| Avoid | Better |
|---|---|
| "Titles should ideally have the brand in them somewhere." | "Always start the title with the brand name." |
| "Try not to use too many emojis." | "Never use emojis." |
Put each rule on its own line. This makes your instructions easier for the AI to follow and easier for you to update later.
Be specific about the format
If you want a fixed structure, spell it out. The AI can't guess the pattern you have in mind.
| Avoid | Better |
|---|---|
| "Make good, searchable titles." | "Build titles in this order: brand, item type, size, color. Example: Nike Air Max 90 Sneakers Size 10 White." |
| "Add my usual closing line." | "End every description with exactly this text: Thanks for looking! Check my other listings for bundle deals." |
When you want text added word for word, such as a sign-off or a disclaimer, include the exact text in your instruction.
You don't need to add marketplace limits, such as the maximum title length. The AI already applies them for each marketplace you select.
Tell the AI what to do when information is missing
By default, the AI fills in fields based on what it detects in your photos. If you'd rather leave a field empty than risk a wrong value, say so.
"If the material isn't visible on a care label, leave the material field empty instead of guessing."
Don't repeat or contradict your instructions
The AI follows your instructions closely, so two rules that conflict can lead to inconsistent results. Before saving, check that:
- Each rule appears only once.
- No two rules contradict each other, for example "Keep descriptions short" and "Always describe the fabric, fit, and condition in detail."
If your custom instructions conflict with your Tone or Length setting, the custom instructions win.
For example, if Length is set to Concise but your description instructions ask for detailed measurements, the AI follows your instructions.
Skip filler phrases
Phrases like "You are an expert reseller," "Think step by step," or "Make it amazing" don't improve your listings.
They make your instructions longer without telling the AI anything it can act on. Stick to concrete rules.
Test and adjust
- Save your instructions and generate one listing.
- Review the result and note what's missing or wrong.
- Change or add one rule at a time, then generate again.
Changing one rule at a time shows you exactly which instruction made the difference.
Example: complete custom instructions
Custom title instructions
Always start the title with the brand name.
Build titles in this order: brand, item type, size, color.
Never use all caps.Custom description instructions
Start with one sentence describing the item.
Then list measurements, material, and condition, each on its own line.
Mention any visible flaws, such as stains or pilling.
Never use emojis.
End every description with exactly this text: Thanks for looking! Bundle 2+ items for a discount.Other custom instructions
Leave the size empty if it isn't visible on the label.
Use "Pre-owned" as the condition unless the original tags are visible in the photos.
Round every suggested price to end in .99.Writing prompts for AI photos
When you generate or edit photos with AI, your prompt describes the photo you want.
Crosslist already tells the AI that the photos are for an online store and should look professional and realistic, so you don't need to add that.
Focus your prompt on what this specific photo should look like.
WARNING
Your photos should show the item as it really is. Don't use AI to hide flaws or change details like color, size, or condition. Misleading photos can lead to returns, negative feedback, or removed listings.
Describe the photo in full sentences
Write your prompt like you're explaining the photo to a photographer, not like a list of keywords.
| Avoid | Better |
|---|---|
| "sneaker, white background, studio, 4k, professional" | "The sneaker on a plain white background, with soft, even studio lighting and a subtle shadow under the shoe." |
Include the key details
A strong photo prompt usually covers:
- Subject: the item, and what it should look like.
- Background or setting: for example a plain white background, a wooden table, or a bright living room.
- Lighting: for example soft daylight, studio lighting, or warm evening light.
- Angle: for example front view, top-down, or close-up of the label.
"A top-down photo of the folded denim jacket on a light wooden table. Soft daylight from the left. The whole jacket is visible and in sharp focus."
You don't need to specify an aspect ratio or image size. AI photos always use a fixed format, and edited photos keep the format of the original.
When editing, say what to change
When you edit an existing photo, the AI keeps your item's size, shape, and position unless you ask otherwise.
Name the change you want, and mention any other details that must stay exactly the same, such as a printed logo or the exact color.
| Avoid | Better |
|---|---|
| "Make it look nicer." | "Change the background to plain white. Keep the print on the bag exactly the same." |
Describe what you want, not what you don't want
Describe the result you're after instead of listing things to remove. For example, "a clean, empty white background" works better than "no clutter, no furniture, no people."
Explain how to use reference images
You can add up to 3 reference images. Selected listing photos count toward this limit.
The AI can use a reference image in two ways:
- To copy a style, such as colors, textures, or patterns.
- To add an element, such as a logo or watermark.
Tell the AI which one you want for each reference image.
"Add the logo from the reference image in the bottom right corner. Keep it small and slightly transparent."
"Use the same background and lighting as the reference image."
When you edit a photo, the photo you're editing is the main image. Any other images you add or select are treated as references.
WARNING
If your prompt mentions a reference image, make sure the image is uploaded or selected with its checkbox before you click Generate.
Otherwise, the AI creates a new image from scratch and ignores what your prompt says about the reference.
Keep text in photos short
The AI can add text to photos, such as a size label or a "Bundle deal" banner. Put the exact text in quotes, keep it to a few words, and describe the font.
"Add the text "SIZE M" in bold white sans-serif letters in the top left corner."
Improve results step by step
Each time you click Generate, the AI starts fresh. It doesn't remember your previous prompt or results. If a result is close but not quite right, you have two options:
- Adjust your full prompt. Keep everything that worked and change one detail, for example by adding "warm evening light" instead of "soft daylight." A prompt like "Make the lighting warmer" on its own won't work, because the AI doesn't know which photo you mean.
- Edit the result. Add the photo to your listing, then edit it with AI and describe only the change you want.
INFO
Each generated photo costs 2 AI credits. While you're testing a prompt, generate one photo at a time, then generate more once you're happy with the result.
Frequently asked questions
Why does the AI ignore one of my custom instructions?
Check that the instruction is in the right field, that it doesn't contradict another rule, and that it's written as a direct rule.
See Writing custom instructions for listings.
Do custom instructions override my Tone and Length settings?
Yes. If your custom instructions conflict with your Tone or Length setting, the AI follows your custom instructions.
Do I need to tell the AI about marketplace limits, like title length?
No. The AI applies each marketplace's limits automatically.
Can custom instructions change the suggested price?
Yes. Add pricing rules, such as "Round every suggested price to end in .99," to Other custom instructions.
Do longer custom instructions give better results?
Not by themselves. A few clear, specific rules work better than long instructions with repeated or vague text. Add a rule only when it changes the result.
Is there a limit on how long custom instructions can be?
Yes. Custom title instructions can be up to 1,000 characters. Custom description instructions and other custom instructions can each be up to 10,000 characters.
How many reference images can I use for AI photos?
Up to 3, including any listing photos you select as references.
Does the AI remember my previous photo generations?
No. Each generation starts fresh, so include everything you want in every prompt.
What happens if a photo can't be generated?
Crosslist shows a short reason explaining why the generation failed. Adjust your prompt based on that reason and try again.
Why does my AI photo look nothing like my item?
Check that your item's photo is selected as a reference image with its checkbox.
If no image is selected, the AI creates a new image from scratch based only on your prompt.