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Attribute prompts are the instructions that tell Cernel’s AI how to generate content for each product attribute. By customizing prompts, you control the tone, style, data sources, and constraints for AI-generated content—making it match your brand voice perfectly.

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What Are Attribute Prompts?

A prompt is a set of instructions sent to the AI model that defines:
  • What information to include (data sources)
  • How to write it (tone, style, format)
  • Constraints to follow (length limits, required elements)
Example Prompt for “Product Description”: 
Using the product title, existing description, and primary collection,
write a compelling 150-200 word product description that highlights
features, benefits, and use cases. Use a professional yet approachable
tone. Focus on what makes this product unique and valuable to customers.
Every attribute type has a default prompt that works well for most use cases. Customization is optional but powerful for brand-specific needs.

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Prompt Components

Prompts consist of three main parts:

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1. Data Sources

Data sources are the product fields the AI can reference when generating content. Common Data Sources:
  • Product Title: The product name
  • Product Description: Existing description (if any)
  • Primary Collection: The main category/collection
  • Brand: Product brand name
  • Attributes: Other enriched attributes (color, material, size)
  • Price: Product price
  • Images: Product photos (for visual analysis)
  • Variants: Color/size variations
Example: 
Data Sources: Product Title, Primary Collection, Color, Material

Generated Description:
"This classic blue cotton t-shirt combines comfort and style..."
↑ References: Title ("t-shirt"), Color ("blue"), Material ("cotton")
Include only relevant data sources. Adding too many can confuse the AI or make prompts overly complex.

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2. Instructions

Instructions define how the AI should write the content. Elements to Specify:
  • Tone: Formal, casual, playful, technical, luxury, budget-friendly
  • Style: Descriptive, persuasive, informational, story-driven
  • Focus: Features, benefits, use cases, styling tips, technical specs
  • Length: Word count or character count
  • Format: Paragraph, bullet points, structured layout
Example Instructions: 
Formal Tone (Luxury Brand):
"Write in an elegant, sophisticated tone emphasizing craftsmanship,
exclusivity, and timeless style. Avoid casual language."

Casual Tone (Budget Brand):
"Write in a friendly, approachable tone emphasizing value, practicality,
and everyday use. Keep it simple and relatable."

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3. Constraints

Constraints are hard limits that content must meet. Common Constraints:
  • Character Limit: Max/min length (e.g., “Max 160 characters”)
  • Word Count: Specific word count range (e.g., “150-200 words”)
  • Required Keywords: Must include certain terms
  • Format: HTML, plain text, markdown
  • Validation Rules: Must not contain certain phrases, must include specific elements
Example: 
Constraint: Meta Description max 160 characters

Generated (Valid): "Shop our classic blue cotton t-shirt. Soft, comfortable, and perfect for everyday wear. Available in sizes S-XXL. Free shipping over $50." (154 chars) ✅

Generated (Invalid): "Shop our incredibly comfortable, soft, and stylish classic blue cotton t-shirt perfect for all occasions whether casual or semi-formal available in all sizes..." (175 chars) ❌
If generated content violates constraints, enrichment fails for that product. Set realistic constraints that give the AI room to work.

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Accessing Attribute Configuration

1

Navigate to a Product or Collection

Open any product detail page or collection view
2

Find the Attribute

Locate the attribute you want to configure (e.g., “Product Description”)
3

Click Configuration Icon

Click the gear/settings icon next to the attribute
4

Attribute Prompt Modal Opens

You’ll see the configuration interface with three sections: Prompt, Constraints, and Configuration

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Configuring Prompts

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Prompt Section

Select which product fields the AI can use:Use the autocomplete to add data sources:
  • {{title}} - Product title
  • {{description}} - Existing description
  • {{collection}} - Primary collection name
  • {{brand}} - Brand attribute
  • {{color}} - Color attribute
  • {{material}} - Material attribute
  • {{price}} - Product price
Example:
Using {{title}}, {{color}}, and {{material}}, generate...

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Constraints Section

Set hard limits for generated content:
  • Min Characters: Minimum length (e.g., 100)
  • Max Characters: Maximum length (e.g., 500)
Used for: Meta descriptions, short descriptions, any length-limited fields
  • Min Words: Minimum word count (e.g., 50)
  • Max Words: Maximum word count (e.g., 200)
Used for: Product descriptions, features, benefits
  • HTML: Content must be valid HTML
  • Plain Text: No markup allowed
  • Markdown: Markdown formatting
Used for: Ensuring compatibility with your e-commerce platform
For single/multi-select attributes:
  • Enabled: AI must choose from predefined values
  • Disabled: AI can generate free-text instead
Used for: Color, size, material (when you want strict categorization)

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Configuration Section (Advanced)

Choose which AI model to use:
  • Gemini (Default): Fast, cost-effective, good quality
  • GPT-4: Highest quality for complex content
  • Claude: Strong reasoning, creative content
Most users should stick with the default. Change only if quality isn’t meeting expectations.

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Testing Prompts

Before applying a new prompt to thousands of products, test it:
1

Configure Prompt

Set up your data sources, instructions, and constraints
2

Enable Test Mode

Click “Test Prompt” in the configuration modal
3

Select Test Products

Choose 3-5 representative products to test with
4

Generate

Cernel runs the prompt on your test products
5

Review Results

See how the AI interprets your prompt with real product data
6

Refine

Adjust the prompt based on test results and re-test
7

Save & Apply

Once satisfied, save the prompt for production use
Always test new prompts before bulk enrichment. What works in theory may produce unexpected results with real product data.

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Prompt Examples

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Example 1: Product Description (E-commerce Fashion)

Data Sources: {{title}}, {{collection}}, {{color}}, {{material}}, {{brand}}

Instructions:
Write a compelling 150-200 word product description for this {{collection}}
item. Highlight the {{color}} and {{material}}, emphasizing how they contribute
to style and comfort. Include styling suggestions and occasions where this
item would be perfect. Use an approachable, friendly tone that speaks directly
to the customer. Focus on benefits (how it makes them feel/look) rather than
just features.

Constraints:
- Min Words: 150
- Max Words: 200
- Format: Plain Text

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Example 2: Meta Description (SEO)

Data Sources: {{title}}, {{brand}}, {{collection}}, {{price}}

Instructions:
Create a compelling meta description for search engine results. Include the
product name, key feature or benefit, and a call to action. Make it enticing
enough to earn clicks from search results. Naturally incorporate relevant
keywords that customers would search for.

Constraints:
- Max Characters: 160
- Format: Plain Text
- Must include: Product name, one key benefit, CTA

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Example 3: Care Instructions

Data Sources: {{material}}, {{collection}}

Instructions:
Generate clear, practical care instructions for this {{material}} product.
Include washing, drying, and storage guidelines. Use simple, direct language.
Format as a bulleted list for easy readability.

Constraints:
- Min Words: 30
- Max Words: 80
- Format: HTML (bulleted list)

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Example 4: Product Attribute (Color)

Data Sources: {{title}}, {{description}}, {{images}}

Instructions:
Identify the primary color of this product. If multiple colors are present,
choose the most dominant one. Use standard color names from the predefined list.

Constraints:
- Force Classification: Enabled
- Allowed Values: Red, Blue, Green, Yellow, Black, White, Navy, Gray, etc.

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Hierarchical Prompts

Use prompt inheritance to customize by collection while maintaining a base template:
1

Set Base Prompt

Configure a default prompt at the organization level
2

Override for Collections

For specific collections (e.g., “Luxury Items”), create custom prompts that inherit from the base but override key elements
3

Automatic Selection

When enriching, Cernel automatically uses the most specific prompt:
  • If product is in “Luxury Items” → use luxury-specific prompt
  • If product is in “Electronics” → use electronics-specific prompt
  • Otherwise → use base organization prompt
Example Hierarchy: 
Organization Level (Base):
"Write a product description emphasizing features and benefits."

Collection: Luxury Handbags (Override):
"Write an elegant description emphasizing craftsmanship, heritage,
and exclusivity. Use sophisticated language."

Collection: Budget Electronics (Override):
"Write a straightforward description emphasizing value and practicality.
Keep language simple."
Learn more about custom templates →

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AI-Powered Prompt Improvement

Cernel includes an AI-powered Prompt Improvement feature:
1

Write Initial Prompt

Create your prompt as best you can
2

Click 'Improve with AI'

Let Cernel’s AI analyze your prompt
3

Review Suggestions

The AI suggests improvements:
  • Clearer instructions
  • Better structure
  • Missing constraints
  • Optimal data sources
4

Accept or Refine

Use AI suggestions as a starting point and customize further

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Common Prompt Mistakes

Too Vague: “Make it good.” → AI doesn’t know what “good” means for your brand.Too Restrictive: “Exactly 147 words, must include ‘premium’ three times, start with the letter A…” → AI struggles with overly specific constraints.Contradictory: “Be concise but include all product features in detail.” → Pick one: concise OR detailed.Missing Data Sources: Instructions reference but color isn’t added as a data source → AI can’t use what it can’t access.

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Best Practices

Begin with basic prompts. Test with real products. Refine based on results. Don’t try to perfect the prompt before testing.
“Professional” can mean many things. Specify: “Professional but approachable,” “Formal and authoritative,” “Friendly and casual.”
Include example output in your instructions: “Example: ‘This classic navy blazer combines timeless style…’”
Test your prompt with unusual products (very cheap, very expensive, unusual colors) to ensure it handles variety.
After enrichment, read the AI’s reasoning to understand how it interpreted your prompt. This reveals misunderstandings.
Keep notes on what prompts work well. If you change a prompt and quality drops, you can revert to the previous version.

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What’s Next?

Custom Templates

Create reusable prompt templates

Product Enrichment

Apply custom prompts to enrich products

Bulk Operations

Use custom prompts at scale

Customizing Prompts Guide

Step-by-step tutorial
Next: Learn about Custom Templates to create reusable prompt configurations.