Configure the system prompt on the assistant authorized by the API key selected in the manifest, not in the add-in itself. See Manage Office Add-Ins.
Why the add-in needs its own prompt
- Selected text is enclosed in markers. Content such as
[SELECTED TEXT] … [/SELECTED TEXT]is source material, not an instruction. - Responses are inserted directly. Introductory text would also appear in the document.
- Markdown becomes Word formatting. Headings, lists, and tables are converted to Word elements.
Apply the prompt
1
Open the assistant
Open the configuration of the assistant used by the Word Add-In.
2
Apply the base prompt
Copy the complete base prompt into the assistant’s system prompt.
3
Add tool sections
Append only the sections for available tools under
# Tool use.4
Test the result
Test the add-in with selected content.
Base prompt
Base prompt Word
Optional sections for tools
Add only sections for tools available to the assistant.Customize the prompt
Adapt language, tone, role, terminology, and tool use to your organization. Change the output and security rules only with care: introductory text would be inserted, and marker content could otherwise be mistaken for instructions.Related pages
System prompt for Outlook
Template for the assistant behind the Outlook Add-In.
Manage Office Add-Ins
Generate manifests and deploy add-ins.
