Robert Only / Command Center Resource
Free Software Prompt Playbook
Copy-ready prompts for asking an AI assistant to guide you through common jobs in every program in the Free Software Library. Replace anything in brackets with your project details.
SumatraPDF
Reading, searching, printing, presentation viewing, and troubleshooting PDFs.
Help me inspect a long PDF
Guide me through opening [PDF NAME] in SumatraPDF, using bookmarks or the table of contents, jumping to page [NUMBER], searching for [TERM], and returning to my previous location. Give me one step at a time.
Print selected pages correctly
Help me print pages [RANGE] from [PDF NAME] in SumatraPDF. I need [ACTUAL SIZE / FIT / BOOKLET], [COLOR / GRAYSCALE], and [SINGLE / DOUBLE SIDED]. Warn me before any setting that could crop artwork.
Use a PDF as a presentation
Show me how to display [PDF NAME] full screen in SumatraPDF for a client presentation, move forward and backward, exit safely, and avoid accidentally changing the file.
Diagnose a PDF that looks wrong
A PDF looks [BLURRY / CROPPED / MISSING FONTS / WRONG COLOR] in SumatraPDF. Help me determine whether the problem is the viewer, the PDF export, or the printer settings. Do not alter the original.
Make it my default reader
Give me the exact Windows steps to make SumatraPDF the default app for .pdf files and stop Acrobat from opening automatically. Keep the instructions short and one step at a time.
Plan what to pull from a PDF
I need information from [PDF NAME]. Help me create a page-by-page extraction checklist for [TEXT / IMAGES / TABLES / PRINTER SPECS] while keeping the original PDF untouched.
LibreOffice
Writer, Calc, Impress, Draw, forms, letters, résumés, spreadsheets, and office documents.
Create a polished document
Help me build a professional [LETTER / REPORT / PROPOSAL] in LibreOffice Writer using [PAGE SIZE], [MARGINS], [FONT], headings, page numbers, and a clean export to PDF. Ask only for missing information.
Format an ATS résumé
Guide me through formatting my résumé in LibreOffice Writer for ATS compatibility. Use one column, standard headings, no text boxes, consistent dates, and a PDF export. Preserve my wording unless I approve edits.
Build a tracking spreadsheet
Design a LibreOffice Calc sheet for tracking [JOB APPLICATIONS / ARTWORK / EXPENSES / CLIENTS]. Specify columns, validation lists, formulas, filters, frozen headers, and a simple summary section.
Create a presentation
Create a slide-by-slide plan for a LibreOffice Impress presentation about [TOPIC] for [AUDIENCE]. Include title, key message, suggested visuals, speaker notes, and a final call to action.
Personalize many letters
Walk me through using LibreOffice Writer and Calc to create a mail merge for [LETTERS / LABELS / ENVELOPES]. Include the spreadsheet fields, merge setup, preview, and safe PDF output.
Open and safely convert a file
I need to open [DOCX / XLSX / PPTX] in LibreOffice and save a working copy without damaging the original. Explain compatibility risks, what to inspect, and which format to save for editing and final delivery.
Repair inconsistent formatting
Help me clean inconsistent formatting in a LibreOffice document using paragraph styles instead of manual fixes. Identify headings, body text, captions, lists, and page-break rules.
Create a fillable form
Guide me through creating a simple fillable form in LibreOffice for [PURPOSE], with text fields, checkboxes, instructions, tab order, and a PDF export that preserves form controls.
GIMP
Photo editing, retouching, compositing, transparent backgrounds, resizing, restoration, and web export.
Protect the original first
Give me a non-destructive GIMP workflow for editing [IMAGE NAME]. Start by preserving the original, duplicating layers, naming layers clearly, and saving an editable XCF before export.
Remove a background cleanly
Guide me through removing the background from [IMAGE] in GIMP while preserving hair or fine edges. Use a layer mask, explain edge cleanup, and export a transparent PNG.
Retouch without looking artificial
Help me retouch [PORTRAIT / PRODUCT PHOTO] in GIMP. Correct blemishes, dust, uneven tone, and distracting elements while preserving natural texture. Describe each tool and recommended settings.
Correct color and exposure
Analyze this image-editing goal: [DESCRIPTION]. Give me a GIMP sequence using levels, curves, white balance, shadows/highlights, and saturation without clipping important detail.
Prepare artwork for print
Help me prepare [ARTWORK] in GIMP for printing at [WIDTH] by [HEIGHT] inches. Calculate required pixels at [DPI], inspect effective resolution, add bleed if needed, and export the format requested by the printer.
Export for website speed
Give me the best GIMP export settings for [PHOTO / ARTWORK / LOGO] on my website. Balance sharpness and file size, recommend dimensions, choose PNG/JPEG/WebP, and preserve a separate full-resolution master.
Restore an old photograph
Create a careful GIMP restoration plan for an old photo with [SCRATCHES / FADING / CREASES / COLOR CAST]. Work in stages, preserve authenticity, and avoid inventing missing details.
Combine multiple images
Help me combine [NUMBER] images into one realistic GIMP composite. Match scale, perspective, lighting, shadows, color, grain, and depth. Keep every source on its own named layer.
Inkscape
Logos, vector artwork, typography, diagrams, tracing, signs, cutting files, and scalable print graphics.
Build a clean vector logo
Guide me through recreating [LOGO IDEA] in Inkscape as clean vector shapes. Use a sensible layer structure, reusable colors, aligned geometry, and exports for SVG, PDF, and transparent PNG.
Convert artwork to vector
Help me use Trace Bitmap in Inkscape on [IMAGE]. Recommend settings for [BLACK-AND-WHITE LOGO / COLOR ART / LINE DRAWING], explain cleanup, and compare the trace against the original.
Create a type-based design
Create an Inkscape workflow for a typography design reading “[TEXT].” Include font pairing, hierarchy, spacing, optional text-on-path, conversion to paths for print, and an editable master copy.
Prepare a shirt graphic
Help me prepare [T-SHIRT DESIGN] in Inkscape for printing. Set the artboard, size the design, limit colors if needed, convert fonts safely, remove hidden objects, and export according to [PRINTER SPECS].
Create a clear diagram
Plan an Inkscape diagram for [PROCESS / SYSTEM / MAP]. Define shapes, connectors, hierarchy, labels, spacing, legend, and accessible color contrast.
Prepare a vinyl or laser file
Guide me through preparing [DESIGN] in Inkscape for [VINYL CUTTING / LASER CUTTING]. Remove overlaps, combine paths correctly, check open paths, define cut lines, and save the requested SVG/PDF format.
Create a seamless pattern
Help me create a seamless repeating pattern in Inkscape from [MOTIFS]. Explain tile size, edge wrapping, pattern testing, color variations, and print-ready export.
Repair a messy vector file
Give me an Inkscape cleanup checklist for [FILE]. Find duplicate objects, unnecessary nodes, clipping problems, missing fonts, stray points, hidden items, and incorrect page bounds.
Krita
Painting, illustration, concept art, brushwork, texture, comics, and frame animation.
Plan a digital painting
Create a Krita painting workflow for [SUBJECT] in [STYLE OR MOOD]. Include canvas size, rough sketch, value study, color block-in, focal point, texture, lighting, and final export.
Choose the right brushes
Recommend a small Krita brush set for creating [INK / WATERCOLOR / OIL / PENCIL / TEXTURE] effects. Explain what each brush should do and which settings matter most.
Create a comic page
Guide me through building a [PAGE COUNT]-page comic in Krita. Include page size, bleed, panel planning, lettering safety, layer groups, inking, coloring, and print export.
Develop several variations
Help me create six thumbnail variations in Krita for [CHARACTER / ENVIRONMENT / OBJECT]. Change silhouette, proportion, mood, and composition while preserving the central concept.
Build reusable textures
Create a Krita workflow for making a reusable texture based on [WOOD / PAPER / INK / METAL / WATER]. Make it tileable, layered, adjustable, and exportable for other programs.
Make a simple frame animation
Guide me through creating a [SECONDS]-second frame-by-frame animation in Krita at [FPS]. Include timeline setup, key poses, in-betweens, onion skin, playback, and export.
Color clean line art
Help me color [LINE ART] in Krita without painting outside the lines. Explain reference layers or colorize masks, flats, shadows, highlights, and editable color groups.
Prepare illustration for print
Check my Krita illustration for printing at [SIZE]. Verify pixel dimensions, resolution, bleed, safe area, color expectations, flattening risks, and export format while preserving the layered source.
Scribus
Brochures, catalogs, books, newsletters, flyers, packaging, typography, and printer-ready PDF packages.
Set up a print document correctly
Guide me through setting up a Scribus document for [BROCHURE / BOOK / CATALOG / POSTER] at [SIZE]. Include page count, facing pages, margins, columns, bleed, slug notes, and master pages.
Plan a folded brochure
Create a panel-by-panel Scribus plan for a [TRIFOLD / Z-FOLD / GATEFOLD] brochure. Explain panel order, fold allowances, safe zones, image placement, and printer questions.
Lay out a book
Design a Scribus workflow for a [PAGE COUNT]-page book. Include master pages, paragraph styles, running headers, folios, chapter starts, image captions, table of contents, and preflight.
Create a product or artwork catalog
Help me structure a Scribus catalog for [NUMBER] items. Define fields, page templates, image specifications, captions, prices or metadata, navigation, and a consistent grid.
Check the file before printing
Give me a complete Scribus preflight checklist for [PROJECT]. Check missing images, image resolution, overset text, fonts, bleed, color spaces, spot colors, transparency, page size, and PDF standard.
Collect everything for the printer
Help me package this Scribus job for a commercial printer. List the source file, linked images, permitted fonts, final PDF, proof, color notes, finishing instructions, manifest, and ZIP folder structure. Stop if anything is missing.
Export a printer-ready PDF
Walk me through Scribus PDF export for [PRINTER REQUIREMENTS]. Explain PDF version, bleeds, crop marks, font embedding, image compression, color output, overprint, and how to inspect the result.
Fix an imported layout
I imported content into Scribus and now have [TEXT REFLOW / MISSING FONTS / LOW-RES IMAGES / SHIFTED OBJECTS]. Give me a diagnostic sequence that protects the original files.
Audacity
Voice recording, cleanup, interviews, music edits, podcasts, restoration, and audio export.
Record clean voice audio
Help me set up Audacity to record [VOICEOVER / INTERVIEW / DEVOTION / PODCAST]. Include microphone selection, input level, room noise test, sample rate, file naming, and backup recording habits.
Clean noisy speech
Create a careful Audacity cleanup chain for speech with [HISS / HUM / ROOM NOISE / CLICKS]. Preserve natural voice tone and explain the order of noise reduction, EQ, compression, and limiting.
Edit a complete episode
Guide me through editing a [MINUTES]-minute podcast in Audacity. Include track organization, cuts, pacing, intro/outro, music ducking, loudness, metadata, and MP3/WAV export.
Create a clean music excerpt
Help me make a [SECONDS]-second excerpt from [TRACK] in Audacity. Use clean cuts, fades, level matching, and export settings while preserving the untouched original.
Restore an old recording
Plan an Audacity restoration workflow for an old recording with [CRACKLE / HUM / SPEED VARIATION / DROP-OUTS]. Make conservative changes and keep a comparison copy.
Mix narration and music
Show me how to mix narration, background music, and sound effects in Audacity. Set track levels, fades, panning if appropriate, and keep speech clearly intelligible.
Prepare audio for publishing
Help me prepare [AUDIO TYPE] for [YOUTUBE / PODCAST / WEBSITE / CLIENT]. Recommend loudness targets, peak limits, mono/stereo choice, sample rate, bitrate, and final quality checks.
Fix recording problems
Audacity is [NOT RECORDING / RECORDING TOO QUIET / CLIPPING / PLAYING THROUGH THE WRONG DEVICE]. Give me the shortest diagnostic checklist for Windows.
Shotcut
Social video, interviews, slideshows, green screen, captions, color, audio, and export.
Start with correct settings
Help me start a Shotcut project for [YOUTUBE / LINKEDIN / INSTAGRAM / WEBSITE] using footage at [RESOLUTION AND FPS]. Recommend project mode, folder structure, proxies, and backup naming.
Edit a talking-head video
Create a Shotcut editing workflow for a talking-head video. Remove mistakes and pauses, add tasteful B-roll, improve audio, add a title and ending, and keep the pacing natural.
Replace a green background
Guide me through keying green-screen footage in Shotcut and placing [BACKGROUND] behind it. Include spill reduction, edge cleanup, scaling, lighting match, and export checks.
Add accessible captions
Help me add accurate captions to [VIDEO] in Shotcut. Explain subtitle timing, line length, contrast, safe placement, proofreading, and whether to burn them in or provide a separate file.
Create an artwork slideshow
Plan a Shotcut slideshow from [NUMBER] artworks or photos. Specify sequence, duration, motion, transitions, title cards, music, credits, and export dimensions.
Match several clips
Give me a Shotcut color-correction sequence to match clips from [CAMERAS OR PHONES]. Correct exposure and white balance first, then contrast and creative color, without crushing detail.
Reframe for social media
Help me convert a horizontal video into a vertical [9:16 / 4:5 / 1:1] version in Shotcut. Preserve the subject, reposition text, use safe zones, and avoid awkward cropping.
Export without huge files
Recommend Shotcut export settings for [DESTINATION] at [RESOLUTION]. Balance quality, compatibility, and file size. Include codec, bitrate or quality level, audio, and a final playback test.
Blender
3D models, product mockups, lighting, rendering, motion graphics, compositing, and animation.
Start a simple 3D project
Guide me through creating a simple Blender scene of [OBJECT]. Explain units, collections, naming, camera, lighting, materials, saving versions, and a first render.
Create a shirt or product mockup
Plan a Blender workflow for a realistic [T-SHIRT / MUG / PACKAGE / SIGN] mockup using my artwork. Include UV placement, material texture, lighting, camera angle, and transparent-background render.
Model from reference images
Help me model [OBJECT] in Blender from front, side, and perspective references. Break the job into simple forms, modifiers, topology checks, scale, and detail passes.
Build studio lighting
Create a Blender lighting setup for [PRODUCT / ARTWORK / PORTRAIT BUST] with a [SOFT / DRAMATIC / MUSEUM] mood. Explain key, fill, rim, background, exposure, and shadow control.
Animate a logo reveal
Design a [SECONDS]-second Blender logo reveal for Inkspirations Studios. Use restrained movement, readable timing, elegant lighting, and a clean beginning and ending frame.
Create an ink-like environment
Develop a Blender scene inspired by an Ocean of Ink: dark blue depth, drifting particles, fluid-like motion, glowing accents, and a museum atmosphere. Keep it render-efficient.
Choose render settings
Recommend Blender render settings for [STILL / ANIMATION] at [RESOLUTION] using [EEVEE / CYCLES]. Balance quality and render time, include denoising, samples, file format, and color management.
Diagnose a slow or broken scene
My Blender scene is [SLOW / CRASHING / MISSING TEXTURES / RENDERING BLACK]. Give me a safe diagnostic checklist that starts with a duplicate file and avoids destructive changes.
VLC
Playback, conversion, playlists, subtitles, screenshots, streaming tests, and media troubleshooting.
Open an unfamiliar media file
Help me open [FILE TYPE] in VLC, inspect its codec and resolution, confirm audio tracks and subtitles, and play it without changing the original file.
Convert a compatibility copy
Guide me through creating a compatibility copy of [FILE] in VLC for [DEVICE OR WEBSITE]. Preserve the original and recommend a safe video and audio format.
Create a presentation playlist
Help me build and save a VLC playlist for [EVENT OR ROOM] containing [FILES]. Set the order, repeat behavior, transitions if possible, and full-screen playback.
Fix subtitle timing
Subtitles in VLC are [EARLY / LATE / MISSING]. Show me how to load the subtitle file, adjust timing during playback, and determine whether the file itself needs permanent correction.
Capture a clean frame
Guide me through capturing a full-resolution frame from [VIDEO] in VLC. Explain how to pause accurately, step frame by frame, choose the save folder, and verify image quality.
Fix choppy playback
VLC playback is [CHOPPY / SILENT / GREEN / OUT OF SYNC]. Give me a short Windows diagnostic sequence covering hardware decoding, output settings, audio device, and file integrity.
7-Zip
Printer packages, archives, backups, splitting large files, extraction, checksums, and secure delivery.
ZIP a complete print job
Help me create a ZIP package in 7-Zip for [PRINT PROJECT]. First verify that the folder contains the final PDF, source files, links, permitted fonts, proofs, printer specs, and manifest. Do not archive until the checklist passes.
Choose ZIP or 7z
Should I use ZIP or 7z for [CLIENT DELIVERY / PERSONAL BACKUP / LARGE IMAGE COLLECTION]? Compare compatibility, compression, speed, recovery options, and recipient convenience.
Create an encrypted archive
Guide me through creating an encrypted 7-Zip archive for [FILES]. Explain AES-256, encrypting file names, choosing a strong password, and sharing the password separately.
Split a large package
Help me split [FOLDER OR FILE] into archive parts small enough for [EMAIL / DRIVE LIMIT]. Recommend part size, naming, testing, and instructions for the recipient.
Inspect before extracting
Give me a safe 7-Zip workflow for inspecting and extracting [ARCHIVE]. Check the file list first, choose a new destination folder, avoid overwriting, and verify the extracted contents.
Confirm an archive is intact
Show me how to test [ARCHIVE] in 7-Zip before sending or deleting source copies. Include archive testing, checksum options, spot-checking files, and preserving originals.
Create a dated project backup
Design a 7-Zip backup routine for [PROJECT FOLDER]. Use dated archive names, version notes, verification, retention rules, and a second storage location without modifying source files.
Handle a damaged archive
A ZIP or 7z archive reports [CRC ERROR / UNEXPECTED END / CANNOT OPEN]. Give me a cautious recovery plan that preserves the damaged archive and does not promise impossible repair.