Chaining Prompts for More Complex AI Workflows

Prompt chaining helps break down complex tasks into smaller, manageable steps for greater accuracy, clarity, and control over AI interactions. This guide will walk you through structuring and managing prompt chains efficiently.

What you will learn

How to break down complex AI workflows using prompt chaining

Before you begin

Why Use Prompt Chaining?

Instead of handling everything in a single prompt, prompt chaining sequences tasks so each subtask gets processed individually, improving:

  1. Accuracy – Each step is processed in isolation, reducing errors.
  2. Clarity – Simpler, focused prompts improve AI output quality.
  3. Traceability – Easily pinpoint and refine specific steps in the process.

Use prompt chaining for multi-step workflows such as data analysis, content generation, research synthesis, and decision-making.

Example: Analyzing Legal Documents

Locate the templates page

Navigate to the Templates subpage in the Agents section and copy the ‘Analyzing a Legal Contract’ template.

Metorial templates

Get familiar with chain prompting workflow

This workflow takes in a legal document and uses prompt chaining to accomplish three tasks: (1) generate a risk analysis; (2) draft an email based on the analysis; and (3) provide feedback on the drafted email. Each step runs in a separate LLM instance, using structured inputs (previous outputs + new instructions) for improved consistency.

The AI workflow

Ensure Each Prompt Has a Single Focus

To maintain clarity and control, each step focuses on one task at a time.

Prompt #1: Extract Key Risk Insights

The first prompt analyzes the legal document and extracts key risk factors.

Extracting risk insights

Prompt #2: Draft an Email Based on Extracted Insights

The second prompt takes the extracted risk insights and the Chief Legal Officer's name as a raw input to draft a professional email outlining concerns.

Drafting the legal email

Prompt #3: Review Email for Tone and Clarity

The final prompt reviews the drafted email for tone, clarity, and professionalism, ensuring that it meets legal and communication standards.

Reviewing email for professionalism

Summing Up

Prompt chaining helps break down complex AI tasks into smaller, more manageable steps, leading to:

  • More accurate and structured outputs
  • Improved clarity in AI-generated responses
  • Easier debugging and refinement of AI workflows