# Show ChatGPT a boring task once and let it repeat it for you

> You don't explain the task. You just do it once while it watches, and it learns the steps.

On a Mac, you record yourself doing a routine computer task once, like downloading a monthly report or filing an expense. ChatGPT turns the recording into a reusable skill it can run for you next time.

- Page: https://thesolocreators.com/prompts/show-chatgpt-a-task-once/
- Category: Hidden AI superpowers
- Made for: Coaches, Consultants, Creators, Small business owners
- Works in: ChatGPT
- Time: About 10 minutes to record, then on request
- Effort: Advanced
- Note: Mac only, with Computer Use turned on. Works in ChatGPT Work or Codex. Don't record passwords or private client data.

## The prompt

Fill in the parts in [square brackets], or leave them and the AI will ask you for them.

```text
I'm about to record a task I do every [HOW OFTEN, e.g. month] so you can learn it. The task is: [THE TASK, e.g. download my monthly sales report]. The parts that change each time are: [WHAT CHANGES, e.g. the month and the file name]. The parts that never change are: [WHAT STAYS THE SAME, e.g. the site and the folder]. When you write the skill, include when to use it, what you'll ask me for before you start, each step in order, and how to check it worked. Never type passwords or payment details for me. Stop and ask me to do those parts myself.
```

## Step by step

1. Open the ChatGPT desktop app on your Mac, select ChatGPT, and turn on Work.
2. Open Plugins, click the + menu, and choose Record a skill.
3. Paste the prompt, approve the recording, do the task once, then stop from the menu bar.
4. Start a new chat next time, ask it to use the skill, and give it the details that change.

## What you'll get

A saved skill that repeats your routine task on request, with a checklist of what it needs from you each time.

## Good to know

**Which AI tools does this work in?** It works in ChatGPT. On this page, ChatGPT opens with your prompt already typed in. Mac only, with Computer Use turned on. Works in ChatGPT Work or Codex. Don't record passwords or private client data.

**How long does it take?** About 10 minutes to record, then on request. It's rated "Advanced". There are 4 steps, listed above.

**What do I need before I start?** Just your details for 4 blanks: how often, the task, what changes and what stays the same. You can skip any, and your AI will ask for them.

**What will I get back?** A saved skill that repeats your routine task on request, with a checklist of what it needs from you each time.

Idea spotted on the official docs, shared by OpenAI: https://learn.chatgpt.com/codex/extend/record-and-replay. The prompt is The Solo Creators' own version.

## Go further

Ready-made skills in the Solo Creators AI Studio (https://thesolocreators.com/studio/) that fit this: No AI Slop (A sharp editor that cuts the AI tells from any draft. Your point and your voice stay); TLDR (Your AI stops writing walls of text: every reply leads with the next action, numbered and skimmable).

From AI Use Cases and Prompts by The Solo Creators: https://thesolocreators.com/prompts/. Free to use; please link back to the page when you share it.