GPT-4o

Overview

GPT-4o is OpenAI's multimodal model that handles text, images, and audio. It combines strong reasoning with fast response times and broad knowledge.

Key Strengths

• Multimodal: Natively processes text, images, and audio
• Speed: Significantly faster than GPT-4 Turbo
• Tool use: Excellent at function calling and structured outputs
• Broad knowledge: Wide training data coverage

Prompt Techniques

Structured Outputs

GPT-4o works well with JSON mode and function calling:

{ "type": "json_schema", "json_schema": { ... } }

System Message

Define the role and constraints clearly in the system message. GPT-4o respects system instructions reliably.

Tips

1. Use JSON mode for structured data extraction
2. Function calling for tool use — define tools precisely
3. Vision: Send images directly for analysis
4. Temperature 0 for deterministic, factual tasks
5. Temperature 0.7-1.0 for creative writing