Grok Cheat Sheet
A quick reference for xAI's Grok: its reasoning and research modes, real-time access to X and the web, image generation, and how to prompt it well. Free to print or save as a PDF.
Models & modes
| Feature | Description | Example / tip |
|---|---|---|
| Grok reasons step by step before answering, which is better for hard maths, logic and multi-step problems. | Turn on Think for a tricky proof | |
| An agentic research run that searches the web and X, then returns an answer with sources. | Research the latest on a topic | |
| Grok can pull current posts and trends straight from X, so it is strong on breaking news. | What are people saying about this now | |
| Have a spoken, back-and-forth conversation in the app. | Talk through an idea hands-free |
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Where it helps
| Feature | Description | Example / tip |
|---|---|---|
| Its real-time link to X and the web makes it good for what is happening right now. | Summarize today's news on a subject | |
| Create images from a text prompt inside Grok. | Generate a concept image for a post | |
| Write, explain and debug code across common languages. | Find the bug in this function | |
| Reason over data, documents or a chart you paste in. | Spot the trend in this table |
Prompting tips
| Feature | Description | Example / tip |
|---|---|---|
| State who it should act as, the single task, and the output you want. | 'As an analyst, summarize this in 5 bullets' | |
| When using real-time or DeepSearch, tell it to cite where the answer came from. | 'Answer and link your sources' | |
| Reasoning mode beats a quick reply for anything multi-step. | Switch on Think for planning or maths |
Frequently asked questions
What is Grok best at?
Its standout strength is real-time information: Grok can pull current posts and trends from X and search the live web, so it is strong on breaking news and fast-moving topics. It also has reasoning (Think) and agentic research (DeepSearch) modes for harder work.
What is the difference between Think and DeepSearch?
Think is internal reasoning - Grok works through a problem step by step before answering. DeepSearch is an agentic research run that actively searches the web and X and returns an answer with sources. Use Think for logic and maths, DeepSearch for research.
Do ChatGPT prompt techniques work in Grok?
Yes. Clear roles, context and format instructions transfer directly. The extra things to lean on with Grok are its real-time access - ask about current events and request sources - and its Think mode for step-by-step problems.
Is Grok free?
There is a free tier with usage limits. Paid access through X Premium or SuperGrok unlocks higher limits, the most capable model, and heavier use of Think and DeepSearch.
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