Question 1

How to save tokens in AI?

Accepted Answer

To save tokens in AI, use a structured shorthand prompt style like Steno Mode. It cuts filler, soft phrasing, and repeated framing from AI responses while preserving exact code, commands, paths, and technical identifiers. Steno Mode achieves ~40% token reduction on average across technical prompts.

Question 2

Where to save tokens?

Accepted Answer

You can save tokens in your system prompt, custom instructions, or agent configuration. In VS Code Copilot install Steno Mode with npx --yes github:AkashAi7/stenographer-mode install --scope user. For Claude Code, ChatGPT, Kiro, Cursor, or Windsurf, paste the appropriate pack from the packs/ directory into your system prompt or instructions.

Question 3

What is meant by a token in AI?

Accepted Answer

In AI language models, a token is roughly 3-4 characters or about 0.75 words. Tokens are the billing unit for LLM APIs — more tokens in a response means higher cost and slower output. Reducing tokens in AI responses without losing meaning is the goal of tools like Steno Mode.

Question 4

What is Steno Mode?

Accepted Answer

Steno Mode is a shorthand-first prompt pack and custom agent for token saving in technical AI workflows. It compresses AI responses ~40% through stable abbreviations, symbolic linking, and filler removal while preserving exact code, commands, paths, and identifiers.

Question 5

Where can I use Steno Mode?

Accepted Answer

You can use Steno Mode with VS Code Copilot, Claude Code, Kiro, ChatGPT custom instructions, Claude system prompts, Cursor rules, Windsurf, Aider, and Sourcegraph Cody.

Question 6

Does Steno Mode work with Claude Code?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Steno Mode ships a Claude system prompt pack in packs/claude/system.txt that works directly with Claude Code. It compresses responses without losing technical precision.

Question 7

Does Steno Mode work with Kiro?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Steno Mode prompt rules can be applied in any AI coding assistant including Kiro, Windsurf, Aider, and Sourcegraph Cody by pasting the appropriate pack contents into the system or instruction context.

Question 8

What problems does Steno Mode solve?

Accepted Answer

It reduces filler in technical AI responses while preserving exact literals, commands, paths, and structure.

Question 9

Is Steno Mode useful for token optimization and cost control?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Steno Mode is designed for token optimization by reducing response overhead while preserving technical precision, which can help lower LLM usage cost.

Question 10

What is Steno Mode for GitHub Copilot?

Accepted Answer

Steno Mode for GitHub Copilot is a prompt pack and custom agent that compresses AI responses by ~40% through structured shorthand. It installs with a single npx command and works in VS Code Copilot agent mode.

Question 11

What is Stenographer Mode?

Accepted Answer

Stenographer Mode (also called Steno Mode) is a shorthand-first communication style for AI coding assistants like GitHub Copilot, Claude Code, Kiro, and Cursor. It reduces tokens ~40% while preserving code, commands, and technical accuracy.

Question 12

How to install Steno Mode in GitHub Copilot?

Accepted Answer

Run npx --yes github:AkashAi7/stenographer-mode install --scope user in VS Code terminal. This installs Steno Mode as a custom agent and prompt pack that works with GitHub Copilot.

Question 13

Does GitHub Copilot support custom agents?

Accepted Answer

Yes. GitHub Copilot supports custom agents in VS Code. Steno Mode is one such custom agent — it's a prompt pack that compresses AI responses through structured shorthand while preserving technical accuracy.

Question 14

How to reduce tokens in GitHub Copilot responses?

Accepted Answer

Install Steno Mode with npx --yes github:AkashAi7/stenographer-mode install --scope user. This prompt pack compresses GitHub Copilot responses by ~40% through structured shorthand, reducing costs and improving speed.

Steno Mode for GitHub Copilot

Stenographer Mode — Save ~40% tokens in AI responses

Where to save tokens in AI

VS Code Copilot + Kiro

Claude Code + Claude

ChatGPT custom instructions

Cursor · Windsurf · Aider · Cody

How to use Steno Mode

How to save tokens in AI

How to save tokens in AI?

Where to save tokens?

What is meant by a token?

Does Steno Mode work with Claude Code and Kiro?