# Optimization Studio

> Run prompt optimizations from the Opik UI with datasets, metrics, and visual progress tracking.

Optimization Studio helps you improve prompts without writing code. You bring a prompt, define what “good” looks like, and Opik tests variations to find a better version you can ship with confidence. Teams like it because it shortens the loop from idea to evidence: you see scores and examples, not just a hunch. If you prefer a programmatic workflow, use the [Optimize prompts](/agent_optimization/optimization/optimize_prompts) guide.

<video src="https://files.buildwithfern.com/https://opik.docs.buildwithfern.com/docs/opik/2026-01-30T17:33:07.444Z/img/agent_optimization/optimization_studio_walkthrough.mp4" width="854" height="480" autoPlay muted loop playsInline preload="auto" />

## Start an optimization

An optimization run is a structured way to improve a prompt. Opik takes your current prompt, tries small variations, and scores each one so you can pick the best-performing version with evidence instead of guesswork.

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  <img src="https://files.buildwithfern.com/https://opik.docs.buildwithfern.com/docs/opik/2026-01-30T17:33:07.444Z/img/agent_optimization/optimization_studio_create_form.png" alt="Optimization Studio form showing name, prompt, algorithm, dataset, and metric configuration" />
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## Configure the run

### Name the run

Give the run a descriptive name so you can find it later. A good pattern is `goal + dataset + date`, for example “Support intent v1 - Jan 2026”.

### Configure the prompt

Choose the model that will generate responses, then set the message roles (System, User, and so on). If your dataset has fields like `question` or `answer`, insert them with `{{variable}}` placeholders so each example flows into the prompt correctly. Start with the prompt you already use in production so improvements are easy to compare.

### Pick an algorithm

Choose how Opik should search for better prompts. GEPA works well for single-turn prompts and quick improvements, while HRPO is better when you need deeper analysis of why a prompt fails. If you are new, start with GEPA to get a quick baseline, then switch to HRPO if you need deeper insight. For technical details, see [Optimization algorithms](/agent_optimization/algorithms/overview).

### Choose a dataset

Pick an existing dataset to supply examples. Aim for diverse, real-world cases rather than edge cases only, and keep the first run small so you can iterate quickly. If you need to create or upload data first, see [Manage datasets](/docs/opik/evaluation/manage_datasets).

### Define a metric

Pick how Opik should score each prompt. Use Equals if the output should match exactly, or G-Eval if you want a model to grade quality. When using G-Eval, make sure the grading prompt reflects what “good” means for your task.

* **Equals**: Use when you have a single correct answer and want a strict match.
* **G-Eval**: Use when answers can vary and you want a model to score quality.

## Monitor progress

Once the run starts, Optimization Studio shows the best score so far and a progress chart for each trial.

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  <img src="https://files.buildwithfern.com/https://opik.docs.buildwithfern.com/docs/opik/2026-01-30T17:33:07.444Z/img/agent_optimization/optimization_studio_results.png" alt="Optimization results page with progress chart and best prompt indicator" />
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## Analyze results

The Trials tab is where you compare prompt variations and scores, by clicking on a specific trial you can view the individual trial items that were evaluated.

<Frame>
  <img src="https://files.buildwithfern.com/https://opik.docs.buildwithfern.com/docs/opik/2026-01-30T17:33:07.444Z/img/agent_optimization/optimization_studio_trials.png" alt="Trials table showing prompts and scores for each optimization trial" />
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## Actions

You can rerun the same setup, cancel a run to change inputs, or select multiple runs to compare outcomes.

## Reuse results outside the UI

If you want to automate optimizations in code later, follow [Optimize prompts](/agent_optimization/optimization/optimize_prompts) and use the same dataset and metric from this run.

## Next steps

For a deeper breakdown of trials and traces, visit [Dashboard results](/agent_optimization/optimization/dashboard_results). If you want to automate this workflow, use [Optimize prompts](/agent_optimization/optimization/optimize_prompts). To fine-tune your strategy, explore [Optimization algorithms](/agent_optimization/algorithms/overview).