Custom Instructions Setup
Custom Instructions are one of ChatGPT's most powerful features. They let you set persistent preferences that apply to all your conversations, so you don't have to repeat yourself every time.
What Are Custom Instructions?
Custom Instructions are saved preferences that ChatGPT references in every conversation. They answer two questions:
- Who are you? - Background, context, and relevant information about yourself
- How should ChatGPT respond? - Your preferences for tone, format, and style
Once set, these instructions work automatically - you don't need to include them in your prompts.
Accessing Custom Instructions
- Click your profile icon (bottom left on web, top right on mobile)
- Select "Settings"
- Choose "Personalization"
- Click "Custom Instructions"
- Fill in both text boxes
- Toggle "Enable for new chats"
Section 1: About You
The first box asks: "What would you like ChatGPT to know about you to provide better responses?"
What to Include
| Category | Examples |
|---|---|
| Role/Profession | "I'm a product manager at a tech startup" |
| Industry | "I work in healthcare/finance/education" |
| Technical Level | "I have intermediate Python skills" |
| Location | "I'm based in the UK" (affects spelling, regulations) |
| Key Projects | "Currently leading a CRM implementation" |
| Relevant Context | "My team is 5 people, mostly remote" |
Example: About You
Section 2: Response Preferences
The second box asks: "How would you like ChatGPT to respond?"
What to Include
| Category | Examples |
|---|---|
| Tone | "Professional but approachable" |
| Length | "Be concise - get to the point quickly" |
| Format | "Use bullet points over paragraphs" |
| Depth | "Explain your reasoning, not just conclusions" |
| Honesty | "Tell me if you're uncertain about something" |
| Pushback | "Challenge my assumptions when appropriate" |
Example: Response Preferences
Custom Instructions by Profession
For Developers
For Writers/Content Creators
For Executives/Managers
For Students
Tips for Effective Custom Instructions
1. Be Specific
Bad: "I work in tech"
Good: "I'm a DevOps engineer at a Series B startup using Kubernetes and Terraform"
2. Prioritize What Matters Most
You have limited space. Include only what will most improve your conversations.
3. Update Regularly
As your role or projects change, update your instructions to match.
4. Balance Both Sections
The "about you" provides context; "how to respond" controls output. Both matter.
5. Don't Overload
Too many instructions can be ignored or conflict. Keep it focused.
6. Test and Iterate
Try your instructions across different types of requests and refine based on results.
Override When Needed
Custom instructions apply by default, but you can override them:
Or for a specific task:
Common Custom Instruction Additions
Reduce Verbosity
Don't include unnecessary qualifiers or hedging. Be direct.
Request Honesty
If you don't know something or are uncertain, clearly say so.
Control Format
Default to bullet points unless I ask for paragraphs.
Enable Pushback
Challenge my assumptions when you think I might be wrong.
Set Expertise Level
I'm technical - skip basic explanations unless I ask.
Industry-Specific
Always consider HIPAA compliance for any healthcare-related advice.
Exercise: Create Your Custom Instructions
Draft your own Custom Instructions:
Key Takeaways
- Two sections - Who you are + how you want responses
- Be specific - Generic instructions don't help much
- Prioritize - Include what matters most with limited space
- Update regularly - Keep instructions current with your role
- Override when needed - Custom instructions aren't mandatory per-chat
- Test and refine - Adjust based on actual results
Custom Instructions are like training ChatGPT to know you. Invest time in setting them up well, and every conversation will be better for it.