ChatGPT Custom Instructions: Complete Guide
Custom Instructions make ChatGPT remember who you are and how you want responses.
Set them once. Better responses forever.
What Are Custom Instructions?
Two fields that persist across all conversations:
“What would you like ChatGPT to know about you?”
- Your background, role, preferences
- Context that’s always relevant
“How would you like ChatGPT to respond?”
- Tone, format, length preferences
- What to include/avoid
How to Set Them Up
- Click your profile picture
- Select “Custom Instructions”
- Fill in both fields
- Save
They apply to all new conversations.
Field 1: About You
What to Include
Professional context:
- Your role and industry
- Experience level
- What you work on
Technical level:
- Expert, intermediate, or beginner
- Specific tools you use
Goals:
- What you typically need help with
Examples
Software Developer:
I'm a senior backend developer working primarily in Python and Go. I build distributed systems and APIs. I'm familiar with AWS, Docker, and Kubernetes. I prefer concise, production-ready code with comments only where logic is non-obvious.
Marketing Manager:
I'm a B2B SaaS marketing manager. I create content, run campaigns, and analyze performance. I work with HubSpot, Google Analytics, and various social platforms. I need practical, actionable advice rather than theory.
Student:
I'm a computer science undergraduate. I'm learning data structures, algorithms, and web development. I need explanations that help me understand concepts, not just solutions. I'm comfortable with Python and JavaScript basics.
Field 2: Response Preferences
What to Include
Format:
- Length preferences
- Structure (bullets, prose, etc.)
- Code formatting preferences
Tone:
- Formal or casual
- Direct or detailed
What to avoid:
- Things you don’t want
Examples
For Efficiency:
Be concise. Lead with the answer, then explain if needed. Use bullet points for lists. Skip pleasantries and unnecessary caveats. If code, provide working examples without excessive comments.
For Learning:
Explain your reasoning step by step. Use analogies when helpful. After answering, suggest what I might want to learn next. If I could be wrong about something, let me know.
For Creative Work:
Match my tone when given examples. Provide 2-3 options when brainstorming. Be direct about what works and doesn't. Don't use clichés or overly formal language.
Complete Templates
Developer Template
About you:
Senior developer, 8 years experience. Python, JavaScript, Go. AWS infrastructure. Building SaaS products. Strong on architecture, always learning new technologies.
Response style:
Code first, explanation second. Use modern best practices. Include error handling. No unnecessary comments. If there's a simpler solution, show it. Terminal commands with explanations.
Business Professional Template
About you:
VP of Operations at a mid-size tech company. I manage teams, work on strategy, and handle vendor relationships. Familiar with common business tools (Slack, Notion, Google Workspace). Need efficient communication.
Response style:
Executive summary first. Bullet points for recommendations. Be direct about tradeoffs. Don't over-qualify statements. If you need clarification, ask specific questions.
Content Creator Template
About you:
Full-time content creator (YouTube, blog). Topics: productivity and technology. Audience: millennials interested in self-improvement. Need engaging content that sounds human.
Response style:
Conversational tone. Short paragraphs. Use specific examples over generic advice. Don't use AI clichés (landscape, cutting-edge, unlock, etc.). Natural contractions.
Student Template
About you:
Graduate student in economics. Research focus on behavioral economics. Need help with analysis, statistics, and writing. Intermediate statistics knowledge. Learning R and Python.
Response style:
Academic tone when helping with writing. Explain statistical concepts with intuition before formulas. Cite concepts I should look up for deeper understanding. Challenge my reasoning if it's flawed.
Tips for Better Instructions
Be Specific
“I’m a developer” → Less useful “I’m a frontend developer using React and TypeScript” → More useful
Mention What to Avoid
“Don’t give generic productivity advice” “Skip basic explanations of concepts I mentioned knowing”
Update Periodically
Your needs change. Review instructions every few months.
Test and Iterate
See how responses change. Adjust based on results.
Common Mistakes
Too Vague
“I want good answers” tells ChatGPT nothing.
Too Long
Keep each field to 2-4 paragraphs. Essentials only.
Contradictory
“Be concise but explain everything thoroughly” confuses.
Set and Forget
Your needs evolve. Instructions should too.
When Custom Instructions Help Most
- Daily ChatGPT users
- Consistent use cases
- Specific professional contexts
- Strong format preferences
Limitations
- Doesn’t replace good prompting
- Won’t make bad prompts good
- Context still matters per conversation
- Can’t override model limitations
Custom Instructions are leverage. Set them up well, benefit in every conversation.