How to Create a Custom GPT

Step by step

1. 2 min

   Access the GPT Builder

   Navigate to chat.openai.com and click your profile icon in the bottom-left corner. Select 'My GPTs' from the menu, then click the 'Create a GPT' button. This opens the GPT Builder interface with two tabs: Create and Configure.

   Note: Use the Create tab for conversational setup or Configure tab for precise control over every setting.
2. 3 min

   Define your GPT's purpose and personality

   In the Create tab, describe what you want your GPT to do. The builder will suggest a name, description, and initial instructions. Alternatively, switch to Configure and manually enter your GPT's name, description, and detailed instructions that define its role, tone, and behavior.

   Note: Write instructions like you're briefing a human assistant — be specific about what to do and what to avoid.
3. 3 min

   Upload knowledge files

   Click 'Knowledge' in the Configure tab to upload documents that your GPT can reference. Supported formats include PDF, TXT, DOCX, and more. Upload files containing information your GPT should know about — product manuals, company policies, or research papers.

   Note: Keep files under 512MB total and organize them logically. Your GPT searches across all uploaded content simultaneously.
4. 2 min

   Configure capabilities

   Toggle capabilities in the Configure tab. Enable 'Web Browsing' for internet searches, 'DALL-E Image Generation' for creating images, and 'Code Interpreter' for data analysis and file processing. Only enable features your GPT actually needs.

   Note: Disable unused capabilities to prevent your GPT from offering irrelevant features to users.
5. 5 min

   Test your GPT

   Use the preview pane on the right to test your GPT's responses. Ask questions that represent real use cases. Refine your instructions based on the responses — add clarifications for unclear behaviors or additional constraints for unwanted outputs.

   Note: Test edge cases and try to break your GPT's intended behavior to identify instruction gaps.
6. 2 min

   Set privacy and sharing options

   Choose your GPT's visibility: 'Only me' for private use, 'Anyone with a link' for controlled sharing, or 'Public' for GPT Store listing. Configure conversation starters — these are example prompts that appear as buttons for new users.

   Note: Write conversation starters that showcase your GPT's best capabilities and guide users toward successful interactions.
7. 1 min

   Publish your custom GPT

   Click 'Create' or 'Update' to save your GPT. If set to public, your GPT enters review for the GPT Store. Private and link-shareable GPTs are immediately available. You can edit your GPT anytime by returning to 'My GPTs' and selecting it.

   Note: Monitor usage patterns and user feedback to continuously improve your GPT's instructions and knowledge base.