How to Use ChatGPT Custom Instructions

Step by step

1. 30 sec

   Access the Custom Instructions menu

   Click your profile picture in the bottom-left corner of the ChatGPT interface. Select 'Custom instructions' from the dropdown menu. If you don't see this option, ensure you have a ChatGPT Plus subscription and the feature is enabled in your account settings.

   Note: Custom instructions are only available for ChatGPT Plus subscribers and may not be visible in all regions initially.
2. 1 min

   Configure your context information

   Fill out the first text box labeled 'What would you like ChatGPT to know about you to provide better responses?' Include relevant details about your role, industry, experience level, and specific interests. Be specific about your background, preferred terminology, and any constraints you work within.

   Note: Include details like 'I'm a software engineer working in Python and React' or 'I'm a marketing manager at a B2B SaaS company' for more targeted responses.
3. 1 min

   Set your response preferences

   Complete the second text box asking 'How would you like ChatGPT to respond?' Specify your preferred communication style, response length, format preferences, and any specific approaches you want ChatGPT to take. Include preferences for tone, technical depth, and output structure.

   Note: Request specific formats like 'Always provide code examples' or 'Keep responses under 200 words' to get consistently formatted output.
4. 15 sec

   Enable the custom instructions

   Toggle the switch at the bottom of the custom instructions panel to 'On'. This ensures your instructions will be applied to all new conversations. The toggle must be active for the instructions to take effect.

5. 1 min

   Test your custom instructions

   Start a new conversation and ask a question relevant to your field or interests. Observe whether ChatGPT's response reflects your specified preferences and context. The AI should demonstrate awareness of your background and follow your response guidelines without you restating them.

   Note: Compare responses before and after setting custom instructions to verify they're working as expected.
6. 1 min

   Refine your instructions

   Return to the custom instructions panel to edit your preferences based on the responses you receive. Add more specific guidelines if ChatGPT isn't meeting your expectations, or remove instructions that aren't improving the output quality.

   Note: Keep instructions concise but specific—overly long instructions may dilute their effectiveness.