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Custom Instructions
A community prompt for custom instructions, imported from LLM-Prompt-Library (MIT).
4,334 copiesOpen ↗
Custom Instructions
by OpenAI
Custom Instructions let you tell ChatGPT context about yourself and how you want it to respond, and it applies that to every new conversation automatically. It's the lightest-weight way to shape ChatGPT's behavior without building a custom GPT — ideal for a persistent tone, output format, or background you'd otherwise repeat in each chat. It's available on all plans across web, desktop, and mobile.
Works with
Custom GPTs, Actions, MCP connectors, and Apps.
When to use it
- You keep re-pasting the same background or formatting rules into chats
- You want a consistent tone or output style without building a GPT
- You have standing constraints (e.g. 'always answer concisely, no preamble')
When not to
- Task-specific behavior that shouldn't apply everywhere — use a custom GPT or Project
- Anything needing uploaded knowledge files or tools — instructions alone can't do that
What it does
- Set persistent context about you and your work
- Define how ChatGPT should respond (tone, length, format)
- Apply preferences automatically to all new chats
- Edit or delete at any time for future conversations
How to install
Setup steps with copy-paste config. Sources are cited under each method.
Set your instructions
ChatGPTRequires: A ChatGPT account
Open Custom Instructions
In ChatGPT, open Settings and choose Custom Instructions (also reachable from your profile menu).
Fill the two boxes
Describe what ChatGPT should know about you, and how you want it to respond. Keep each answer concise and rule-like.
configAbout you: I'm a product marketer at a B2B SaaS company. Audience is technical buyers. How to respond: Be concise. No preamble. Use bullet points. Flag assumptions explicitly.Save
Instructions apply immediately to all new chats; edit or clear them anytime.
- ChatGPT Custom Instructions — documentation · OpenAI · Documentation · accessed 2026-07-24
How to prompt it
Copy-paste prompts written to exercise this plugin, with what to expect.
Lock in a concise, no-preamble style
You're tired of chatty, hedged answers.
[In the 'How to respond' box] Answer directly with no preamble or filler. Lead with the answer, then reasons as bullets. State assumptions explicitly and ask before making major ones.
What to expect: Every new chat opens straight into terse, structured answers matching your rules — without you restating them each time.
- Phrase instructions as rules ('Do X, avoid Y'); the model follows imperative constraints more reliably.
Tips for getting the most out of it
- Keep instructions short and rule-shaped — long paragraphs get diluted.
- Use the 'About you' box for durable context and the 'How to respond' box for format and tone.
- For behavior that should only apply to certain tasks, use a custom GPT or a Project instead of global instructions.
Prompts to pair with it
Real prompts from the IterPrompt library you can copy or run.
Tech-Challenged Customer
Turn any AI chat into a tech-challenged customer with this community persona prompt.
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AI Customer Support Specialist
Turn any AI chat into an ai customer support specialist with this community persona prompt.
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Customizable Web Template for Company Branding
Turn any AI chat into a customizable web template for company branding with this community persona prompt.
1,011 copiesOpen ↗
Custom Health Membership Annual Summary
Turn any AI chat into a custom health membership annual summary with this community persona prompt.
5,061 copiesOpen ↗
Customizable Avatar Style Generator
Turn any AI chat into a customizable avatar style generator with this community persona prompt.
4,287 copiesOpen ↗
Frequently asked questions
How is this different from a custom GPT?+
Custom Instructions are global preferences applied to every chat with zero setup. A custom GPT is a separate, task-specific assistant with its own instructions, knowledge, and tools. Use instructions for defaults; use a GPT for a dedicated workflow.
Is it different from memory?+
Yes. Custom Instructions are preferences you write and control directly; memory is context ChatGPT saves automatically over time. OpenAI documents them as distinct features.
Pairs well with
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Alternatives to Custom Instructions
Custom GPTs (GPT Builder)
OpenAI
Package instructions, knowledge files, and tools into a reusable, shareable ChatGPT.
Custom GPTChatGPTAgent Configuration
AIPRM for ChatGPT
AIPRM
A browser extension that adds a curated prompt-template library on top of chatgpt.com.
Browser extensionChatGPTProductivity & Ops
Sources & verification
The facts on this page and where they come from. Anything unverified is labeled — we'd rather say "unknown" than guess.
- ChatGPT Custom Instructions — official page · OpenAI · Help center · accessed 2026-07-24
Install steps, pricing, and availability change often. Always confirm on the official page before relying on setup details.