How to Use ChatGPT Custom Instructions

What Is ChatGPT’s Custom Instructions Feature

ChatGPT’s Custom Instructions feature is a cross-session memory that allows ChatGPT to retain key instructions across chat sessions. ChatGPT will consider your custom instructions for every conversation going forward. The model will consider the instructions every time it responds, so you won’t have to repeat your preferences or information in every conversation. 

Custom instructions are available on all plans for ChatGPT, and they can be used on the web, iOS, and Android devices. However, they are not yet available in the UK and EU.

Setting Up ChatGPT Custom Instructions

Custom instructions are entered in two text boxes, and they are saved and used for all future conversations with ChatGPT.

What would you like ChatGPT to know about you to provide a better response?

This box is for information that ChatGPT can use to tailor its responses to your specific needs. For example, you could say that you are a teacher, a student, or a business professional. You could also say what kind of information you are looking for, such as factual information, creative ideas, or emotional support.

Thought starters
• Where are you based?
• What do you do for work?
• What are your hobbies and interests?
• What subjects can you talk about for hours?
• What are some goals you have?

How would you like ChatGPT to respond?

This box is for setting preferences for the format and tone of ChatGPT’s responses. For example, you could ask ChatGPT to keep its answers to a specific character count, to use a more formal or informal tone, or to provide a list of pros and cons.

Thought starters
• How formal or casual should ChatGPT be?
• How long or short should responses generally be?
• How do you want to be addressed?
• Should ChatGPT have opinions on topics or remain neutral?

Examples of How to use ChatGPT custom instructions

A teacher crafting a lesson plan no longer has to repeat that they’re teaching 3rd grade science.

A developer preferring efficient code in a language that’s not Python – they can say it once, and it’s understood.

Grocery shopping for a big family becomes easier, with the model accounting for 6 servings in the grocery list.

Custom instructions are a powerful tool that can be used to improve the way you interact with ChatGPT. By taking a few minutes to enter your custom instructions, you can save time and effort, and you can get more relevant and helpful responses from ChatGPT.

You retain the ability to modify or remove custom instructions as needed for future conversations.

Your instructions remain private and are not shared with individuals who access shared links.

When employing third-party plug-ins, the model might provide pertinent details from your instructions to plug-in developers. It’s advisable to only use trustworthy plug-ins and to avoid sharing sensitive information.

Importantly, the insights gained from your utilization of custom instructions contribute to enhancing model performance. This process helps the model refine its responses in alignment with your instructions while maintaining a balanced approach.

Tips for using Custom Instructions

Here are some additional tips for using custom instructions:

• Be specific. The more specific you are with your instructions, the better ChatGPT will be able to understand what you are looking for.
• Use keywords. When you are describing your goals, preferences, and background knowledge, use keywords that ChatGPT will understand. For example, if you are a teacher, you could use the keywords “students,” “learning,” and “education.”
• Be concise. There is no need to write a long essay in your custom instructions. Just a few sentences should be enough.
• Use examples. If you can, provide ChatGPT with examples of the kind of responses you are looking for. This will help ChatGPT to understand your expectations.