ChatGPT Custom Instructions: The Setup That Pays Off Daily
Spend 10 minutes on custom instructions and skip an hour of editing every week. The exact template we use.
By AI Productivity Hub Editorial Team7 min read
Custom instructions are the highest-leverage setting in ChatGPT. They tell the model who you are and how you want responses — every time.
What custom instructions are
Two short prompts that ChatGPT silently prepends to every conversation: 'about you' and 'how to respond'.
Our template
Tips for power users
- Mention your preferred tools so examples use them.
- Specify language and tone (British English, casual).
- Forbid filler phrases like 'as an AI language model'.
- Revisit every quarter as your work evolves.
Key takeaways
- Custom instructions compound across every chat.
- Be specific — vague instructions get ignored.
- Update them as your role changes.
Sources & further reading
Frequently asked questions
Do custom instructions work in the free version?
Yes, in all current ChatGPT plans.
Are custom instructions private?
They're stored in your OpenAI account. Don't paste secrets.
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