How to use the new ChatGPT Custom Instructions
27 August 2023
Custom Instructions were only available in the US on paid ChatGPT subscriptions but they're now available to everyone, so you can now personalise your interactions with ChatGPT, improving its results and writing in the tone that you want.
What are Custom Instructions?
Custom Instructions are a set of guidelines you can provide to ChatGPT. Think of them as a way to fine-tune your AI conversation partner. Whether you're seeking specific answers or simply want to tailor the conversation to your liking, Custom Instructions offer a robust solution.
Why use Custom Instructions?
- Personalisation: Make ChatGPT your own by asking it to respond in a certain tone or style.
- Efficiency: Cut through the noise and get straight to the information you need.
- Enhanced Engagement: Make your interactions with ChatGPT more personal, interesting and relevant.
How do they work?
While the core engine remains the same, Custom Instructions allow you to influence the output by providing additional context or directives. It's akin to adding a personal touch to a universal service.
Where to find them?
Click the 3 dots next to your name in the bottom left hand corner of the web version. Then select Custom instructions. This will open a window with two sections: What would you like ChatGPT to know about you? and How would you like ChatGPT to respond?
What should I enter?
In the first section - about you - you have 1,500 characters to tell ChatGPT about yourself. There are some ideas to help prompt you what to write, but this is an example:
In the second section - how you want ChatGTP to respond - you have another 1,500 characters and some more prompts will appear. This is an example with some tips for making your conversations and responses better:
Make sure that Enable for new chats is selected (green) then click Save. When that's done - start a new chat, say "Hi!" and see your ChatGPT come to life!