If you’re still telling ChatGPT “keep it concise” or “don’t use jargon” in every conversation, you’re wasting time. Custom Instructions let you set your preferences once, and ChatGPT remembers them across all future chats.
Available to all ChatGPT users (free and paid), Custom Instructions live in your settings and apply to every new conversation. Here are seven templates you can copy, customize, and start using today to get better responses without repeating yourself.
1. The Professional Writer Template
If you use ChatGPT for emails, reports, or content, this template keeps your tone consistent:
What would you like ChatGPT to know about you?
I’m a marketing manager at a B2B SaaS company. I write emails, blog posts, and internal documentation. My audience is non-technical business owners.
How would you like ChatGPT to respond?
Use clear, conversational language. Avoid jargon and marketing clichés. Keep paragraphs short (2-3 sentences). When writing emails, lead with the main point. Don’t use emojis or exclamation marks unless I ask.
2. The Developer’s Efficiency Shortcut
Developers can save dozens of keystrokes per prompt with this setup:
What would you like ChatGPT to know about you?
I’m a full-stack developer working primarily in React, Node.js, and PostgreSQL. I use VS Code and deploy to Vercel.
How would you like ChatGPT to respond?
Provide code examples in my stack by default. Explain why, not just how. Include error handling. Don’t add comments for obvious code. When debugging, ask clarifying questions before suggesting solutions.
3. The Small Business Owner’s Assistant
This template helps ChatGPT understand your business context and give relevant advice:
What would you like ChatGPT to know about you?
I run a local coffee shop with three employees. I handle marketing, inventory, and scheduling myself. My budget is limited and I’m not very technical.
How would you like ChatGPT to respond?
Suggest practical, low-cost solutions. Explain technical terms in plain language. When recommending tools, prioritize free or affordable options. Keep advice actionable and specific to small retail businesses.
4. The Student’s Study Partner
Students can use Custom Instructions to get explanations that match their learning style:
What would you like ChatGPT to know about you?
I’m a college sophomore studying biology. I learn best with examples and visual descriptions. I’m preparing for medical school.
How would you like ChatGPT to respond?
Use analogies and real-world examples to explain concepts. Break complex topics into steps. When I ask about a process, describe it sequentially. Don’t just give me answers—help me understand the underlying principles. Ask follow-up questions to check my understanding.
5. The Parent’s Content Filter
If you share a ChatGPT account or want family-friendly responses, this works well:
What would you like ChatGPT to know about you?
I use ChatGPT for family planning, homework help with my kids (ages 8 and 11), and household projects.
How would you like ChatGPT to respond?
Keep all content appropriate for children. Use encouraging, positive language. When helping with homework, guide rather than provide direct answers. For family activities, suggest budget-friendly options in the Phoenix area.
6. The Consultant’s Client-Ready Output
Consultants and freelancers can use this to get responses that need minimal editing:
What would you like ChatGPT to know about you?
I’m a freelance UX consultant working with startups and mid-size companies. I need to present recommendations to non-designer stakeholders.
How would you like ChatGPT to respond?
Structure responses with clear headings. Lead with business impact before design details. Use bullet points for recommendations. Include pros and cons when suggesting approaches. Avoid designer jargon—use terms that product managers and executives understand.
7. The Researcher’s Citation Helper
For anyone doing research or fact-checking, this template encourages more rigorous responses:
What would you like ChatGPT to know about you?
I’m researching topics for articles and presentations. I need accurate, verifiable information.
How would you like ChatGPT to respond?
Distinguish clearly between established facts and your reasoning. When making claims about current events or statistics, note that I should verify with primary sources. If you’re uncertain, say so. Provide context and multiple perspectives on controversial topics. Suggest search terms I can use to find primary sources.
How to Set Your Custom Instructions
Setting these up takes less than two minutes:
- Click your profile icon in the bottom-left corner of ChatGPT
- Select “Settings” then “Personalization”
- Click “Custom instructions”
- Paste and customize one of the templates above
- Click “Save”
Your instructions apply immediately to all new conversations. You can edit them anytime, and they work across desktop and mobile.
The best Custom Instructions are specific about your role, your audience, and your preferences for tone and format. Start with one of these templates, then refine it based on the responses you get over the next week.
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