How to set ChatGPT custom instructions so it answers your way

Find the customisation settings

First, we need to locate the feature that stores your personal preferences within ChatGPT. If you're using a computer, look at the bottom-left corner of your screen. You should see your profile picture or your name there. Click on it. If you're using the mobile app, you'll need to swipe from the left edge of your screen to open the sidebar, then look for a cog or gear icon, usually near your profile name. When you click/tap, a menu or a new screen will appear.

You'll know it worked when you see a menu slide up with options like "Settings," "Help," and "Custom instructions" (or "Personalise ChatGPT"). If it looks different, look for a gear icon, three horizontal lines (a "hamburger menu"), or tap your profile picture to find the main menu options.

Tell the AI about you (Box 1)

Now that you've opened the settings, click or tap on "Custom instructions" in the menu. A new window or screen will appear, usually split into two large text boxes. The first box, typically at the top, asks: "What would you like ChatGPT to know about you to provide better responses?" This is your chance to give the AI context about your life, work, or hobbies that it should remember for all future conversations.

• I mainly design brand logos and websites for local small businesses.
• I cook for a family of four, and we prefer healthy, dairy-free meals. You'll know it worked when your text appears clearly visible in this first box. If it looks different, ensure you've selected "Custom instructions" and not a different settings page; if you only see one box, scroll down or look for a tab labelled "About Me" or similar.

Decide how you want the AI to reply (Box 2)

Next, you'll focus on the second text box, usually located below the first one. This box asks: "How would you like ChatGPT to respond?" Here, you can tell the AI about your preferred tone, length, format, and even specific language styles. This helps you get answers that match your needs without having to type a long "prompt" (which is the instruction you give to an AI, like handing a recipe to a chef) every single time.

• Organise information with clear headings and bullet points.
• Use a warm, friendly tone and use Australian English spelling (like 'colour' and 'organise').
• Never make up facts; tell me honestly if you do not know the answer. You'll know it worked when your specific instructions about how the AI should respond are visible in this second box. If it looks different, double-check that you're typing into the box clearly labelled about response style or output format.

Save and test your new setup

Once you've entered your preferences into both boxes, look for a toggle switch, usually near the bottom of the window, next to "Enable for new chats." Make sure this toggle is turned on (it will typically show a bright colour like green or blue when active). Then, click the "Save" or "Update" button, often located in the bottom-right corner. After saving, start a brand-new chat session by looking for a "New chat" button or icon (often a plus symbol or a speech bubble).

You'll know it worked when ChatGPT’s response reflects the details you provided in your custom instructions – for example, suggesting dairy-free recipes that feed four people, without you needing to repeat those requirements. If it looks different, ensure you clicked "Save," and remember these settings only apply to new conversations, so always start a fresh chat to test.