How to use custom GPTs (and build your own without coding)

Explore the GPT Store

First, you'll need to open ChatGPT. On a computer, navigate to the ChatGPT website. If you're using a smartphone, open the ChatGPT app. On the left side of the screen, or by tapping a menu icon (often three horizontal lines) if you’re on mobile, you’ll see a navigation sidebar. Look for the menu item called Explore GPTs and click or tap on it. The GPT Store is like a digital marketplace, but instead of apps, it's filled with helpful chatbots (computer programs designed to simulate human conversation) created by other people and companies.

You'll know it worked when: the screen changes to show a directory of different custom GPTs, often categorised by tasks like "Writing," "Designing," or "Learning."

Use a pre-made helper

Before building your own, let’s try using one! Once you're in the GPT Store, you can either browse the categories or use the search bar at the top of the page to find something specific. For example, if you're interested in writing, you might see categories or featured GPTs related to creative writing or summarising. Click on any of the displayed GPTs that catches your eye.

What happens next is the selected GPT's dedicated chat window will open, ready for you to interact with it. If it looks different, some GPTs might show an initial welcome message or suggested prompts at the bottom of the chat, while others might just present a blank chat box.

You'll know it worked when: you see a chat window with the chosen custom GPT's name and avatar at the top, and you can type your message at the bottom.

Start building your own custom helper

If you can't find exactly what you need in the store, or you want something perfectly tailored, you can build your own. From the GPT Store screen, look for a button in the top-right corner that says Create. Click or tap this button. This action will open a split-screen workspace, which is your construction zone. On the left side, you'll see the GPT Builder, which is itself an AI assistant designed to help you create your custom GPT by asking questions. On the right, you'll find the Preview panel, where you can test your new creation as you build it.

If it looks different: The "Create" button might be slightly different depending on your device or if you're editing an existing GPT (it might say "New GPT" or have a plus icon). Ensure you have a ChatGPT Plus subscription, as this feature is currently exclusive to paid plans.

You'll know it worked when: the screen changes to a split view, with a chat interface on the left (the GPT Builder) and an empty chat area on the right (the Preview panel).

Tell the builder what you want

The GPT Builder on the left side of your screen will start by asking you what you want to make. Speak to it in plain, everyday English, just as you would talk to a helpful colleague. You don't need to use technical jargon or complex coding terms; simply describe your idea. For instance, if you're looking for a cooking assistant, you might describe its purpose directly.

What happens next is the builder will process your request and usually suggest a name and a profile picture (which it will generate for you using AI) based on your description. You can then accept these suggestions or ask for changes, refining it to your liking. If it looks different, the builder might ask a clarifying question first before suggesting a name, especially if your initial description was broad.

You'll know it worked when: the GPT Builder responds with a suggested name for your custom GPT (e.g., "Fridge Feast Planner") and displays a generated profile picture for it.

Refine your helper's personality and rules

Next, the builder will ask you about the tone of voice and any specific things your helper should avoid or prioritise. These crucial instructions are called prompts, and they are the rules and guidelines that tell your AI how to behave. This helps ensure your custom GPT has a consistent "personality" and follows your specific requirements.

What happens next is the builder will confirm it has updated the GPT's instructions based on your feedback. If it looks different, the order of questions from the builder might vary slightly, or it might ask for more clarification if your instructions are ambiguous.

You'll know it worked when: the builder confirms it has updated the GPT's instructions and might even summarise the new rules for you in the left-hand chat.

Test your new GPT

Before saving your custom GPT, it's essential to test it out to make sure it works exactly as you intended. Look at the Preview panel on the right side of your screen. This is your personal playground where you can interact with your new AI helper to see if its responses fit your rules and desired tone. Type questions or scenarios into the chat box in the Preview panel, just as a real user would.

What happens next is your custom GPT will provide a response based on the instructions you've given it, appearing in the Preview chat. If it looks different, and the preview panel isn't responding or provides unexpected answers, go back to the GPT Builder on the left and refine your instructions further.

You'll know it worked when: your custom GPT provides suggestions in the Preview panel that adhere to the rules you set, like suggesting simple dinner options without too many pots.

Save and share your creation

Once you're happy with how your custom GPT performs in the Preview panel, it's time to save and potentially share it. Look for the Save or Publish button, usually located in the top-right corner of the screen. Clicking this button will bring up a pop-up window asking you to choose your visibility settings. You can select to keep it private (Only me), share it with specific people via a link (Anyone with a link), or make it public for anyone to discover and use in the GPT Store (Public).

What happens next is your custom GPT will be saved and accessible according to the sharing option you've chosen. If it looks different, the button might say "Update" if you're modifying an existing GPT.

You'll know it worked when: you see a confirmation message (e.g., "GPT published" or "GPT updated successfully") and your new custom GPT appears in your "My GPTs" section within ChatGPT.