ChatGPT has come a long way from its origins as an experimental chatbot. Today, it serves as an indispensable tool for a wide range of tasks, from assisting with grocery lists to aiding in coding projects.
However, one persistent challenge users faced was the need to provide the same instructions repeatedly.
This frustration is now a thing of the past, thanks to the introduction of Custom Instructions by OpenAI.
What Are Custom Instructions for ChatGPT?
Custom Instructions, currently in Beta and available for ChatGPT Plus users (with plans for wider availability in the future), allow you to fine-tune ChatGPT's behavior according to your specific instructions.
When you enable Custom Instructions, ChatGPT will strive to maintain context and follow the provided instructions in new conversations, eliminating the need for repetitive instructions.
It's worth noting that ongoing chats with ChatGPT won't retain these instructions, so you'll have to initiate new chats. This exciting feature transforms ChatGPT into a personalized AI assistant, tailored to your unique needs.
- If you frequently use ChatGPT for coding tasks in languages other than Python, Custom Instructions ensure you don't have to repeat the same instructions every time.
- Since Custom Instructions are still in Beta, occasional glitches may occur, causing the bot to forget your instructions temporarily.
- These instructions can also enhance the functionality of plugins. For example, if you've added your city to Custom Instructions and use a restaurant recommendation plugin, ChatGPT can share your location with the plugin, making your interactions more seamless.
Keep in mind that this shared information may also be accessible to the third-party plugin developer.
It's important to note that the instructions you provide are not shared with shared link viewers, but OpenAI may use them for model improvement unless you choose to opt out.
Enable and Use Custom Instructions on the Web:
You can enable Custom Instructions from the web interface:
- Go to chat.openai.com and log in to your account.
- Click the 'three-dot menu' icon next to your email address.
- Select 'Settings & Beta.'
- In the Settings overlay panel, navigate to 'Beta features.'
- Enable the toggle for 'Custom instructions.'
- Close the settings panel and click the 'three-dot menu' icon again. You'll now see a new option – 'Custom instructions.' Click it.
- In the custom instructions panel, you can enter your instructions for ChatGPT, both about yourself and how you want ChatGPT to respond.
For instance, you can provide information about your background, work, interests, or preferences. Additionally, you can specify the tone, length, and style of responses you prefer.
Examples of Custom Instructions:
-
Who you are?
- "I am Dev, a full-stack developer primarily working with C# .Net Core 6.0 LTS, SQL Server 2012, and Angular 15. I prefer to use tailwindcss for styling."
How ChatGPT should respond?
- "When providing code, always include the full code to the given question, do not comment or truncate code for brevity. Skip the explanation to the code."
-
Who you are?
- "I am a tech writer who writes in-depth guides for iPhones, Windows, Web, etc."
How ChatGPT should respond?
- "Always provide detailed instructions for every step when I ask you something. No matter how insignificant the instruction might seem, never skip it. Keep the tone casual."
Once you've set your custom instructions, save them, and you're ready to use ChatGPT with your personalized settings.
Start a 'New Chat' and engage in conversations related to the information you provided in your custom instructions.
How to Use Custom Instructions on the iOS App:
If you prefer using ChatGPT on your iPhone, you can also enable Custom Instructions from the iOS app:
- Open the ChatGPT iOS app.
- Tap the 'three-dot menu' icon and select 'Settings.'
- Choose 'New Features.'
- Enable the toggle for 'Custom Instructions.'
- Return to settings and tap the 'Custom Instructions' option.
- Enter your instructions for each question and save them.
With custom instructions, ChatGPT becomes your personal AI assistant, understanding your preferences and responding accordingly, making your interactions smoother and more efficient.
Conclusion:
Custom Instructions in ChatGPT are a game-changer, enabling you to personalize your AI assistant's behavior. By eliminating the need to repeat instructions, they save you time and make your interactions more efficient.
Whether you're a developer, writer, or anyone else, Custom Instructions can enhance your ChatGPT experience.
Give it a try and unlock the full potential of ChatGPT. Have questions or facing challenges? Feel free to share them in the comments below!