Make ChatGPT Work Better for You
Do you type the same things to ChatGPT over and over?
Things like:
- “Write this in simple English”
- “I’m a software engineer, use TypeScript”
- “Keep it short”
There’s a better way. ChatGPT has a built-in setting called Custom Instructions. You set it up once. ChatGPT remembers it forever. Every answer gets better.
What Are Custom Instructions?
Think of Custom Instructions as your personal settings for ChatGPT.
It’s like telling a new assistant: “I like my coffee black, I take calls after 10am, and I hate small talk.” You say it once. They remember.
With ChatGPT, you tell it:
- Who you are
- How you want answers
Then every single chat starts with that info already loaded.
How to Set Them Up (2 Minutes)
On Your Computer
- Click your profile picture (top right)
- Click “Customize ChatGPT”
- Fill in the two boxes
On Your Phone
- Tap the menu (top left)
- Tap your name
- Tap “Custom Instructions”
The Two Boxes
| Box 1: “About You” | Box 2: “How to Answer” |
|---|---|
| Your job, your skills, what you work on | Short or long? Code or plain text? Formal or casual? |
Example:
Box 1: I'm a nurse. I work in a busy hospital.
I need quick, clear info I can share with patients.
Box 2: Keep answers short (under 200 words).
Use simple words. No medical jargon unless
I ask for it.
Ready-to-Use Templates
For Software Engineers
About me:
I'm a full-stack developer. I build web apps with
React, Node.js, and PostgreSQL. I prefer clean,
easy-to-read code.
How to answer:
- Give me code in TypeScript with full types
- Add error handling (don't skip it)
- Write tests for each code block
- Keep explanations short
For Writers
About me:
I'm a blogger who writes about AI and tech for
non-technical readers.
How to answer:
- Use short sentences (under 15 words)
- Avoid jargon. If you must use a tech word,
explain it right away
- Give me 3 headline ideas for every topic
- Keep tone friendly, not corporate
For Students
About me:
I'm a college student studying computer science.
I learn best with examples.
How to answer:
- Start with a simple example before the hard stuff
- Break big topics into small steps
- Warn me about common mistakes
- If there's a video or article that explains
this well, tell me
For Business Owners
About me:
I run a small online store (50 orders/day). I want
to use AI to save time.
How to answer:
- Focus on free or low-cost tools
- Give me step-by-step instructions I can follow
right now
- Show me how much time each idea could save
- Keep it practical, not theoretical
For Teachers
About me:
I teach 4th grade. I want to use AI to make lesson
plans and activities.
How to answer:
- Write at a 4th-grade reading level
- Keep it fun and engaging
- Include group activities when possible
- Check facts — accuracy matters for kids
Real Example: Before vs After
Without Custom Instructions:
You: “Help me write a sorting function” ChatGPT: Gives a basic Python example.
With Custom Instructions (set to “TypeScript engineer”):
You: “Help me write a sorting function” ChatGPT: Gives typed TypeScript, with error handling, unit tests, and a note about when not to use this approach.
Same question. Completely different answer.
Pro Tips
Tip 1: Use Conditional Rules
Tell ChatGPT to change style based on what you ask:
If I ask a coding question: give me code first,
explanation second.
If I ask a business question: give me the bottom
line first, details second.
If I ask for creative ideas: give me 5 options,
from safe to bold.
Tip 2: Add a “Quality Check”
Before you answer, check:
- Did I actually answer the question they asked?
- Is my answer short enough?
- Did I skip any important steps?
If any check fails, say so and fix it.
Tip 3: Keep It Updated
Your needs change. Check your Custom Instructions every month. Update them as you learn what works.
Common Questions
Q: Is there a size limit? Yes — about 1,500 characters per box. Put your most important rules first.
Q: Does this work with the ChatGPT API? No. For API, you put these rules in your code (the “system prompt”).
Q: How do I know it’s working? Ask: “What do you know about me from my Custom Instructions?” ChatGPT should repeat them back.
Q: Can I turn it off for one chat? Yes. Start your message with “Ignore my Custom Instructions for this.” Or turn them off in settings.
Try This Now
- Open your Custom Instructions
- Copy one template from above
- Adjust it for YOU (your job, your style)
- Start a new chat and ask something you ask often
- Compare the answer to before
10 minutes of setup. Hours saved every week.
This guide is part of our How-To series. We test every tool ourselves before we write about it.