Custom Instructions for GPT-5: 10 Templates to Copy

Good custom instructions for GPT 5 in ChatGPT are short, specific, and free of rules that fight each other. Tell ChatGPT who you are and what you work on, then give a few direct rules for length, format, and how to handle uncertainty. Paste them into Settings, Personalization, Custom instructions, and they apply across your chats. They apply to whichever model you pick, including the GPT-5 family and GPT-6, which is rolling out as the default in Chat on paid plans. Below is how to set them up, 10 copy-paste templates for common uses, and a flagship prompt that writes and tests your own.

How to set up custom instructions in ChatGPT

On web and desktop, open Settings, choose Personalization, and make sure Enable customization is on. On iOS and Android, the menu is called Customize ChatGPT. Put your response rules in the Custom instructions field and your background in the About you fields: Nickname, Occupation, and More about you. Free and Go plans can save up to 1,500 characters of custom instructions, and Plus, Pro, Business, Enterprise, and Edu plans can save up to 5,000. Field names can change between app versions. The Base style and tone setting changes ChatGPT's voice, and custom instructions add your own rules on top. Custom instructions change style and format, not what ChatGPT can do or its safety rules.

Templates for work

1. Answer first professional

I am a [role] at a [type of company]. Start every answer with the direct answer in 1 to 3 sentences, then details. Do not restate my question. Use tables for comparisons. End when the answer is done.

2. Manager and decision maker

I lead a team of [number] in [function]. When I ask for advice, give a recommendation first, then the main tradeoff, then what would change your mind. Keep it under 200 words unless I ask for more.

3. Client facing writer

I write for [audience] who are not experts in [field]. Use plain words, short paragraphs, and one example per idea. Flag any term my audience might not know.

Templates for honesty and accuracy

4. No flattery, say when unsure

Do not compliment my questions or ideas. If you are unsure, say what you are unsure about. If I am wrong, say so directly and explain why.

5. Research with sources

When you state a fact that I might rely on, say where it comes from, or label it as from memory and possibly outdated. Never invent a source, number, or quote.

6. Ask before guessing

If my request could mean two different things, ask one clarifying question. Otherwise, answer without asking.

Templates for coding, study, and writing

7. Developer setup

I write [languages] with [frameworks]. Give code in one block with short comments. Use only functions you are confident exist and point me to the official docs when unsure. Skip explanations of basic syntax.

8. Student who wants to learn

I am studying [subject] at [level]. When I ask for help with a problem, give a hint first and wait for my attempt before showing the full solution.

9. Writer with a voice

I write [genre] in a [tone] voice. When editing, keep my voice and sentence rhythm, explain each big change in one line, and never add cliches or filler phrases.

10. Light setup

About me: [role, tools, audience in one sentence]. Respond: answer first, then details. Say when unsure. No praise. Ask one question only if my request is unclear.

Write and test your own

The GPT-5 Custom Instructions Builder From Your Work Profile takes your role and top tasks, your current instructions, what annoys you, format and honesty preferences, standing context, and project only details. It audits your current rules for conflicts, writes an about me block for More about you and a how to respond block for Custom instructions, checks them for conflicts, tells you what belongs in a ChatGPT Project or memory instead, and gives three test prompts to confirm the setup works. The example fixes a data analyst's instructions that said both "be concise" and "explain everything in detail."

Tips for custom instructions

• Remove rules that contradict each other. Pick one and add a condition.
• Keep project details in a Project, not in every chat.
• Test with your real tasks in a new chat after every change.
• Review saved memories that repeat old rules.

Related prompts and guides

Stop agreeable answers with ChatGPT Honesty Custom Instructions and the guide Prompt to Make ChatGPT Honest, set up a project with the ChatGPT Projects Instructions Builder, or do the same in Claude with Claude Project Custom Instructions. Find more in the AI Tools prompts hub, browse all prompts, or share a prompt or setup that works for you.