Custom instructions for ChatGPT

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Summary

OpenAI is introducing custom instructions for ChatGPT, allowing users to set persistent preferences and requirements that the model will consider across all conversations. The feature launches in beta for Plus plan users and will expand to all users in coming weeks.

We’re rolling out custom instructions to give you more control over how ChatGPT responds. Set your preferences, and ChatGPT will keep them in mind for all future conversations.
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Cached at: 04/20/26, 02:54 PM

# Custom instructions for ChatGPT Source: [https://openai.com/index/custom-instructions-for-chatgpt/](https://openai.com/index/custom-instructions-for-chatgpt/) We’re introducing custom instructions so that you can tailor ChatGPT to better meet your needs\. This feature will be available in beta starting with the Plus plan today, expanding to all users in the coming weeks\. Custom instructions allow you to add preferences or requirements that you’d like ChatGPT to consider when generating its responses\. We’ve heard your feedback about the friction of starting each ChatGPT conversation afresh\. Through our conversations with[users across 22 countries⁠](https://openai.com/index/insights-from-global-conversations/), we’ve deepened our understanding of the essential role steerability plays in enabling our models to effectively reflect the diverse contexts and unique needs of each person\. ChatGPT will consider your custom instructions for every conversation going forward\. The model will consider the instructions every time it responds, so you won’t have to repeat your preferences or information in every conversation\. For example, a teacher crafting a lesson plan no longer has to repeat that they're teaching 3rd grade science\. A developer preferring efficient code in a language that’s not Python – they can say it once, and it's understood\. Grocery shopping for a big family becomes easier, with the model accounting for 6 servings in the grocery list\.

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