What You Will Learn

• Understand how ChatGPT Custom Instructions work
• Enable and configure custom instructions in the ChatGPT interface
• Write effective content for the two 1500-character input fields
• Apply custom instructions to streamline workflows and content creation
• Modify, disable, and manage instruction persistence across new chats

Study Guide

Introduction

Welcome to the video course: How to Use ChatGPT's Custom Instructions. This course is designed to guide you through the ins and outs of one of the most powerful features recently added to ChatGPT. Custom instructions allow users to create a more personalized and efficient interaction by providing persistent context and response preferences. This feature is a game-changer for anyone who frequently uses ChatGPT, as it saves time and enhances the relevance of responses. Whether you're a seasoned AI enthusiast or just getting started, this course will equip you with the skills needed to harness the full potential of custom instructions.

Understanding Custom Instructions

Custom instructions are a feature that allows users to input specific details and preferences that ChatGPT will remember across all new chats. This means you don't have to repeat the same information every time you start a new conversation. The feature is particularly beneficial for those who regularly use ChatGPT for similar tasks or inquiries, as it significantly reduces repetitive input and streamlines interactions.

Practical Application:
Imagine you're a content creator who frequently needs ChatGPT to draft scripts. By setting custom instructions, you can ensure that ChatGPT always knows your preferred writing style and the context of your content, allowing it to deliver more tailored outputs without needing additional prompts.

Persistent Context Across New Chats

The core advantage of custom instructions is the persistence of context. Once you provide ChatGPT with certain background information, it retains this context for all future interactions. This eliminates the need to "prime" ChatGPT with the same details repeatedly, making your workflow more efficient.

Example:
If you're a science educator, you can set your custom instructions to reflect this role. When you ask for information about the moon, ChatGPT will tailor its response to suit an educational context, perhaps by providing a structured explanation suitable for students.

Two Key Input Fields for Customization

Custom instructions are divided into two main input fields, each with a 1500-character limit:

1. What would you like ChatGPT to know about you to provide a better response?

This field is where you can input personal or professional context. By sharing details about your role, interests, or expertise, you enable ChatGPT to tailor its responses more specifically to your needs.

Example:
If you input that you're a third-grade science teacher, ChatGPT will consider this context in its responses, potentially simplifying complex topics to be more age-appropriate for your students.

2. How would you like ChatGPT to respond?

This field allows you to specify your preferred response format, style, and constraints. Whether you need formal, detailed, or concise answers, or prefer responses in a specific format like tables, this is where you set those preferences.

Example:
Suppose you request responses in a table format with pros and cons. When you ask for an analysis of renewable energy sources, ChatGPT will provide a neatly organized table, making it easier for you to digest and present the information.

Demonstration of Impact through Examples

Custom instructions can significantly alter the output of ChatGPT, as demonstrated through various scenarios:

Moon Facts

Without custom instructions, a query about the moon might yield a generic list of facts. However, with instructions specifying a science educator for third graders and a preference for a table format, the response becomes more structured and educational.

Example:
Instead of a simple list, ChatGPT could present a table with columns for "Fact," "Explanation," and "Relevance to Third Graders," making it a valuable teaching resource.

Content Creation

By setting custom instructions as a content creator focused on AI tools, with a preference for a formal, detailed style, ChatGPT can generate scripts or articles that align with your specific content goals without needing repetitive prompts.

Example:
If you need a YouTube script about the latest AI advancements, ChatGPT will produce content that is informative and aligned with your audience's expectations.

Beginner Chef

For a beginner chef, setting the context and requesting recipes in a table format can yield tailored suggestions that match the chef's skill level and presentation preferences.

Example:
Asking for Italian recipes could result in a table with columns like "Dish Name," "Difficulty Level," and "Ingredients," providing a clear and manageable cooking guide.

Activation Process

Enabling custom instructions is straightforward, and here's how you can do it:

1. Click the three dots in the ChatGPT interface.
2. Go to the settings menu.
3. Under the "beta" section, turn on "custom instructions."
4. Click the three dots again.
5. Select "Custom instructions" to open the configuration boxes.

Once activated, you can input your preferences and save them for future interactions.

Current Availability and Future Rollout

Initially, custom instructions are available only to ChatGPT Plus subscribers. However, there are plans to extend this feature to all users, including those in the UK and Europe. Keeping an eye on updates from OpenAI will ensure you stay informed about availability changes.

Persistence and Flexibility

Once set, custom instructions apply to all new chats. However, users have the flexibility to modify or disable these instructions at any time. This adaptability ensures that your interactions with ChatGPT remain relevant and aligned with your evolving needs.

Example:
If your role changes from a teacher to a curriculum developer, you can update your custom instructions to reflect this shift, ensuring ChatGPT's responses continue to be pertinent.

Significant Workflow Improvement

Custom instructions significantly improve workflow efficiency by eliminating repetitive tasks. By setting your preferences once, you free up time and mental energy to focus on more critical aspects of your work.

Example:
A marketer who frequently uses ChatGPT for campaign ideas can set preferences for creative and concise responses, streamlining the brainstorming process and reducing the time spent on setup.

Call to Action for Further AI Learning

To maximize the benefits of custom instructions and other AI tools, consider exploring additional resources and courses offered by platforms like Complete AI Training. These resources provide valuable insights and community support to enhance your AI proficiency.

Conclusion

By now, you should have a comprehensive understanding of how to use ChatGPT's custom instructions effectively. This feature not only personalizes your interactions but also significantly enhances efficiency by reducing repetitive tasks. As you apply these skills, remember the importance of thoughtful customization to ensure ChatGPT's responses align with your specific needs and preferences. Embrace the power of custom instructions to unlock new levels of productivity and relevance in your AI interactions.

Podcast

Frequently Asked Questions

Welcome to the FAQ section for the 'Video Course: How to Use ChatGPT's Custom Instructions'. This resource is designed to answer all your questions about leveraging Custom Instructions in ChatGPT, from basic understanding to advanced applications. Whether you're new to AI or an experienced user, this guide aims to provide clear, practical insights to enhance your interaction with ChatGPT.

What are ChatGPT Custom Instructions and what do they allow me to do?

ChatGPT Custom Instructions is a feature that lets users input specific information and preferences that ChatGPT will remember and apply to every new chat session. This means you won't need to repeatedly provide context or stylistic preferences at the start of each interaction. You can "prime" ChatGPT with details about yourself and how you want it to respond, ensuring more relevant and tailored outputs from the beginning of each conversation.

How do Custom Instructions save time when using ChatGPT regularly?

For users who consistently provide the same background information, context, or formatting preferences, Custom Instructions eliminate the need for repetition. Instead of explaining your role, desired output format, or stylistic preferences in each new chat, you set these once in the Custom Instructions. ChatGPT will then incorporate this information into every subsequent conversation, leading to a more efficient workflow and less back-and-forth.

How do I activate and access the Custom Instructions feature in ChatGPT?

To activate Custom Instructions, you need to be a ChatGPT Plus subscriber. To access the settings, click on the three dots next to your name in the ChatGPT interface. Navigate to the "Settings" menu, and under the "Beta features" section, you should find an option to turn on "Custom Instructions". Once activated, you can access and edit your Custom Instructions by clicking the three dots again and selecting "Custom Instructions" from the menu.

What kind of information can I include in the two sections of the Custom Instructions?

The Custom Instructions feature is divided into two text boxes, each with a 1500-character limit. The first box, "What would you like ChatGPT to know about you to provide a better response?", is for context about yourself, your profession, your expertise level on certain topics, or other background information that could help ChatGPT tailor its responses. The second box, "How would you like ChatGPT to respond?", lets you specify your desired output format (e.g., tables, outlines, pros and cons), writing style (e.g., formal, detailed, concise), or other preferences for how ChatGPT should structure and present its answers.

Can you provide examples of how Custom Instructions can change ChatGPT's output?

Without Custom Instructions, a question like "What are three important things to teach about the moon?" would likely yield a generic list. However, with Custom Instructions indicating you work on science education for third-grade students and prefer responses in table format, ChatGPT will provide age-appropriate points about the moon in a table, making it more relevant and useful for your needs. Similarly, if you specify you're a beginner chef and want three options in a table format, asking for Italian recipes will yield beginner-friendly options in a table.

Will the Custom Instructions apply to all my future conversations with ChatGPT?

Yes, once you have filled out and saved your Custom Instructions with the "Enable for New Chats" option turned on (which is the default), the instructions will automatically apply to every new chat conversation you start. ChatGPT will remember and use this information to provide more personalized and relevant responses from the outset of each new interaction.

Can I change or disable the Custom Instructions if my needs change?

Yes, you can modify or disable your Custom Instructions at any time. Simply return to the Custom Instructions menu (via the three dots and "Custom Instructions") and edit the text in either box. You can also turn off the "Enable for New Chats" option if you don't want the instructions to apply to new conversations temporarily or permanently. Remember to save any changes you make.

Is the Custom Instructions feature available to all ChatGPT users?

As of the last information provided, the Custom Instructions feature was only available to users with a ChatGPT Plus subscription. OpenAI indicated plans to roll this feature out to free members in the future, but a specific timeline was not provided. Additionally, the feature was not yet available in the UK and Europe, with the expectation that this would change soon. It's advisable to check the latest announcements from OpenAI for the most up-to-date information on availability.

How do Custom Instructions relate to the concept of "priming" ChatGPT?

Custom Instructions automate the process of priming ChatGPT by allowing users to store context and preferred response styles permanently. Instead of providing this information at the start of each new conversation, ChatGPT will already have this "priming" information available, making interactions smoother and more customized from the start.

What is the character limit for each of the two custom instruction input boxes?

Each of the two custom instruction input boxes has a character limit of 1500. This provides ample space for users to describe their context and desired response preferences, ensuring that ChatGPT can tailor its responses effectively.

How do Custom Instructions affect new chat sessions in ChatGPT?

Custom Instructions are enabled for new chats, meaning every time a user starts a new conversation with ChatGPT, the preferences and background information saved in the Custom Instructions will automatically apply. This ensures that each session begins with ChatGPT already aligned with the user's specific needs and preferences.

What potential benefit do Custom Instructions offer to users who interact with ChatGPT frequently?

Custom Instructions offer significant benefits to frequent ChatGPT users by streamlining their workflow. They reduce the need to repeatedly provide the same information and ensure that ChatGPT's responses are consistently tailored to their needs and preferences across all new conversations, saving time and enhancing efficiency.

How can I provide effective Custom Instructions to maximize ChatGPT's usefulness?

To provide effective Custom Instructions, clearly state your role, the context in which you're using ChatGPT, and any specific preferences or formats you need. For example, if you frequently use ChatGPT for generating reports, specify the structure you prefer, such as bullet points or tables. This clarity helps ChatGPT deliver responses that are directly applicable to your needs.

Can I use Custom Instructions for different projects or contexts?

While Custom Instructions are designed to be consistent across sessions, you can modify them as needed for different projects. If you have varying requirements, consider adjusting the instructions to reflect the specific context or output format for each project. Remember to save changes each time you update the instructions.

Do Custom Instructions improve the accuracy of ChatGPT's responses?

Custom Instructions can enhance the relevance and applicability of ChatGPT's responses by providing context and preferences upfront. While they don't change the underlying accuracy of the model, they ensure that the information provided is more aligned with your specific needs, leading to outputs that are more useful and contextually appropriate.

How do Custom Instructions impact the overall interaction with AI models like ChatGPT?

Custom Instructions significantly enhance the personalization and efficiency of interactions with AI models like ChatGPT. By storing user preferences and context, they reduce the need for repetitive input, streamline workflows, and ensure more tailored outputs, improving the overall user experience and making AI a more effective tool in professional settings.

Are there any limitations to using Custom Instructions?

While Custom Instructions offer great benefits, they are limited by the character count and the need for periodic updates if your preferences change. Additionally, as a feature initially available only to Plus users, access might be restricted based on subscription level or geographic location, though this is expected to evolve.

How do Custom Instructions benefit business professionals specifically?

For business professionals, Custom Instructions can significantly enhance productivity by ensuring that ChatGPT's responses are tailored to specific business contexts and requirements. Whether it's drafting emails, generating reports, or providing industry-specific insights, Custom Instructions allow professionals to receive outputs that are directly applicable to their work, saving time and improving the quality of interactions.

Can Custom Instructions be used for training purposes?

Yes, Custom Instructions can be a valuable tool for training purposes. By setting specific learning goals or instructional styles, educators and trainers can use ChatGPT to provide consistent, tailored responses that align with educational objectives, making it a powerful aid in training and development programs.

How do Custom Instructions enhance workflow efficiency?

Custom Instructions enhance workflow efficiency by reducing the need for repetitive input and ensuring that ChatGPT's responses are consistent with user preferences from the outset. This streamlining of interactions allows users to focus on higher-level tasks, knowing that the AI is aligned with their specific needs and contexts, ultimately saving time and improving productivity.

What are some common misconceptions about Custom Instructions?

One common misconception is that Custom Instructions can change the fundamental capabilities of ChatGPT. While they enhance personalization and relevance, they do not alter the model's core abilities. Another misconception is that they are complex to set up; in reality, they are straightforward and user-friendly, designed to simplify interactions with the AI.

How can I overcome challenges or obstacles when using Custom Instructions?

If you encounter challenges with Custom Instructions, such as unclear responses or misalignment with your needs, consider revisiting and refining your instructions. Ensure they are clear, specific, and relevant to your current context. Regularly updating the instructions to reflect any changes in your preferences or requirements can also help maintain alignment with your needs.