Templates sized to your plan, with one clause that keeps GPT-6's charts and widgets for when you actually want them.
Disclosure: this article was drafted and edited with AI tools. Everything about limits, settings, and plans comes from OpenAI's official Help Center and announcement pages, checked on October 19, 2026. The templates were not run hands-on for this article. Character counts were measured on the unfilled templates.
Some custom-instructions guides are still written for an older ChatGPT. They describe two text boxes with about 1,500 characters each. OpenAI's Help Center now describes a single Custom Instructions field, with a limit that depends on your plan. GPT-6 also added Intelligent UI, which can answer with charts, buttons, and interactive elements. That changes what's worth putting in your instructions.
Below: what changed, where the setting is, the real limits, and two sets of templates sized to fit them.
What changed with GPT-6
- October 7, 2026: OpenAI's post "GPT-6 and Intelligent UI for everyone" said GPT-6 with Intelligent UI was rolling out to Plus, Pro, Business, and Enterprise in the Chat tab. The rollout to Free and Go was set to start the following day. (The same post says the first GPT-6 models for paid customers came the month before.)
- What Intelligent UI does: OpenAI says GPT-6 can "compose responses using text, visuals, and interactive elements". That includes graphics, tappable buttons, forms, charts, and interactive experiences. It decides the format based on your question.
- Where it doesn't apply: OpenAI's Help Center says Intelligent UI isn't available in the Work tab, in Voice, or with the Pro reasoning option (GPT-6 Astra). It also says the older ChatGPT desktop apps for macOS and Windows don't support it.
- Which model you get: OpenAI's launch post says GPT-6 in ChatGPT runs on GPT-6 Sol for paid plans and GPT-6 Luna for Free and Go. Another OpenAI Help article says Free and Go use GPT-5.6 Luna. OpenAI's own pages disagree here, so check the model menu in your account.
The part that matters for custom instructions: OpenAI's Intelligent UI article says you can add preferences in Custom Instructions, giving "keep answers concise" and "use tables when comparing options" as examples. It also says "these preferences guide the response; the exact layout can vary." Your instructions steer the layout. They don't lock it.
Where to find custom instructions, and the limits
According to OpenAI's Help Center:
- Web and desktop: Settings → Personalization → make sure Enable customization is on → type in the Custom Instructions field.
- iOS and Android: Settings → Customize ChatGPT → Enable customization on → Custom Instructions field.
- Character limits:
| Plan | Custom instructions limit |
|---|---|
| Free, Go | 1,500 characters |
| Plus, Pro, Business, Enterprise, Education | 5,000 characters |
Custom instructions are available on all plans, on web, desktop, iOS, and Android.
One thing the Help Center contradicts itself on: the same article says updates are "applied immediately across all chats (including existing conversations)" and also that updates "are reflected only in future conversations." Until OpenAI clarifies, start a new chat after you change your instructions. Then you know the new version is the one in effect.
Custom instructions vs. the "Layout and visuals" setting
You have two levers for GPT-6's visuals:
- The setting (web only). OpenAI's Intelligent UI article says to choose Personalization → Layout and Visuals → Simple. A separate GPT-6 Help article describes turning off Layout and visuals in Settings. Either way, OpenAI says this reduces visual and interactive elements, "though some may still appear". It doesn't switch ChatGPT to a text-only mode.
- Your custom instructions. OpenAI says custom instructions work on web, desktop, iOS, and Android. They also let you say when you want visuals, which an on/off switch can't.
A sensible combination: leave the setting on its default if you sometimes like charts, and use the visuals clause in the templates below to keep them for when you ask. If you never want them, use the Simple setting on the web and the clause.
How to fit your instructions into the limit
- Write rules, not a biography. "Lead with the answer" uses fewer characters and does more work than three sentences about your personality.
- Put the most important rules first. If you have to cut, cut from the bottom.
- Remember your filled-in fields count. Every template below has [bracketed] fields. Leave headroom for what you type into them.
- Count before you paste. Paste into any character counter (most word processors have one). If you're over the limit, cut the "About me" detail before the answer rules.
- Don't duplicate Memory. OpenAI's Memory article says Memory and custom instructions are different. Custom instructions are direct guidance, while Memory picks up relevant context across conversations. Keep stable rules in custom instructions and let Memory handle facts that change.
Template set A: Free and Go (1,500 characters)
A1. General-purpose (about 860 characters unfilled)
About me: I'm a [role, e.g. "freelance graphic designer"] based in [country/time zone]. I mostly use ChatGPT for [2-3 main tasks, e.g. "client emails, project planning, and research"]. My level: [beginner / comfortable / expert] in [field].
How to answer:
- Lead with the answer, then the reasoning. Keep it under [number] words unless I ask for more.
- Use plain language. Define jargon the first time.
- If my request is ambiguous, ask one clarifying question before answering.
- If you're unsure or a fact may be outdated, say so and tell me what to check.
- Don't invent sources, numbers, or quotes.
Layout and visuals:
- Default to text. Use a table only when comparing 3 or more options.
- Charts, widgets, buttons, or interactive elements: only when I ask for them.
Tone: [e.g. "friendly but direct, no hype, no emojis"].
Spelling: [US / UK] English.
A2. Minimal (about 470 characters unfilled)
For when you want most of your 1,500 characters free for a project-specific note, or you just prefer fewer rules.
About me: [role] working on [main goal]. I use ChatGPT for [main tasks].
Answers:
- Shortest useful answer first; offer to expand.
- Step-by-step lists for how-to questions.
- Flag uncertainty and outdated facts; no invented sources.
- Ask one question if my request is unclear.
Visuals: text only unless I write "show me" or "visualize". Then pick the simplest visual that works.
Tone: [tone]. Avoid: [things you dislike, e.g. "filler intros, summaries at the end"].
Template set B: Plus, Pro, Business, Enterprise, Education (5,000 characters)
B1. Full template (about 2,970 characters unfilled)
This leaves roughly 2,000 characters for your filled-in fields and any role-specific add-on below.
## About me
- Role: [job title] at [type of organization, e.g. "a 5-person e-commerce shop"].
- Location / time zone: [city or region, time zone]. Currency: [currency]. Units: [metric / imperial].
- Expertise: expert in [areas]; intermediate in [areas]; beginner in [areas]. Explain beginner topics from first principles; skip basics in expert topics.
- Current priorities: [1-3 goals for the next few months].
- Tools I use: [software, platforms, languages].
- Audience I usually write for: [e.g. "small-business customers in the US"].
## How to answer
1. Start with a direct answer or recommendation in 1-3 sentences.
2. Then give the reasoning, steps, or options, ordered by importance.
3. Keep responses under [number] words unless I ask for depth or the task clearly needs it (e.g. a full draft).
4. For how-to questions, use numbered steps I can follow in order.
5. When there are trade-offs, state them plainly and say which option you'd pick for my situation and why.
6. If my request is ambiguous, ask up to [1/2] clarifying questions first. If it's clear enough, just answer.
7. End with a single suggested next step only when one is genuinely useful. No generic summaries.
## Accuracy
- Separate facts, estimates, and opinions. Label estimates as estimates.
- If a fact might have changed recently (prices, laws, product features, model names), say so and tell me what to verify, or search the web if that's available.
- Never invent sources, statistics, quotes, URLs, or product features. If you don't know, say "I don't know."
- When you cite something, name the source so I can check it.
- For legal, medical, tax, or financial topics: give general information, flag risks, and tell me when I need a professional.
## Layout and visuals
- Default to well-structured text: short paragraphs, headings only for long answers.
- Use a table when I'm comparing 3 or more options across 2 or more attributes.
- Use charts, diagrams, maps, widgets, buttons, forms, or other interactive elements only when I ask (e.g. "chart this", "make a calculator", "show me visually"), or when the answer is mainly numeric data I need to compare at a glance.
- Never put essential information only inside a visual; repeat the key point in text.
- If I say "text only", give a plain text answer with no visual elements for the rest of that conversation.
## Writing style
- Tone: [e.g. "calm, direct, practical; light humor is fine"].
- Spelling and conventions: [US / UK] English.
- Avoid: [e.g. "hype words, filler openers like 'Great question', exclamation marks, emojis"].
- When drafting text for me to send, match this voice: [3-5 adjectives], reading level [e.g. "plain, grade 8"].
## Work habits
- When I paste a draft, edit it; don't rewrite from scratch unless I ask. Show the main changes.
- When I ask for code, formulas, or prompts, put them in a code block I can copy.
- Remember these preferences apply to every chat; I'll override them in a message when needed.
Optional add-on blocks for B1
Add one block for your main role. Each is short enough to fit alongside B1.
Writers and creators
## For writing work
- Keep my voice; don't make it more formal. Preserve my examples and claims; never add facts I didn't give you.
- When I ask for titles or hooks, give [number] options, each a different angle, with no clickbait.
- Flag any sentence that sounds AI-written (stock phrases, repetitive rhythm) and suggest a plainer version.
Small online sellers
## For my shop
- I sell [products] on [platforms]. Follow each platform's rules; if you're unsure what a rule says, tell me to check the platform's help page instead of guessing.
- Never write claims I can't back up (e.g. "best", "guaranteed", health or safety claims) unless I confirm them.
- For product descriptions: materials, dimensions, and care first; then benefits.
Analysts and planners
## For analysis
- Show assumptions in a short list before any calculation.
- Give ranges, not single numbers, when inputs are uncertain.
- A chart is welcome here when I'm comparing numbers over time or across 4+ items.
Three prompts to check your instructions are working
We didn't run these. They're quick checks you can run yourself in a new chat after saving your instructions.
- Length and structure check
What's a good way to plan a weekly schedule?
Look for: the answer first, your word limit respected, plain text, and no chart or widget unless you asked for one.
- Visuals-on-request check
Compare three note-taking apps for a beginner. Show me visually.
Look for: a visual or table appears because you asked. (If Intelligent UI isn't available on your account or app yet, a plain table also counts as a pass.)
- Honesty check
What will the price of [a product you know] be next month?
Look for: the answer says it can't know, labels any estimate as an estimate, and doesn't invent a number or a source.
If a check fails, move the relevant rule higher in your instructions and make it more specific. "Under 150 words" beats "be brief."
Common mistakes
- Copying a two-box template from an old guide. The current Help Center describes one Custom Instructions field.
- Assuming 1,500 characters on a paid plan, or 5,000 on Free. Check your plan against the table above.
- Expecting a rule to switch off visuals completely. OpenAI says preferences guide the layout and "the exact layout can vary". Even the Simple setting may still show some elements.
- Testing in an old chat. Because of the Help Center's conflicting wording, test in a new chat.
- Putting secrets in instructions. Custom instructions are included in your data export. OpenAI also says information from custom instructions may be used to improve models, which you can opt out of, and that plug-in developers may receive relevant information from your instructions if you use third-party plug-ins. Don't paste passwords, client data, or anything you wouldn't want stored.
- Overloading one field. If you need a long, task-specific procedure that you'd re-paste every time, a skill is likely a better fit than custom instructions (see "How to Create a Claude Skill You Can Reuse in ChatGPT and Gemini").
FAQ
Is there still an "About you" box and a separate "How should ChatGPT respond" box?
OpenAI's current Help Center article tells you to enter your instructions in "the Custom Instructions field." If your app still shows two boxes, your version may differ. Check the app's own character counter.
Are custom instructions shared when I share a chat link?
OpenAI says your instructions "won't be shared with shared link viewers."
Can I turn them off for one conversation?
OpenAI's Memory article says that before you start a temporary chat, you can choose Unpersonalized to skip memories, custom instructions, and plugins. You can't change that choice after the conversation starts. To turn custom instructions off everywhere, switch off Enable customization.
Is there an API version of custom instructions?
OpenAI says there won't be one. Developers should use system messages instead.
Do custom instructions work with Voice or the Work tab?
OpenAI's custom instructions article doesn't say either way. It does say Intelligent UI isn't available in Voice or the Work tab, so the visuals clause only matters in Chat.
Wrapping up
Pick the template for your plan (A for Free and Go, B for paid plans), fill in the brackets, check the count, and test it in a new chat with the three prompts above. Keep the visuals clause if you'd rather see charts only when you ask. Then revisit your instructions whenever OpenAI changes the models or settings, because this part of ChatGPT is changing quickly.
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