If you’re still copy-pasting the same formatting requests or resorting to “write this like a professional” prompts every single time you open ChatGPT, you’re working too hard.
There’s an essential feature buried in the Settings menu called Custom Instructions. In short, it lets you set permanent preferences so you don’t repeat prompts.
Think of it as a set of persistent filters. Instead of reminding ChatGPT that you hate long-winded intros or that you need everything delivered in a clean table, you tell it once and it remembers forever.
Setting it up is a breeze: Click your profile name or icon in the bottom-left corner and choose Personalization. You’ll notice a form field about halfway down. That’s where you’ll input your custom instructions.
Once that’s done, every new conversation starts with those rules already baked in. It’s the ultimate way to kill the repetitive busywork of “prompt engineering” before you even start typing.
Here are some custom instructions to try out. The key is to experiment and find what works for you. With a little creativity, you can turn ChatGPT into an indispensable productivity tool.
Summarizer
We all get bogged down in long emails, reports, and articles. This instruction will automatically summarize any text you feed into ChatGPT.
Instead of spending 15 minutes reading a dry report, you can get a summary in seconds. It’s a total game changer for staying on top of information without getting overwhelmed.
Custom Instruction: “Whenever I paste text, provide a concise summary highlighting the key points, main arguments, and actionable takeaways. Keep it brief and easy to scan.”
Action item extractor
Ever spend an hour in a meeting, only to realize later that you don’t actually know what you’re supposed to do? Yeah . . . me . . . um, neither. I never multitask during meetings.
No more guessing games. This instruction creates a to-do list for you, so you can just focus on getting things done.
Custom Instruction: “When I paste meeting notes or transcripts, extract all action items, assignees, and deadlines into a clear bulleted list. Also, identify any open questions or follow-up tasks.”
Email drafter
Drafting emails, especially routine ones, can be a major time-suck. This instruction will draft emails for you, saving you precious minutes and mental energy so you can spend your time on more important things.
Custom Instruction: “When I provide a topic or bullet points, draft a professional and concise email. Adjust the tone based on the recipient (e.g., formal for a client, casual for a colleague). Include a clear subject line and call to action.”
Brainstorming buddy
Stuck on a problem or need some fresh ideas? Sometimes you just need a nudge. This instruction gives you a burst of creativity when you need it most, whether you’re brainstorming marketing campaigns or trying to find a solution to a technical problem.
Custom Instruction: “When I share a project or problem, act as a creative brainstormer. Generate at least five innovative and diverse solutions, ideas, or approaches. Don’t be afraid to think outside the box.”