What are custom GPTs and how do I make one?

A custom GPT is a version of ChatGPT that you set up for one specific purpose. You give it standing instructions, optional reference files and selected capabilities, and from then on it behaves the same way every time, without you repeating the setup.

For example, a teacher might build a GPT that turns any chapter into ten multiple-choice questions with answers. A content team might build one that rewrites drafts in the company's house style. A support team might create one loaded with product manuals that answers customer questions using only that material.

Making one does not need any coding. Here is the basic process:

1. In ChatGPT, open the GPTs section from the sidebar and choose to create a new GPT. You need a plan that allows creating GPTs, so check your account.
2. You can describe what you want in conversation and the builder will draft the setup for you. For more control, switch to the configure tab.
3. Give it a clear name and short description so you and others know its purpose.
4. Write the instructions carefully. This is the most important part. Explain who the GPT is for, what it should do, what format to use, what tone to take and what it must avoid. Include an example of a good output if you can.
5. Upload knowledge files, such as PDFs, policy documents or FAQs, if it needs specific reference material.
6. Turn on only the capabilities it needs, such as web search, image creation or code and data analysis.
7. Test it in the preview pane with real tasks, then adjust the instructions wherever it goes wrong.
8. Save it as private, share it by link, or publish it to the GPT store.

A few lessons from people who build these regularly: be very specific about the output format, tell the GPT what to do when information is missing, and keep instructions focused on one job. A GPT that tries to do everything usually does nothing particularly well.

One privacy note: anyone who uses a shared GPT may be able to coax it into revealing its instructions or details from its files. Do not upload confidential documents to a GPT you plan to share publicly.

Custom GPTs are best for repeated tasks. If you notice yourself pasting the same long prompt into ChatGPT every week, that prompt is a perfect candidate to become a GPT.