By skyforbes 
Make ChatGPT code like you
Teach ChatGPT your coding style, tools and workflow so it feels like a real teammate.
The Custom Instructions feature is what turns ChatGPT from a generic assistant into something that actually understands how you work. Developers can use it to lock in coding habits, style preferences and workflow shortcuts. Once set up, every new chat starts with your tone, tools and expectations already in place.
How to Enable It
- Open Settings → Personalization.
- Toggle Enable customization ON.
You’ll see a large Custom Instructions field. That’s where you write everything that defines how ChatGPT should think and respond.
If you’re on macOS, this is a single field (not two boxes like on the web). You can structure it with sections and headers for clarity, just like a config file.
How to Write Good Instructions
Think of this field like a mix between a README and a .env file for your AI: short, descriptive and practical.
Tips:
- Write in plain English, not YAML or JSON.