Comparison · checked
ChatGPT vs Claude vs Gemini custom instructions
The verdict
The verdict: All three let you save standing instructions so you stop repeating yourself. In ChatGPT it is Settings > Personalization, in Claude it is Instructions for Claude in Settings, and in Gemini it is Instructions for Gemini, which some work and school accounts do not have. Each also has a per-project version: ChatGPT Projects, Claude Projects and Gemini Gems.
Side by side
| Feature | ChatGPT | Claude | Gemini |
|---|---|---|---|
| Where the setting is | Settings > Personalization (or Customize ChatGPT) | Your initials > Settings > Instructions for Claude | Settings > Instructions for Gemini |
| Per-job version | Project instructions | Project instructions | A Gem's own instructions |
| Applies to old chats | No, new replies only | No, new replies only | No, new replies only |
| Work and school accounts | Admins can limit features | Organization instructions take priority | Often not available |
Which one to pick
- Pick Any of them if you mostly use one chatbot. The instructions do not carry over, so set them where you actually work.
- Pick The same short block in all three if you switch between them. Something like: Keep answers short. Numbered steps first. Say when you are not sure a menu name is current.
The options
ChatGPT
Free and paid plans
Best for: People who want one place for instructions and memory.
Good
- Custom instructions work on the free plan
- Separate project instructions for one job
Not so good
- Memory and instructions are two different things, which confuses people
Claude
Free and paid plans
Best for: People who keep work in projects.
Good
- Instructions for Claude apply to every chat
- Project instructions stay inside the project
Not so good
- On Team and Enterprise, organization instructions win when they conflict
Gemini
Free and paid plans
Best for: People already living in Google apps.
Good
- Gems give each job its own instructions
Not so good
- Instructions for Gemini is missing on many work and school accounts
- A Gem ignores your global instructions
Questions people ask
Do my instructions carry over between ChatGPT, Claude and Gemini?
No. Each one keeps its own. Paste the same short block into each if you use more than one.
What should I write in custom instructions?
How you want answers shaped: length, format, and what to do when it is unsure. Leave out passwords, your address and anything confidential from work.
Why does my chatbot ignore my instructions?
Check whether you are inside a project or a Gem, which use their own instructions, and whether a work account has organization rules that win.
Related tips
More comparisons and alternatives
No one paid to be on this page. If we ever add affiliate links, they will be marked.
Tomorrow, a day early
Get tomorrow's tip a day early
One email, the evening before the tip goes on the site. The same short tip. No digest, no thread, no upsell.
Opens the Beehiiv signup in a new tab and sends your address in the link. Finish there to join the list.
Subscribe on the newsletter pagehttps://techtipaday.beehiiv.com/subscribe