Creating Your Personal GPT

Before you begin, ensure you have a paid ChatGPT account and your browser is ready—no extra software is needed. If you do not have a paid account or any account at all, it is very easy to sign up. Just put in an email and create a password, and you’re in! ChatGPT Plus accounts currently cost twenty dollars per month, but keep your eye out for discounts or promotions, especially if you are a student!

Step 1: Open the Create GPT Builder

1. In the left sidebar of ChatGPT's home page, click Explore GPTs in the top left.
2. Click the Create GPT button in the top right corner to launch the builder on the Explore GPTs page.

Step 2: Pick "Create" or "Configure"

Decide whether to start with a quick prototype or set up complete details from the start.

• Create (default): This is a freeform chat where you write example prompts or instructions and see a live preview. Use this option to experiment with ideas and get instant feedback.

• Configure: A structured form with fields for name, description, system instructions, examples, conversation starters, and knowledge uploads. Use this when you need precise control over all aspects of your GPT.

Tip: try the create option first to prototype your GPT, then switch to configure to fine-tune its behavior and add custom examples or settings.

Step 3: Fill Out the Configure Fields

Now add the core details, such as name, description, instructions, and any starter prompts, to guide your GPT.

• Name your GPT: Give it a clear, action-oriented title like “Lesson Plan Generator.”

• Add a Description: One or two sentences on what it does, for example, “Generates structured lesson plans aligned with learning objectives.”

• Write Instructions: Explain how your GPT should behave, such as “You are a lesson-planning assistant, use a clear supportive tone and include objectives as headers.” This is the section where you can input a 200-500 word writing sample and prompt the GPT to follow that sample for style. 

• Conversation Starters: Preload sample prompts like “Outline my next science lesson.”

• Knowledge: Upload files, PDFs, docs, or CSVs for your GPT to reference.

• Capabilities: Choose what additional capabilities you want your GPT to have, like image generation or web search. 

• Actions: This is an advanced option that allows for integration with other services and API's. Once you have the basics down, research how to take your GPTs to the next level!

Tip: Remember, if you aren't sure how to prompt your GPT effectively in the Instructions section, ask ChatGPT what a good prompt would be and use that!

Step 4: Preview, Test, and Create Preview, Test, and Create

Finally, test your new GPT in the preview pane and make any last tweaks before saving it. When you are happy, click the Create button at the top right, and your new personal assistant will be ready! If something isn't working right, GPTs are editable after you click Create, so you can always go back and change anything you need.