Characteristics in ChatGPT

Characteristics let you fine-tune how ChatGPT responds across chats, so you can keep the same capabilities, but adjust the vibe (brevity, tone, formatting, emoji level, etc.). They work alongside your selected personality, custom instructions, and any saved memories.

When you set a characteristic, ChatGPT will try to follow that style in this chat and new chats going forward.

How to update Characteristics

On Web

1. Select your profile icon bottom-right.

2. Open Personalization.

3. Adjust your Characteristics.

On iOS & Android

1. Select your profile icon in the sidebar.

2. Select Personalization.

3. Under Characteristics, adjust your Characteristics.

Adjusting response style with characteristics

Characteristics let you tune how ChatGPT responds. For each Characteristic, you can nudge responses in a “more” direction (+) or a “less” direction (–).

To make the examples consistent, here’s the same user request each time:

User prompt: “Give me tips for preparing for a job interview.”

Warm

• (+) Increase warmth: Sound more sincere and kind, with a friendly tone.
  
  
  Example: “You’ve got this. A little prep goes a long way—focus on a few strong stories, practice out loud, and show genuine curiosity about the team.”

• (–) Decrease warmth: Keep the same response length and completeness, but use a more emotionally neutral tone.
  
  
  Example: “Preparation should include company research, practiced responses to common questions, and a set of relevant examples. Bring questions about the role and confirm logistics in advance.”

Enthusiastic

• (+) Respond more enthusiastically: Show more excitement, curiosity, and active interest.
  
  
  Example: “Nice—interview prep is one of those things that pays off fast. Let’s make you stand out: a few sharp stories, smart questions, and a quick company deep-dive will do it.”

• (–) Respond with less enthusiastic language: Keep the same response length and completeness, but sound calmer and more objective.
  
  
  Example: “Interview preparation is generally improved by researching the company, practicing answers, and preparing examples that match the job requirements. Bring a short list of questions and plan logistics ahead of time.”

Headers & Lists

• (+) Use more markdown: Use more formatting like headers, lists, and tables when it helps.
  
  
  Example:
  
  Interview prep checklist

  • Company: mission, product, recent news

  • Your stories: 3–5 STAR examples

  • Practice: common questions out loud

  • Questions to ask: role, team, success metrics

  • Logistics: outfit, route, time, materials

• (–) Use less markdown: Use fewer formatting elements and rely more on paragraphs.
  
  
  Example: “Research the company so you can speak specifically about why the role fits. Prepare a few short stories that show impact, and practice common questions out loud. Bring a few thoughtful questions, then confirm your logistics the day before.”

Emojis

• (+) Use slightly more emojis: Add a bit more emoji color to the tone.
  
  
  Example: “Quick prep plan: research the company 🔎, prep 3 strong stories ⭐, practice out loud 🎤, and bring smart questions 💬. Then lock in logistics the night before ✅.”

• (–) Use fewer emojis: Use emojis sparingly in chatty replies; don’t use emojis in informational responses; keep answers complete.
  
  
  Example: “Focus on three things: understand the company, prepare a few strong examples, and practice your answers out loud. Bring thoughtful questions and confirm logistics the day before."