Overview
GPTs (also called custom GPTs) are versions of ChatGPT configured for a specific purpose. A GPT can combine specific instructions, knowledge, and selected capabilities to create a more tailored experience in ChatGPT.
Availability
GPTs are available to all ChatGPT users, but users must be signed in to start a conversation. Public GPT pages may be visible without signing in, but users are prompted to sign in before chatting.
Once signed in, users can interact with any GPT they have access to, including GPTs that are public, shared with them directly, or available through workspace settings.
Creating or editing GPTs requires a paid subscription. In managed workspaces, access may also depend on workspace settings and role permissions.
What a GPT can include
A GPT can include several configuration elements that shape how it behaves and what it can do.
Instructions: Define the GPT’s behavior, tone, goals, and boundaries.
Conversation starters: Provide example prompts to help users get started.
Knowledge: Uploaded files the GPT can use as reference when answering questions.
Capabilities: Selected tools or features, such as web search or image generation.
Apps: Ways a GPT can connect to outside services through user-connected tools.
Actions: Ways a GPT can connect to external APIs you define.
A GPT can use either apps or actions, but not both at the same time.
Getting started
Using a GPT
Users can access a GPT in several ways.
Open Explore GPTs in ChatGPT to browse available GPTs.
Use a direct link to a GPT.
Open a GPT that has been shared with them in their workspace.
After opening a GPT, users can review its description or conversation starters to understand what it is designed to do, then send a message to begin chatting. The GPT will respond based on its configured instructions, knowledge, and enabled capabilities.
Creating a GPT
To create a GPT:
Open the GPTs area in ChatGPT
Select Create.
GPTs can be built conversationally or configured directly in the editor.
After configuring a GPT, test it in preview and save changes.
For step-by-step instructions on building, editing, testing, and updating a GPT, see: Creating and editing GPTs.
Sharing and publishing
GPTs can be shared or published in several ways, depending on the plan and workspace settings. A GPT may be kept private, shared directly with specific people, shared within a workspace, shared by link, or published publicly in the GPT Store if eligible.
For step-by-step guidance on sharing options, public publishing requirements, Builder Profiles, and GPT Store publishing, see: Sharing and publishing GPTs.
Workspace controls (Enterprise and Edu)
GPT access and sharing may be limited by workspace settings and permissions. Admins or owners may control which GPTs users can access, what options appear in the GPT editor, and which sharing methods are available. For detailed information, see: Managing GPT access in Enterprise and Edu workspaces.
Troubleshooting and reporting issues
For information on common issues, how to troubleshoot them, and how to report content or other issues, see: Troubleshooting GPTs.
Privacy and data use
Model training
Whether conversations with a GPT may be used to improve OpenAI’s models depends on the plan you are using.
For Business, Enterprise, and Edu plans, data is not used for training by default.
For consumer plans, including Free, Plus, Go, and Pro, data may be used for training depending on whether you have opted out. To opt out or learn more, see: Data Controls FAQ.
Conversation access
GPT builders cannot view individual conversations that users have with their GPTs.
External APIs and apps
GPTs can be integrated with apps and external APIs. When you interact with a GPT that uses apps or external APIs, relevant parts of your input may be sent to the third-party service. Depending on the GPT's setup and the type of action, ChatGPT may ask you to approve the request before information is sent or the action runs. OpenAI does not audit or control how those services use or store your data. Only use GPTs with APIs or apps that you trust.
FAQ
Can I embed my GPT on my website?
GPTs are designed to work in ChatGPT. They are not a way to embed ChatGPT in an external website or application. To build an assistant into a product, use the API.
What’s the difference between GPTs and assistants built with the API?
GPTs are no-code assistants built and used inside ChatGPT. Assistants built with the API are developer-built integrations that use OpenAI models inside a website or service outside of ChatGPT.
Can I use a GPT from a regular ChatGPT conversation?
Yes. In ChatGPT, you can type @ in a conversation to bring in a GPT without starting a new chat. Your next message will go to that GPT, and the conversation keeps its current context.
Do GPTs use memory or custom instructions?
GPTs do not use saved memory, custom instructions, or previous conversations. Each conversation starts fresh.
What happens if I change or cancel the subscription that lets me build GPTs?
If you downgrade or cancel from a plan that supports building GPTs, you can still use the ones you created, but you will not be able to edit them or create new ones.
Why don’t I see the same model options as before?
Models can be updated or retired over time. If a model is no longer available, GPTs are automatically switched to a similar current model.