Skip to main content
Custom instructions let you set persistent context that the AI reads before every interaction with your app. Instead of repeating the same guidance in every message, you write it once and the AI follows it automatically.

​
What are custom instructions?

Custom instructions are a block of text you attach to your app that the AI includes in its context for every message. They act as standing orders — the AI reads them before processing each of your prompts and follows them throughout the conversation. Use custom instructions for anything the AI should always know or always do when working on your app.

​
Setting custom instructions

1

Open app settings

From the editor sidebar, open your app’s settings.
2

Find the custom instructions field

The custom instructions text area is in the app settings panel.
3

Write your instructions

Enter your instructions as plain text. Be clear and specific about what you want the AI to do or avoid.
4

Save

Your instructions take effect immediately. The AI reads them before every subsequent message in any thread for this app.

​
What to include

Custom instructions are most effective for persistent rules and context that apply across your entire app. Here are common use cases:

​
Coding conventions

Tell the AI how you want code structured and formatted:

​
Design guidelines

Establish visual standards for your app:

​
Domain-specific terminology

Define terms the AI should use consistently:

​
Data handling rules

Set rules for how data should be queried and displayed:

​
Architecture patterns

Define patterns the AI should follow:

​
Examples

Here are complete custom instruction sets for different types of apps:

​
Tips for effective instructions

Be specific

“Use dark mode” is better than “make it look nice.” Specific instructions produce consistent results.

Keep it concise

Focus on rules the AI should always follow. Do not include one-time instructions — put those in chat messages instead.

Use categories

Group related instructions under headings (Design, Data, Terminology). This helps the AI parse and apply them correctly.

Update as you go

Refine your instructions as your app evolves. Remove rules that no longer apply and add new ones as patterns emerge.

​
How custom instructions interact with prompts

Custom instructions are read by the AI alongside your chat messages. They do not override your prompts — instead, they provide background context. If your message conflicts with a custom instruction, the AI follows your message for that specific interaction. For example, if your custom instructions say “use dark mode” but you send a message saying “make this page use light mode”, the AI will apply light mode to that specific page.
Custom instructions apply to all threads within an app. You cannot set different instructions for different threads. If you need different AI behavior, create a separate app.

​
What’s next