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Custom GPTs

Custom GPTs are ChatGPT's equivalent of Claude Projects — a specialised version of ChatGPT configured for a specific task, with its own instructions, knowledge, and (optionally) tools.

The difference: Custom GPTs can be shared publicly via a link, and can be configured with web browsing, image generation, and code execution turned on or off.

What they're useful for​

A specific task you do repeatedly. Write the perfect instructions once, load in the relevant files, and have a dedicated tool that's always ready — no re-explaining the context, no adjusting the tone.

Sharing with your team. Build a Custom GPT once, share the link, and everyone uses the same setup. Useful for consistent brand voice across a team, or a shared reference tool everyone can access.

Narrowing ChatGPT's focus. Out of the box, ChatGPT tries to do everything. A Custom GPT is trained to do one thing well — which usually means better output on that one thing.

Examples​

Email drafting assistant — loaded with your company tone of voice, common email types, and examples of good output. Anyone on your team can use it to write a consistent, on-brand email.

Proposal builder — knows your service structure, pricing, typical objections, and how you like to frame things. Drop in the client's context, get a first draft.

Content writer — trained on your brand voice, content pillars, and previous posts. Brief it with a topic and format, get something close to publication-ready.

Research summariser — configured to summarise any document into a consistent format: key points, implications, action items. Load in reports and get structured summaries back.

How to build one​

  1. Open ChatGPT → Explore GPTs → Create
  2. Use the builder (you can describe what you want and it'll generate the instructions for you) or write your own
  3. Add a name, description, and profile image
  4. Upload files if relevant (knowledge base)
  5. Configure capabilities: web browsing, DALL-E image generation, code interpreter
  6. Choose visibility: just you, anyone with the link, or public

The instructions are the most important part. Be specific:

  • What is this GPT's purpose?
  • What should it always do?
  • What should it never do?
  • What tone should it use?
  • How should it handle things it doesn't know?

Custom GPTs vs Claude Projects​

Both do the same basic thing: a specialised assistant with persistent instructions and uploaded knowledge. The choice usually comes down to which tool you're already using.

If you're primarily a Claude user, set up Projects there. If you use ChatGPT more, Custom GPTs will slot in more naturally. The underlying quality of the output is similar — the setup and interface is what differs.

note

Custom GPTs require a ChatGPT Plus subscription (£18/month). They're not available on the free tier.