Table of Contents

How to create a Custom GPT

Step 1: Access the GPT editor

Step 2: Use the guided builder (Create Tab)

Step 3: Configure instructions and upload files

Step 4: Test, publish, and share

Custom GPT best practices

Building and designing

Maintenance and iteration

Using Custom GPTs effectively

How to create a Custom GPT

Follow along with the video or the text instructions below:

Step 1: Access the GPT editor

1. Go to chatgpt.com and sign in using your SFSU credentials.
2. On the left sidebar, click GPTs. If the link isn't visible, expand the sidebar by clicking the ChatGPT logo in the upper left corner.

3. In the upper right, click the + Create button to begin building your Custom GPT.

   

Step 2: Use the guided builder (Create tab)

Click the Create tab to build your GPT using ChatGPT's guided setup process.

You'll answer a series of questions such as:

• What should it be called?
• What should it do?
• Should it have a specific tone or style?
• What kinds of responses should it avoid?

Once complete, ChatGPT will generate a baseline version of your Custom GPT, which you can further refine.

Step 3: Configure instructions and upload files

After completing the initial setup, you can customize and fine-tune your GPT using the Configure tab.

Instructions

Use this section to set:

• The GPT's tone and personality
• Specific areas of expertise or focus
• Phrases or topics to avoid
• Role context (e.g., "Act as an SFSU financial aid assistant")

This section is auto-filled from the Create tab but can be edited at any time.

Files (Custom Knowledge)

You can upload relevant documents (e.g., PDFs, manuals, guides) that the GPT can reference during conversations.

To upload:

• Scroll to the Knowledge section.
• Click Upload files to attach documents.
• Uploaded files will be included in the GPT's knowledge base for future conversations.

Step 4: Test, publish, and share

Test your GPT

Use the Preview tab to test sample interactions. Ask questions as a student, staff member, or other user might. If it's not behaving as expected:

• Edit the GPT's instructions
• Update uploaded files
• Retest in Preview

Publish and choose access

When you're ready to publish:

1. Click Create in the top-right corner of your screen
2. Choose one of the following access settings:
   • Invite-only: This is the default setting, which is ideal for personal use.
   • ChatGPT at SFSU: Makes your GPT visible in the campus-wide GPT directory.
   • Anyone at ChatGPT at SFSU with the link: Good for sharing with specific colleagues or students.
3. Click Update to finalize and publish.

Custom GPT best practices

Building and designing

To create Custom GPTs that are well-scoped, role-aligned, and context-rich:

1. Define a clear purpose:
   • Identify a specific use case (e.g., tutoring, admissions help, IT support).
   • Avoid trying to make on GPT do everything.
2. Use instructions strategically:
   • Set a consistent tone, personality, and behavior.
   • Include role context (e.g., "Act as an SFSU student advisor").
3. Incorporate branding and values:
   • Add mission-aligned language and institutional values.
   • Include relevant terms, acronyms, or cultural references.
4. Provide custom files and data:
   • Upload relevant documents (e.g., FAQs, policies, forms).
   • Use these as context rather than expecting the GPT to "know" everything.
5. Test across scenarios:
   • Simulate various user types: beginner, expert, confused, frustrated.
   • Include edge cases, such as mis-phrased or vague queries.

Maintenance and iteration

To monitor usage, update files, and refine GPT behavior over time:

1. Update often:
   • Swap out outdated documents or links regularly.
   • Monitor usage and adjust based on what users actually ask.
2. Collect feedback:
   • Instruct your GPT to share a link to a feedback form (e.g. Microsoft or Google Forms) after their responses.
3. Segment GPTs by role or function:
   • Create multiple smaller GPTs instead of one catch-all (e.g., Admissions Bot, Campus Life Bot, Study Buddy).
4. Monitor for hallucinations:
   • Periodically spot-check responses to ensure factual accuracy.

Using Custom GPTs effectively

Tips for prompt writing, verifying responses, and saving reusable prompts:

1. Ask specific questions:
   • The clearer your prompt, the better the answer (e.g., "What's the deadline to drop a class at SFSU?")
2. Use follow-ups liberally:
   • Ask clarifying or follow-questions to drill deeper or adapt the response.
3. Check source documents:
   • If the GPT cites uploads, skim those documents for confirmation when critical.
4. Summarize or reframe long inputs:
   • If a conversation gets long, ask the GPT to summarize before continuing.
5. Save or reuse good prompts:
   • Keep a library of effective prompts for repetitive tasks or guidance.