Behind the scenes

Let's see what `SYSTEM` messages are used behind the scenes at ChatGPT, and how they might influence custom instructions. They have been especially useful for me as I work on the [ChatGPT AutoExpert](README.md) custom instructions and supporting package (in the case of the Developer Edition).

promptBeginner5 min to valuemarkdown

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Jan 12, 2026

Behind the scenes

Let's see what

SYSTEM

messages are used behind the scenes at ChatGPT, and how they might influence custom instructions. They have been especially useful for me as I work on the ChatGPT AutoExpert custom instructions and supporting package (in the case of the Developer Edition).

[!NOTE] I have added whitespace to some prompts to improve readability/formatting (but only where it wouldn't change how ChatGPT would attend to the prompt).

I also updated this page to separate each prompt into their own Markdown file.

All examples are from GPT-4.

Behind the scenes

Let's see what

SYSTEM

[!NOTE] I have added whitespace to some prompts to improve readability/formatting (but only where it wouldn't change how ChatGPT would attend to the prompt).

I also updated this page to separate each prompt into their own Markdown file.

All examples are from GPT-4.

Behind the scenes

Behind the scenes

Related Skills

<h1 align="center">

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Behind the scenes