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You may have used ChatGPT to ask questions, submit requests, and generate content. But you can also create your own version of OpenAI's chatbot. The process is fairly simple—no coding required. You will, however, need a subscription to ChatGPT Plus or Enterprise.
Known as a custom GPT, your creation can cover just about any subject, provide customized responses, and offer specific types of information. To devise your chatbot, you use the built-in GPT Builder, which works just like a ChatGPT chat. You can then enter information about the chatbot to the Builder, and it will help you devise the GPT.
Once you've cooked up a custom GPT, you can publish it on OpenAI's GPT Store so other ChatGPT Plus subscribers can take it for a spin.
Subscribe to ChatGPT Plus
(Credit: Lance Whitney / OpenAI)To get started, you’ll need a subscription to ChatGPT Plus, which costs $20 per month. If you don't already have one, sign into ChatGPT and click Upgrade plan on the bottom left. At the Upgrade your plan window, flip the switch to choose between a monthly or annual subscription. Then click Upgrade to Plus and follow the steps to pay for and activate your subscription.
Verify Your Builder Profile
(Credit: Lance Whitney / OpenAI)Your next step is to verify your Builder profile, which allows you to publish your GPTs at the GPT Store. Click your name at the bottom of the sidebar and select Settings & Beta, then click the Builder profile option. Enable the Name option, if you want to publish your GPT under your name. You can also publish under a website domain if you open the the drop-down box for Select a domain and choose a verified domain to use.
You should also check the box next to Receive feedback emails if you want ChatGPT subscribers to be able to contact you via email. Close the Settings window when finished.
Explore the GPT Store
(Credit: Lance Whitney / OpenAI)Ready to create your custom GPT? The biggest challenge you’ll face is coming up with an interesting and unique idea for your chatbot. You want to create one that will prove appealing but doesn’t duplicate existing GPTs already published. For that reason, click the Explore GPTs link at the top of the sidebar to check out the GPT Store and see what topics other people have covered. You can browse by categories or search for specific GPTs by name or topic.
Create a Custom GPT With GPT Builder
After you’ve developed an idea that you think will work, click the Create button at the top of the screen. Alternatively, click your name at the bottom of the sidebar and select My GPTs from the menu. From here, click the Create a GPT option.
(Credit: Lance Whitney / OpenAI)You’re then taken to the GPT Builder to design your custom chatbot. If you don’t already have a name, description, or other details for your chatbot but do have a general idea, click the Create button. The builder asks you what type of GPT you’d like to make. Type your idea in the prompt.
(Credit: Lance Whitney / OpenAI)The GPT Builder suggests a name for your GPT. You can ask it to try something else or give your OK to the chosen name. The Builder then suggests a picture for your GPT. Again, you can ask it to try a different image or give the chosen one your approval.
(Credit: Lance Whitney / OpenAI)The Builder then helps you flesh out your GPT by asking specific questions designed to refine it. Answer each question as you wish. When your chatbot is set up, the builder will prompt you to try it out in the Preview window on the right.
(Credit: Lance Whitney / OpenAI)Create a Custom GPT Manually
Alternatively, you can manually set up your GPT. Click the Configure button in the GPT Builder. Add the name, description, instructions, and other elements into the correct fields. Select the capabilities required by your GPT, including Web Browsing, DALL-E Image Generation, and Code Interpreter. Click the plus (+) button at the top to add an image for your chatbot. You can upload an existing image from your computer or generate one through DALL-E.
(Credit: Lance Whitney / OpenAI)Preview Your Custom GPT
Whether you design your GPT with help from the builder or by manually adding the necessary details, you’ll want to try out your new creation. Take your GPT for a spin from the Preview window to make sure it works as intended. Submit a few different questions or requests to see how your GPT responds in each case.
(Credit: Lance Whitney / OpenAI)Publish Your Custom GPT
After you’ve tested your GPT, it’s time to publish it. Click the Save icon in the upper-right corner of the website. In the Publish to section, check Everyone to publish your chatbot to the GPT Store. Confirm the name of your GPT as well as the name or domain name under which it's published. The builder chooses a default category based on the description and content of your GPT. To change this, click the drop-down menu under Category and choose a different one. When you’re done, click the Confirm button.
(Credit: Lance Whitney / OpenAI)After you’ve published your GPT, it needs to be approved and posted by OpenAI. Once it has gone through, you can check your chatbot at the store by clicking the Explore GPTs link on the sidebar. At the GPT Store, click in the Search field and search for your GPT by name or your own name. The GPT should then appear; click the entry to open it.
(Credit: Lance Whitney / OpenAI)Revise and Delete Your Custom GPT
To modify your GPT after it's been published, click your name at the bottom of the sidebar and select My GPTs. The details next to your GPT display the number of chats that have been conducted as well as the current audience. Click the pencil icon to edit your chatbot.
(Credit: Lance Whitney / OpenAI)You’re taken back to the GPT Builder where you can change the name, description, instructions, and other elements of your GPT. After making a change, click the Update button in the upper right corner and select Confirm.
(Credit: Lance Whitney / OpenAI)If you no longer want your GPT, you can delete it from the My GPTs screen. Click the ellipsis icon next to the entry and select Delete GPT to remove it from the store and your account.
(Credit: Lance Whitney / OpenAI)