add-personal-instructions.md

title	Adding personal custom instructions for GitHub Copilot
shortTitle	Add personal instructions
intro	Customize {% data variables.copilot.copilot_chat %} responses to match your personal preferences.
versions	feature copilot
redirect_from	/copilot/customizing-copilot/adding-personal-custom-instructions-for-github-copilot /copilot/how-tos/custom-instructions/adding-personal-custom-instructions-for-github-copilot /copilot/how-tos/custom-instructions/add-personal-instructions /copilot/how-tos/configure-custom-instructions/add-personal-instructions
contentType	how-tos
category	Configure Copilot

{% data reusables.copilot.personal-instructions-note %}

You can layer multiple types of custom instructions to shape {% data variables.copilot.copilot_chat %} responses. For an overview, see AUTOTITLE.

About personal custom instructions for {% data variables.copilot.copilot_chat_short %}

Personal custom instructions apply to every conversation you have on the {% data variables.product.github %} website, so {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_short %} always responds in your preferred language, tone, and style.

Examples of instructions you can add:

• Always respond in Spanish.
• Use a helpful, collegial tone. Keep explanations brief, but provide enough context to understand the code.
• Always provide examples in TypeScript.

{% data reusables.copilot.custom-instructions-chat-precedence %}

{% data reusables.copilot.custom-instructions-conflict %}

Adding personal custom instructions

To add personal custom instructions on {% data variables.product.github %}:

1. Open {% data variables.copilot.copilot_chat_short %}.

2. In the bottom left corner, click your profile picture. Then click {% octicon "note" aria-hidden="true" aria-label="note" %} Personal instructions.

3. Add natural language instructions to the text box.

   Use any format. For example, a single block of text, each instruction on a new line, or instructions separated by blank lines.

4. Optionally, use a template for common instructions. Click {% octicon "light-bulb" aria-label="The light-bulb icon" %} and select a template.

   When you select a template, placeholder text appears. Replace placeholders like {format} with your preferences.

5. Click Save.

Your instructions are now active and remain active until you change or remove them.

{% note %}

Did you successfully add personal custom instructions?

Yes No

{% endnote %}

Further reading

• AUTOTITLE—a curated collection of examples