How to Add Custom Instructions to Claude
Last updated June 1, 2025
Claude supports persistent custom instructions through its Profile settings. Once you add your BootFile, Claude will follow your reasoning preferences in every conversation without you needing to repeat yourself.
Open Claude Settings
Go to claude.ai and click your profile icon in the bottom-left corner. Select "Settings" from the dropdown menu.
Find the Profile Section
In Settings, click "Profile." You'll see a "Custom Instructions" text area where you can add persistent context.
Paste Your BootFile
Copy your full BootFile text and paste it into the Custom Instructions field. Claude uses a single-block format, so your entire instruction set goes in one place.
Save and Test
Click "Save." Start a new conversation and notice how Claude's responses align with your thinking style: more direct, more structured, or more collaborative depending on your archetype.
Tips
- Claude's single-field format means your BootFile can be more detailed than platforms with character limits.
- Claude is particularly responsive to reasoning-style instructions. It adapts well to "push back on my ideas" or "lead with the answer" directives.
- Instructions persist across conversations but you can override them anytime by explicitly asking Claude to respond differently.
- Both Free and Pro accounts support custom instructions.