How to set up your AI friend in ChatGPT or Claude
Setting up a friend takes about ten minutes and comes down to three things: starting a project, pasting in her instructions and saying hello. Pick the app you already use, follow its steps below, and keep your download open nearby.
Which app should I use?
| ChatGPT | Claude | |
|---|---|---|
| Made by | OpenAI | Anthropic |
| Where to find it | chatgpt.com, or the ChatGPT app | claude.ai, or the Claude app |
| Free plan | Yes, with as many projects as you like | Yes, with up to five projects |
| Best for you if | You already have an account | You already have an account, or love thoughtful, warm writing |
If you're new to both, either one works beautifully, and every friend's instructions work the same way in each.
Setting her up in ChatGPT
- Create your free account. Go to chatgpt.com on your computer and sign up with your email, Google or Apple account.
- Start a new project. In the menu on the left, choose New project. Name it after your friend, like "Gretchen, My Private Chef," and create it.
- Paste in her instructions. Inside the project, open the three-dot menu near the top and choose Project settings. Paste her instructions from your download into the instructions box and save.
- Say hello. Start a new chat inside her project and type "Hi Gretchen, I'm ready to get started." Use your own friend's name in place of Gretchen's.
- Help her remember you. At the end of that first chat she'll write a short set of notes. Open Project settings again and paste them at the very bottom of her instructions.
Setting her up in Claude
- Create your free account. Go to claude.ai on your computer and sign up with your email or Google account.
- Start a new project. In the menu on the left, choose Projects, followed by the + New Project button. Name it after your friend and save it.
- Paste in her instructions. Inside the project, find Set project instructions on the right side. Paste her instructions from your download and click Save instructions.
- Say hello. Start a chat inside her project and type "Hi Gretchen, I'm ready to get started," using your friend's name.
- Help her remember you. At the end of that first chat she'll write a short set of notes. Open Set project instructions again and paste them at the very bottom.
Quick fixes for common questions
I can't find the projects button on my phone.
The first setup is easiest on a computer, where every button is in plain view. Go to chatgpt.com or claude.ai in your web browser, set her up there, and she'll appear in the app on your phone afterward.
I saw a message saying I've reached my limit.
Both free plans limit how much you can chat in a few hours. You haven't done anything wrong, and you can come back a little later to pick up right where you left off.
She doesn't seem to remember my family.
Make sure you're chatting inside her project, not in a regular chat, and that the notes she wrote in your first conversation are pasted at the bottom of her instructions.
Claude won't let me create another project.
Claude's free plan holds up to five projects at a time. You can delete one you no longer use, set the new friend up in ChatGPT, or move to Claude's paid Pro plan for more room.
Can I change her instructions later?
Of course, and you can open her project settings anytime to add a detail, like a new allergy or a new practice night, and save.
Still stuck? Send us a note and we'll help you get her up and running.