Project in ChatGPT
A custom project folder AI assistant
A custom project folder AI assistant
Written by Martin Ågren - May 30, 2026
Custom AI Assistant
Projects in ChatGPT are a type of custom AI assistant, quite similar to a Custom GPT (which is another type of custom AI assistant within ChatGPT).
Folder for Chats
Projects in ChatGPT are also a folder/location where you can save chats you have had with ChatGPT.
Files
You can upload files to this assistant, which it has access to every time you start a new chat.
Instructions
You provide the assistant with a set of instructions that it should always follow every time you start a new chat with it.
· Formal name in ChatGPT is: "Project"
· Name I usually use: "Project folder assistant"
I prefer this name because it is more pedagogical. From the name itself, you can tell that it is about a project, a folder, and an assistant. It also provides a clearer description of what it actually is. The word "project" feels vague given that, in practice, it is a customized AI assistant that also serves as a folder for storing chats.
Customize behavior & knowledge of ChatGPT:
You don't need to repeat prompts as often - Save time & energy
Easier to find chats that are saved in folders.
Slightly faster/easier to create/edit projects than GPTs.
Share projects with the team via ChatGPT Business.
You decide which instructions and information you want to give to the assistant. It is both simple and difficult at the same time. Simple, because you are free to do whatever you want. Difficult, because only your imagination sets the limits for how you can configure your assistant and how you can use it.
Tip: Keep in mind that you can define commands that you can use to control your assistant.
Here is how you create a project-folder assistant in ChatGPT:
Create:
In ChatGPT, to the left, click 📁 "New project".
Name:
In the field "Project name", give your new assistant a name, for example "Management Team Assistant".
Memory:
Optional: Click Gear icon ⚙️ for Memory settings. The assistant can be allowed to see history from old/other chats in the same project folder.
Next step:
Click the button "Create project"
File upload:
Click tab "Sources".
Click button "Add sources".
Upload file or create txt file with content.
Color & icon:
Next to the project name, click Folder icon. 📁
Click/choose a color 🟢🔵🟠🟣 for your project icon.
Click on the icon shape 📶⭐🖋️ you want.
Click Close menu.
Instructions box:
Upper right corner, click ⋯ Triple dots to see️ Project settings. ⚙️
In the box "instructions" write context and instructions for the assistant.
For MANAGERS and LEADERS
A project-folder assistant (or several) can be very useful for you. You can avoid repetitive tasks (such as often writing the same types of instructions for the AI). You can choose to have an assistant for yourself and/or share your assistant with others, for example within the management team.