Projects, GPTs, Gems — custom assistants
Drop in files + instructions to make a focused helper for one job.
Every major chat app has a way to create a custom assistant — a folder of related chats with shared files and instructions. Different names, same idea.
| App | Feature name | Shareable |
|---|---|---|
| ChatGPT | Projects, Custom GPTs | Yes (GPT Store) |
| Claude.ai | Projects | Team plans only |
| Gemini | Gems | Yes |
| Perplexity | Spaces | Yes |
| Mistral Le Chat | Agents | Yes |
The shared anatomy
Custom instructionsSystem prompt prepended to every chat inside
Knowledge filesDocuments uploaded once, referenced always
ChatsEach conversation saved and named
When to make one
- Work projects. "Q4 launch" — brief + brand + spec attached.
- Hobbies. "Sourdough", "Italy trip", "Mom's eulogy".
- Studies. "Linear algebra" with lecture notes.
Mental model. Plain chat = a conversation with a smart stranger.
Custom assistant = a conversation with someone who already read your briefing pack.