Amplify: Create Custom Instructions

Creating Custom Instructions

Custom Instructions in Amplify allow users to define how the AI behaves across interactions. These settings shape response tone, structure, and decision-making. In this article, we will review the steps to creating custom instructions.

Custom Instructions Form

Steps to Create a Prompt Template

  1. Click on "+ Prompt Template" in the upper-right in the Prompt and Assistant Panel.
  2. Fill out the form

***Please note: This is the same form as the Prompt Template, but note near the bottom under template type, you select "Custom Instructions."

  • Name
    • Enter a descriptive name for the custom instructions.
  • Description (Optional)
    • Provide a brief overview of the instructions’ purpose.
    • Example: "Ensures responses follow an academic tone with well-structured citations."
  • Prompt
    • Define specific behavior or response patterns the AI should follow.
    • Use {{}} placeholders for dynamic inputs.
    • Example: "Respond in a formal and structured manner. When citing sources, use APA formatting. Ensure responses are concise but informative."
  • Conversation Tags (Optional)
    • Assign tags to categorize and filter this instruction for easy retrieval.
  • Template Type
    • Custom Instructions (default) – Defines AI behavior for specific use cases.
    • Prompt Template – If selected, the AI follows a predefined structured prompt instead.
    • Follow-up Button – Allows users to create quick-action buttons for follow-up interactions.
  • Save or Cancel
    • Click Save to apply the custom instruction for future use.
    • Click Cancel to discard changes.

Once saved, the custom instruction will be available in the Prompt and Assistant Panel and can be applied to conversations as needed.

Questions or Issues?

For any questions or issues related to Amplify, please submit a ticket by selecting the Report Issue button found on the Amplify GenAI Issue page located in the ITS service catalog, under Teaching, Learning, & Research.

Acknowledgement

Initial documentation structure, text, and images were provided by the Amplify open source GitHub repository (Vanderbilt, 2025, and 40AU), and parts have been modified by Carleton College.

Was this helpful?
0 reviews
Print Article