Custom Instructions

Last updated: September 4, 2026

Custom Instructions

Custom Instructions is a free-text field where you tell Highlight how you like to work. Think of it as a note that Highlight reads before every conversation, so you don't have to repeat yourself. Whatever you put here carries across every chat and interaction.

If you've used other AI tools, this is the same idea as a claude.md file or the Custom Instructions setting in ChatGPT.

What to put in it

Write in plain sentences, the way you'd explain your preferences to a new coworker. For example:

  • Tone and format: "Never use em-dashes." "Keep responses under three paragraphs."

  • Details you share often: your scheduling link, your team name, your email signature

  • Corrections: if Highlight keeps getting something wrong, tell it here and it will stop

  • Background about you: your role, what you're working on, who your audience usually is

Two ways to update it

  1. In settings. Go to Settings > Account > Highlight Profile and edit the Custom Instructions box directly.

  2. In chat. Just ask. Say something like "update my custom instructions to include that I never use em-dashes" and Highlight will make the change.

You don't have to write everything at once. Most people start with one or two preferences and add more as they notice things they'd like Highlight to do differently.

Custom Instructions vs My Knowledge Base: My Knowledge Base is reference material Highlight can look things up in: Documents, specs, decks, playbooks. It's static content you want Highlight to be able to cite or draw from when answering questions or doing work. It doesn't change how Highlight behaves, it just gives Highlight more to work with.

To access Custom Instructions, go to Settings —> Account —> Highlight Profile