Short answerDifferent models weigh instructions differently. Fix it by shortening and structuring the instructions, putting the most important rules first, removing contradictions and testing one change at a time.
Common causes
- Too long or messy. A wall of text buries the rules that matter.
- Conflicting rules. "Be brief" and "always explain fully" cannot both win.
- References to features that no longer exist. Lines about ChatGPT tools confuse the new setup: rewrite them.
- The model is different. The same text can behave differently on another model.
Fix it step by step
- Reproduce the problem with one specific question.
- Rewrite the instructions with short headings: Role, Goal, Rules, Format, Examples.
- Put the rule being ignored first and state it plainly ("Always end with a link to the pricing page").
- Add one example of a good answer.
- Change one thing at a time and rerun your test prompts.
If a file seems ignored rather than the instructions, see knowledge file problems.
Check your GPT before you move it
Paste your instructions, file names and Actions schema into the free checker. It runs in your browser and builds a portable bundle. Nothing is uploaded.
Open the free checker