To set global instructions in Claude, go to your account or app settings and look for Instructions for Claude or Global Instructions , then paste the behavior you want Claude to follow in all conversations. Claude’s support docs say these instructions are account-wide, while project instructions apply only inside a specific project.

What to write

Use short, explicit rules such as:

  • Your preferred tone.
  • Formatting preferences.
  • Writing style or output structure.
  • Terms, names, or domain conventions you want Claude to use.
  • Things it should always do or avoid.

A simple example is: “Be concise, use bullet points for steps, ask clarifying questions when the request is ambiguous, and never invent facts.” That kind of instruction works better than a long paragraph because it is easier for Claude to apply consistently.

Best placement

Claude’s documentation distinguishes between profile/account instructions for all chats and project instructions for one workspace or project. If you want the instruction to apply everywhere, put it in the account-level instructions rather than inside a single project.

Practical tip

Keep global instructions stable and broad, and put task-specific details in the chat or project itself. Claude Code docs also describe reusable configuration patterns for behavior and workflow, which is why many people separate general rules from project-level guidance.

Example instruction block

You could paste something like this:

  • Always answer in clear, direct English.
  • Use short paragraphs and bullets for procedures.
  • Ask one clarifying question if the request is vague.
  • Do not add extra explanation unless it helps.
  • Prefer practical steps over theory.

That gives Claude a consistent default behavior without overloading it with too many exceptions.

TL;DR

Global instructions are the account-wide rules Claude should follow in every chat, and the usual path is Settings → Instructions for Claude or a similar global-instructions section depending on the product.