How to Set Up Custom Instructions in DeepSeek
Last updated June 1, 2025
DeepSeek doesn't have a dedicated custom instructions feature yet, but you can achieve the same effect by pasting your BootFile as the first message in a new conversation. DeepSeek will acknowledge your preferences and apply them throughout the chat.
Open DeepSeek
Go to chat.deepseek.com and start a new conversation.
Paste Your BootFile
Copy your full BootFile instruction block and paste it as your first message. It's pre-formatted with a system instruction header that DeepSeek recognizes.
Wait for Acknowledgment
DeepSeek will read your instructions and confirm it understands your preferences. It will then apply them to all responses in the conversation.
Start Your Conversation
Ask your questions normally. DeepSeek will respond according to your reasoning style preferences for the rest of the conversation.
Tips
- Since DeepSeek doesn't have persistent instructions, you'll need to paste your BootFile at the start of each new conversation.
- Your BootFile includes a special system instruction format that DeepSeek responds well to.
- For best results, wait for DeepSeek to confirm it has read your instructions before asking your first real question.
- DeepSeek's reasoning mode (DeepThink) works especially well with BootFile instructions about thinking style.