OpenAI increases ChatGPT personality modes from five to eight with the GPT-5.1 update, adding Professional, Candid and Quirky.
Each mode changes only the tone such as Friendly, Efficient or Cynical so users do not need to rewrite prompts for different styles.
The update makes chats feel more natural and keeps the chosen personality active across sessions, with GPT-5.2 expected to improve personalisation further.
OpenAI’s new GPT-5.1 update adds three more personality options, increasing the list from five to eight. This wider range is a big step toward making the AI feel less robotic and more like someone you can actually talk to. Since people use ChatGPT for creative projects, work messages, casual conversations, and quick problem-solving all in one place, having built-in tones you can switch between instantly is really useful. The update is exciting because it removes the need to constantly rewrite your prompts just to change the style, making ChatGPT feel much more personal and easy to use.
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ChatGPT currently has eight personalities available, including Default, Professional, Friendly, Candid, Quirky, Efficient, Nerdy, and Cynical. Each one of the presets shifts the tone of responses without changing the knowledge base. What this means for users is that they won’t have to repeat style instructions each time; instead, they can simply use whatever personality best fits the moment.
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Each tone has its purpose. Here’s a breakdown for each tone:
- Professional provides polished, work-ready responses.
- Friendly is warm and conversational.
- Nerdy leans into enthusiasm and detail.
- Cynical adds a cutting edge of sarcasm.
- Candid keeps things straightforward and clear.
- Quirky introduces a playful, offbeat phrasing.
- Efficient is brief and to the point.
- Default has been renewed to sound more natural and balanced.
Until recently, there were only five personalities. With GPT-5.1, OpenAI added Professional, Candid, and Quirky. It also renamed two of the older modes. The mode previously named Listener is now Friendly, and Robots has been renamed as Efficient. Nerdy and Cynical remain just as they were, continuing to offer their signature tones. The larger update follows OpenAI’s trend of making conversations sound even more like humans, including keeping the chosen personality active through extended chatty sessions and even across new conversations.
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It also comes at a time when public complaints over the demise of GPT-4o still feel fresh. Reports now indicate GPT-5.2 is also ready for launch and will likely introduce smoother tones or, for those who want even deeper personalisation, perhaps more personality options.
How to use personality modes on ChatGPT
Using the new personality modes in GPT5.1 is easy. Simply follow the steps below:
- Launch the ChatGPT app or on the web.
- Press your profile icon and select Personalisation.
- Look for ‘Base style and tone’ and choose your preferred personality.
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Bhaskar Sharma
Bhaskar is a senior copy editor at Digit India, where he simplifies complex tech topics across iOS, Android, macOS, Windows, and emerging consumer tech. His work has appeared in iGeeksBlog, GuidingTech, and other publications, and he previously served as an assistant editor at TechBloat and TechReloaded. A B.Tech graduate and full-time tech writer, he is known for clear, practical guides and explainers. View Full Profile
