Feature Request: Project Instructions for Local Projects in ChatGPT Desktop Work
I would like to request an improvement to the way local projects work in the ChatGPT Desktop app.
Current behavior
When I open a local folder in ChatGPT Desktop and use Work, a local project is created for that folder.
However, this local project does not appear to provide the same kind of persistent project-specific instructions that are available in regular cloud-based ChatGPT Projects.
As a result, I cannot define rules that should always apply when working in that local project.
For example:
- file naming conventions
- output folder rules
- writing style and tone
- document formatting rules
- whether existing files may be overwritten
- change log requirements
- files that should always be read before starting work
- operations that should or should not be performed
These are especially important in Work, because Work can directly modify files in the local filesystem.
Problem
Cloud Projects can hold project-specific instructions, but they cannot be directly linked to a local working folder in a way that allows Desktop Work to operate on that folder as part of the same project.
On the other hand, opening a local folder creates a separate local project.
This creates two separate entry points:
- Cloud Project — contains project instructions and conversation context
- Local Project — can directly work with local files
Because these are separate, users must either duplicate instructions or repeatedly provide the same operational rules in each Work session.
This makes long-term project management difficult and reduces the usefulness of the project concept.
Requested improvement
Ideally, one or both of the following should be supported:
Option 1: Project Instructions for local projects
Allow local projects created from Desktop Work folders to have persistent Project Instructions, similar to cloud-based ChatGPT Projects.
Option 2: Link a local working folder to an existing cloud Project
Allow an existing cloud Project to be associated with a local folder so that Desktop Work can directly read and modify files in that folder while still using the Project’s existing instructions, files, and conversation context.
Why this would help
For users who manage long-running projects with many files, project-specific instructions are not just conversational preferences. They are operational rules for how files should be handled.
The ability to combine:
- persistent Project Instructions
- Project conversation context
- direct local file access
- Desktop Work
would make ChatGPT much more practical for ongoing document production, software development, research, and other structured project workflows.
Thank you for considering this improvement.