Build your own AI helper. No coding needed.

First, what's the difference?

Plans and features change often. Facts above checked October 21, 2026, on each company's own help pages (see Sources).

Step 1: Choose one clear job

The Grok Bot docs put it well: focused bots work better than one catch-all helper. Good first jobs: "Turn my notes into a weekly to-do list," "Explain money words in plain English," or "Draft friendly replies to customer emails."

Step 2: Write instructions like you'd brief a new helper

Google suggests covering four things: a persona (who it acts as), the task, the context, and the format you want. Add what it should never do.

Step 3: Build it in your tool

Option A: Grok Bot

1. Install the Grok Bot app (macOS, Windows or Linux; there's also a mobile app) and sign in with your Cursor account.
2. Choose Create your own (or New → Create new Bot) and give it a short name, one job and a description of how it should work.
3. Give it a first task that states the outcome, the sources, what to avoid, what to return, and when to stop and check with you.
4. When it needs to sign in somewhere, it asks you to take over and type the password yourself.
5. When the process works, ask it to save it as a skill or a routine.

Option B: Gemini Gem (free with a Google account)

1. On a computer, go to gemini.google.com and sign in.
2. Open the sidebar, click Gems, then New Gem.
3. Enter a name and instructions. Tip: click Use Gemini to re-write instructions to polish them.
4. Optional: add files under "Knowledge."
5. Test it in the preview, then click Save. Previewing doesn't save automatically.

If your account already shows skills instead of Gems, Google says you can also create one by asking Gemini in a regular chat, for example "Create a skill that formats my weekly status reports."

Option C: Custom GPT (work or school workspaces)

1. In a Business, Enterprise or Edu workspace that allows it, go to chatgpt.com/gpts and select Create.
2. Describe what you want in the builder, or fill in the name, description, instructions and conversation starters yourself.
3. Optional: upload files as "Knowledge."
4. Test in Preview, then select Create.

Step 4: Test it, then improve it

Try 3 to 5 real requests. When it gets something wrong, add a clear line to the instructions. OpenAI's own tip: “Before adding more tools, tighten instructions and add examples.”

Stay safe

Common questions

Do I need to know how to code?

No. All three options on this page are set up by typing plain instructions.

Can I still make a custom GPT on a regular ChatGPT account?

Not a new one. OpenAI's help center says new GPT creation isn't available on personal accounts (Free, Go, Plus and Pro). Business, Enterprise and Edu workspaces can still create GPTs if their settings allow, and OpenAI plans to retire custom GPTs in favor of Plugins. It says retirement for Enterprise workspaces is planned for December 11, 2026, with other plans expected to follow.

What's happening to Gemini Gems?

Google says Gems on personal accounts will transition to “skills” starting in November 2026, and existing Gems will be migrated automatically.

How much does it cost?

It depends on the tool and changes often. Grok Bot needs an eligible paid Cursor or SuperGrok plan, according to its docs. Check each tool's own plan page for current prices.

Have fun building,
Dontè, Ask It Simply