Explainer · custom GPTs
What is a custom GPT, and why is it retiring?
Last updated · By Chris Tabb, founder · Sources checked November 13, 2026
§ 01
What is a custom GPT?
Custom GPTs let anyone package instructions, uploaded knowledge files, built-in tools such as web search or data analysis, and custom actions that call other services, then share that setup with a team or the public. Many companies used them as lightweight internal assistants: a proposal writer, a policy helper, a support triage bot.
§ 02
Why are custom GPTs being retired?
OpenAI says it is transitioning custom GPTs to plugins, which bring reusable instructions, reference files, and connected apps together so guidance can work alongside the tools a task needs. Projects in ChatGPT are suggested for people who only used a GPT to keep instructions and files together.
OpenAI notes the transition includes all ChatGPT plans, though creation limits and migration access depend on your account or workspace. Follow the notice for yours.
§ 03
What moves to a plugin, and what does not
| Part of your GPT | After migration |
|---|---|
| Instructions | Become a skill inside the new plugin |
| Knowledge files | Copied into the plugin’s reference files |
| Connected apps | Added to the plugin as apps |
| Custom actions | Do not transfer. Rebuild on a supported app’s actions or a custom MCP server |
| Selected model | Does not carry over. In Enterprise, Enterprise defaults apply |
| The original GPT | Read-only after migration; stops working at retirement |
Our honest take
The instructions are the easy part. The custom actions are where migrations slip, so inventory those first.
§ 04
Custom GPT vs workspace agent vs plugin
A plugin is the direct successor: a reusable package of skills and apps. A workspace agent is a separate option for Business and Enterprise when the work is scheduled, shared, triggered from Slack, or started by an API call. A Project suits a GPT you only used for your own ongoing work. Some GPTs should become one of these, and some should simply be retired.
§ 05
How to migrate before December 11
The short version: in My GPTs, select Migrate to plugin, rebuild any custom actions, test, and reshare. The full step-by-step, the admin permissions, and the Project alternative are in how to migrate custom GPTs, and you can track each GPT with the custom GPT migration checklist.
§ FAQ
Questions we hear
What is a custom GPT?
A custom GPT is a version of ChatGPT configured with your own instructions, knowledge files, tools, and custom actions, which you can share with others. OpenAI is retiring custom GPTs and moving creators to plugins.
When are custom GPTs being retired?
OpenAI’s standard scheduled retirement is December 11, 2026. FedRAMP workspaces and Enterprise workspaces with a qualifying, approved deferral have until February 11, 2027. Follow the notice for your own workspace.
What replaces custom GPTs?
Plugins. During migration a GPT’s instructions become a skill, its knowledge files become reference files, and connected apps are added as apps. A Project is OpenAI’s suggested alternative for personal ongoing work. Workspace agents are a separate product for scheduled or shared workflows on Business and Enterprise.
Do custom actions carry over?
No. OpenAI says GPT custom actions do not transfer. Plan to replace them with a supported app’s read or write actions, or a custom MCP server.
Can I still edit my GPT?
Yes, until you migrate it or it retires. Once migrated, the original GPT becomes read-only, so finish essential edits first.
What does Appearly charge to migrate custom GPTs?
Custom GPT migration starts at $2,500, billed as a fixed fee after a short review. Appearly is not affiliated with OpenAI.
Keep reading
Sources · checked November 13, 2026
- OpenAI Help Center: Custom GPT retirement and migration FAQ
- ChatGPT Learn: Moving your custom GPT workflows to plugins
- OpenAI Help Center: GPTs in ChatGPT
OpenAI figures are OpenAI’s, quoted as published on the date checked. Appearly is not affiliated with OpenAI. ChatGPT is a trademark of OpenAI.