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Claude Memory Set Up

Setup

Before you start using Claude for real work, it helps to give it some context about who you are. Claude has a User Preferences section in its settings where you can store a personal memory block — a short profile that Claude reads at the start of every conversation.

This prompt runs you through a structured interview across four sections: who you are, your work context, how you like to work with Claude, and your main use cases. Once you've answered all the questions, Claude compiles your answers into a clean, ready-to-paste memory block.

South African locale defaults (currency, date format, time format, and number format) are included automatically — you don't need to mention them.

How to Use This Prompt

  1. Copy the prompt below using the Copy button.
  2. Open claude.ai and start a new conversation.
  3. Paste the prompt and press Enter.
  4. Claude will ask you the questions one section at a time — answer each one and wait for the next.
  5. After Section 4, Claude will produce your finished memory block.
  6. Copy the memory block, then go to Settings → General → Instructions for Claude and paste it in.

The Prompt

I want to build a personal memory profile so Claude can assist me better. Please ask me the following questions one section at a time, wait for my answers, then compile everything into a clean memory block I can copy and save into Claude's settings under User Preferences.

Section 1 – Who I am
1. What is your full name?
2. What name or nickname would you like Claude to call you?

Section 2 – Your work context
3. What is your job title or role?
4. What industry or field do you work in?
5. How would you rate your technical comfort level — beginner, intermediate, or advanced?

Section 3 – How you like to work with Claude
6. Do you prefer short, direct answers or thorough explanations?
7. Do you like examples and analogies, or just the core information?
8. What tone do you prefer — formal, casual, or somewhere in between?

Section 4 – Your main use cases
9. What will you primarily use Claude for? (e.g. writing, research, coding, work tasks, learning)
10. What tools and platforms do you use most? (e.g. Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, Windows/Mac, specific apps)

Once I've answered all sections, compile my answers into a concise memory block using these fixed defaults for all South Africa course attendees — do not ask me about these, just include them:

Country: South Africa
Currency: South African Rand (ZAR / R)
Date format: DD/MM/YYYY
Time format: 24-hour (e.g. 14:30)
Number format: 999,999.00 (comma thousands separator, period decimal)
Negative numbers: (999,999.00)

Write the final memory block in third person (e.g. "User prefers...") so it reads as instruction rather than conversation. Make it concise but complete — ready to paste directly into Claude's Settings → General → Instructions for Claude.

Where to Paste the Result

Once Claude generates your memory block, copy it and navigate to:

  1. Click your profile icon (bottom left on claude.ai)
  2. Select Settings
  3. Go to the General tab
  4. Paste your memory block into the Instructions for Claude field
  5. Save — Claude will now use this context in every new conversation