System message

Last updated Jul 17, 2026

The API role that sets **global instructions** for the assistant — tone, rules, and scope for the whole chat.

#When to use

Every production app: "You are a support bot. Never invent refund amounts."

Never paste secrets into system text that might leak in logs or client errors.

{"role": "system", "content": "Answer in 3 bullets. Cite the doc."}