Model description (tooltip, often truncated) - already exists
System prompt (instructions to model, not user-visible) - already exists
This would be user-facing text displayed in the chat itself.
Originally created by @thekirkulees on GitHub (Feb 1, 2026).
Original GitHub issue: https://github.com/open-webui/open-webui/issues/21089
## Feature Request
Add an optional **welcome message** field for models that automatically displays when a user starts a new chat with that model.
## Use Case
Custom models/agents often have specific commands, capabilities, or usage instructions. Currently users must:
- Hover over a truncated description tooltip
- Type a help command manually
- Remember what the model does
A welcome message would surface this immediately, improving discoverability.
## Proposed Behavior
1. User selects a model and starts a new chat
2. If the model has a welcome message defined, it appears in the chat area (as a system message or assistant message)
3. User can then interact normally
## Configuration
Could be implemented as:
- **Per-model setting**: A `welcome_message` field in the model's meta configuration (Workspace → Models → Edit)
- **Global default**: Optional admin setting for a default welcome message when models don't define one
- **Or both**: Per-model overrides global
## Example
A model with custom slash commands could display:
```
Welcome! Here are my available commands:
• /brief - Daily portfolio summary
• /orders - Open orders
• /margin - Cash & margin status
...
```
## Similar Patterns
- ChatGPT custom GPTs show a conversation starter/intro
- Many chatbot platforms support welcome messages
- Slack bots often greet users with capabilities
## Notes
This is different from:
- **Prompt suggestions** (clickable buttons above input) - already exists
- **Model description** (tooltip, often truncated) - already exists
- **System prompt** (instructions to model, not user-visible) - already exists
This would be user-facing text displayed *in the chat itself*.
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Originally created by @thekirkulees on GitHub (Feb 1, 2026).
Original GitHub issue: https://github.com/open-webui/open-webui/issues/21089
Feature Request
Add an optional welcome message field for models that automatically displays when a user starts a new chat with that model.
Use Case
Custom models/agents often have specific commands, capabilities, or usage instructions. Currently users must:
A welcome message would surface this immediately, improving discoverability.
Proposed Behavior
Configuration
Could be implemented as:
welcome_messagefield in the model's meta configuration (Workspace → Models → Edit)Example
A model with custom slash commands could display:
Similar Patterns
Notes
This is different from:
This would be user-facing text displayed in the chat itself.