[GH-ISSUE #19049] feat: general system prompt shouldn't overwrite system prompt of custom model #34286

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GiteaMirror · 2026-04-25T08:13:04-05:00

GiteaMirror commented

2026-04-25 08:13:04 -05:00

Originally created by @burntcouscous on GitHub (Nov 8, 2025).
Original GitHub issue: https://github.com/open-webui/open-webui/issues/19049

Check Existing Issues

I have searched for all existing open AND closed issues and discussions for similar requests. I have found none that is comparable to my request.

Verify Feature Scope

I have read through and understood the scope definition for feature requests in the Issues section. I believe my feature request meets the definition and belongs in the Issues section instead of the Discussions.

Problem Description

In setttings > general I have a system prompt. I also created a custom model entry (workaspace > models> ) and added a system prompt. When I start a chat with that model it uses the 'general' system prompt instead of the one specifically definid in the model.

I can see this from the sqlite db as well as from how it responds.

Desired Solution you'd like

Imo the general system prompt should work as a default-fallback. Not like a global that overwrites more specifically defined system prompts on custom models.

Alternatives Considered

No response

Additional Context

No response

Originally created by @burntcouscous on GitHub (Nov 8, 2025). Original GitHub issue: https://github.com/open-webui/open-webui/issues/19049 ### Check Existing Issues - [x] I have searched for all existing **open AND closed** issues and discussions for similar requests. I have found none that is comparable to my request. ### Verify Feature Scope - [x] I have read through and understood the scope definition for feature requests in the Issues section. I believe my feature request meets the definition and belongs in the Issues section instead of the Discussions. ### Problem Description In setttings > general I have a system prompt. I also created a custom model entry (workaspace > models> <my custom model>) and added a system prompt. When I start a chat with that model it uses the 'general' system prompt instead of the one specifically definid in the model. I can see this from the sqlite db as well as from how it responds. ### Desired Solution you'd like Imo the general system prompt should work as a default-fallback. Not like a global that overwrites more specifically defined system prompts on custom models. ### Alternatives Considered _No response_ ### Additional Context _No response_

GiteaMirror closed this issue

2026-04-25 08:13:05 -05:00

GiteaMirror commented

2026-04-25 08:13:06 -05:00

@tjbck commented on GitHub (Nov 8, 2025):

@silentoplayz setting level system prompt should be appended to the existing system prompt is this not the case currently?

@tjbck commented on GitHub (Nov 8, 2025): @silentoplayz setting level system prompt should be appended to the existing system prompt is this not the case currently?

GiteaMirror commented

2026-04-25 08:13:07 -05:00

@silentoplayz commented on GitHub (Nov 8, 2025):

@silentoplayz setting level system prompt should be appended to the existing system prompt is this not the case currently?

Yes, I can confirm that a model level system prompt is appended to the existing system prompt in Settings -> General. This applies for both base models and custom models. This same behavior occurs as expected if I was to remove the system prompt from Settings -> General and place the system prompt in the chat controls sidebar within a chat.

@silentoplayz commented on GitHub (Nov 8, 2025): > [@silentoplayz](https://github.com/silentoplayz) setting level system prompt should be appended to the existing system prompt is this not the case currently? Yes, I can confirm that a model level system prompt is appended to the existing system prompt in Settings -> General. This applies for both base models and custom models. This same behavior occurs as expected if I was to remove the system prompt from Settings -> General and place the system prompt in the chat controls sidebar within a chat.

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Reference: github-starred/open-webui#34286