# Create a Chirp by hand

> Start a new Chirp, choose its name and web address, and save it as a draft only you can see.

Source: https://www.chirpbuilder.com/help/chirps/create-by-hand  
Plans: Essentials, Creator, Business, Academy  
Last checked: 2026-10-26

When you're done, you'll have a new Chirp saved as a draft, ready to fill in and test.

**Who can do this:** the account owner on any plan, and team members who can edit Chirps.

**What you'll need:** a plan. Your OpenRouter key isn't needed to save a Chirp, only to try it.

## Start the Chirp

1. In the menu, click **Chirps**, then **Create Chirp**. The editor opens with **Not saved yet** at the
   top. Nothing exists until you save.
2. Type a **Name** (1). It's the only thing you must fill in, up to 80 characters. (If the name has
   fewer than three letters or numbers, such as "AI", type a **Web address** yourself too.)

   ![The editor for a new Chirp: Not saved yet at the top, the Name box empty, and the Save button.](https://mjmtbasmrtksluvlnema.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/public/help-media/web-optimized/chirps/create-by-hand/SS-CHIRP-010-01__new-chirp__essentials__desktop__v01.webp?v=a0a1128f76)

3. Fill in as much of the rest as you like now. Each section is explained in its own guide:
   [instructions](https://www.chirpbuilder.com/help/chirps/instructions), [conversation starters](https://www.chirpbuilder.com/help/chirps/conversation-starters), the
   [picture and description](https://www.chirpbuilder.com/help/chirps/identity), and the [AI model](https://www.chirpbuilder.com/help/openrouter/choose-a-model).
4. Click **Save** (2), or press Ctrl+S (Cmd+S on a Mac). The top of the page now says **All changes
   saved**, and the Chirp appears on your **Chirps** page as a **Draft**.

Moving a Custom GPT? Paste its instructions into section **2. Instructions**. The editor also offers a
shortcut at the top: import a Custom GPT instead of copying it by hand.

## Web address

Every Chirp has its own link: chirpbuilder.com/c/ followed by its **Web address**. The address fills
itself in from the name as you type; change it if you like.

![The Web address box showing /c/ seed-swap-club, filled in from the name, with the word Available under it.](https://mjmtbasmrtksluvlnema.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/public/help-media/web-optimized/chirps/create-by-hand/SS-CHIRP-010-02__web-address__essentials__detail__v01.webp?v=2fdbad0260)

- Use 3 to 60 lowercase letters, numbers and dashes, starting and ending with a letter or number.
- Under the box you'll see **Available** or **Already taken**.
- Once the Chirp has been published, the address can't change, because people may already have the
  link.

## If it doesn't work

- **"Give your Chirp a name first."** The **Name** box is empty.
- **"That web address is already taken."** Another Chirp uses it. Change a word or add a number.
- **"Choose a Chirp Builder plan to create or change Chirps."** Your account needs an active plan.
- **You leave the page with unsaved changes.** Chirp Builder asks first: **Stay**, **Leave without
  saving** or **Save and leave**.