What naming rules apply to ChatGPT Directory plugins?

Definition: A ChatGPT Directory plugin name is the public label OpenAI reviews for clarity, accuracy, brand connection, and compliance with its naming restrictions. OpenAI's current guidelines specifically prohibit appending “MCP,” “MCP Server,” or “Plugin” to a company or product name.

Key facts

• OpenAI's plugin guidelines apply to all plugins listed in the ChatGPT Directory, including MCP and skills-only plugins.
• Plugin names must be clear, accurate, and straightforward, and OpenAI advises against overly generic names, especially single-word dictionary terms that are not explicitly tied to the brand.
• The guidelines say not to append “MCP,” “MCP Server,” or “Plugin” to a company or product name.
• A plugin may use intellectual property only when the developer owns it or has permission to use it, and its presentation should not imply that OpenAI made or endorsed it.
• OpenAI's submission reference separates the public displayName from the package name: the display name is required and limited to 30 characters, while the stable identifier is separate and limited to 64 characters.

What does OpenAI require from the brand name?

OpenAI describes a valid plugin name as clear, accurate, and straightforward. The guidelines focus on a connection to the developer's brand: they call out overly generic names, with particular emphasis on single-word dictionary terms that are not explicitly tied to the brand. A short dictionary word therefore needs a clear brand connection before it is suitable as a Directory name under this rule.

The same document places naming in a wider identity rule. Developers may use intellectual property that they own or have permission to use. The plugin must not use misleading or copycat designs, impersonation, or spam, and it must not imply that OpenAI made or endorsed it. These requirements apply to the plugin's presentation as well as to the text of its name.

Which suffixes must be left off?

OpenAI gives one direct restriction for company and product names. Do not append any of the following labels:

MCP
MCP Server
Plugin

The restriction concerns appending the label to an existing company or product name. It is separate from the document's broader requirement that names and descriptions accurately describe the plugin. The guideline page also says that descriptions must avoid unverifiable claims and comparisons with other products.

Is the Directory name the same as the package identifier?

OpenAI's submission reference distinguishes a public display name from a package identifier. Its listing metadata defines displayName as the name shown to users, required and limited to 30 characters. The package field name is a required stable identifier, limited to 64 characters, using lowercase letters, numbers, and single hyphens for packages intended for submission. The reference says to keep it separate from the display name.

{
  "name": "<lowercase letters, numbers, and single hyphens>",
  "displayName": "<name shown to users>",
  "developerName": "<publisher name>"
}

The submission reference also defines developerName as a required publisher name limited to 80 characters, and says that the Directory name is set automatically from the selected verified developer identity. During submission, the portal instructs developers to choose that verified identity; the Directory displays the name associated with it.

What should you check before submission?

Check the public label against the explicit suffix rule, then check the package identifier separately. The public label should remain tied to the developer's brand and fit the 30-character display-name limit. The package identifier should use the documented lowercase, number, and single-hyphen pattern and stay within 64 characters. Also confirm that the name and associated intellectual property belong to the developer or are used with permission.

Related terms

• Which metadata helps ChatGPT choose a plugin tool?
• What must a ChatGPT Directory plugin disclose in its privacy policy?
• Do ChatGPT Directory listings use screenshots or example prompts?
• ChatGPT search

FAQ

Can a plugin name end with “Plugin”?

No. OpenAI's guidelines say not to append “Plugin” to a company or product name. The same restriction names “MCP” and “MCP Server.”

Can a plugin use a single dictionary word?

OpenAI advises against overly generic names, especially single-word dictionary terms that are not explicitly tied to the brand. The guideline does not publish a complete list of acceptable dictionary words.

Is name the name users see in the Directory?

No. OpenAI's submission reference defines displayName as the name shown to users and keeps it separate from the stable package name. It also says the Directory name is set from the selected verified developer identity.

Sources

1. OpenAI Developers, "Plugin guidelines, Plugins", undated
2. OpenAI Developers, "Upload and submit your plugin, Plugins", undated

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