Quickstart

The ChatGPT desktop app is available for Windows and macOS. Use it for projects, local files, longer tasks, and quick chats.

1. Install the ChatGPT desktop app. Choose the version for your operating system from the desktop app page.

2. Open the ChatGPT desktop app and sign in. Sign in with your ChatGPT account. You may also use Codex with an API key, though some features might not be available.

3. Select where ChatGPT should work. Start a chat, create a project, or open a folder. ChatGPT can read and modify files in the folder you choose. Learn more about chats and projects.

4. Start a chat.

   • For research, analysis, or deliverables such as documents, presentations, spreadsheets, and Sites, select ChatGPT, then switch to Work at the top of the new chat page, above the composer.
   • For software development with codebase context and developer tools, select Codex from the ChatGPT dropdown.
   • For a quick question or chat, select ChatGPT, then select Chat in the switcher at the top of the new chat page, above the composer. In Codex, point to New chat, then select the Quick chat icon on its right.

   Learn more about using ChatGPT.

5. Send your first message. Describe your goal and add any files or context ChatGPT needs. Try one of these examples:

   Review the reports and notes in this project, compare the options, and create a one-page decision memo with a recommendation, risks, open questions, and source links.

   Combine the spreadsheets in this folder, clean inconsistent records, identify the most important trends, and create a concise report with charts and plain-English takeaways.

   Inspect this app, identify one high-impact usability improvement, implement it, update the relevant tests, and verify the result on mobile and desktop.

   Explore more use cases.

ChatGPT is available on the web and includes Chat and ChatGPT Work.

1. Open ChatGPT and sign in. Go to chatgpt.com and sign in with your ChatGPT account.

2. Start a chat.

   • Select Chat to ask questions, explore ideas, and work through a topic conversationally.
   • Select Work to research, analyze information, and create documents, presentations, spreadsheets, Sites, or other finished work.

   Learn more about using ChatGPT.

3. Select where ChatGPT should work. Start a chat or select a project. Projects can include chats, files, and instructions.

4. Send your first message. Describe your goal and add any files or context ChatGPT needs. Try one of these examples:

   Research whether I should [decision], compare the best options, explain the tradeoffs for my situation, and recommend one with citations.

   Every weekday at 8:00 a.m., review my connected calendar and recent messages, then send me a briefing with today's priorities, meeting prep, replies I owe, and blockers.

   Help me plan my event. Ask me about the occasion, guests, date, location, budget, and anything else you need. Then create a timeline, budget, invitation copy, and checklist, and publish a Site I can use to invite guests and collect RSVPs.