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ZDNET’s key takeaways
- ChatGPT will help with writing, analysis, pictures, information, and apps.
- Free customers can begin quick, however paid plans unlock greater limits.
- Initiatives, reminiscence, and voice mode make ChatGPT extra helpful.
It will likely be 4 years this fall since ChatGPT launched, turning AI from one thing most individuals talked to for enjoyable on their telephones or residence audio system right into a instrument they may use to debug code, create displays, generate pictures, store, and plan journeys. In reality, the phrase “chatbot” now feels somewhat too small, and possibly even dated, for what ChatGPT can do at the moment.
Additionally: I stopped using ChatGPT for everything: These AI models beat it
New use circumstances are continuously being developed for and due to AI, and ChatGPT itself now has to maintain up with an exploding business crammed with rivals, from Anthropic’s Claude to Google’s Gemini. Nonetheless, if you wish to attempt AI, the OG is an efficient place to start out. You’ll be able to sort, discuss, add a file, join an app, and let it generate away.
Methods to use ChatGPT (for learners)
What you may want: ChatGPT is out there on the net, desktop, or a cell app for iOS and Android. You needn’t create an account, however you most likely ought to. Perhaps begin with a free account, then resolve later whether or not upgrading to a paid plan is value it.
You should utilize ChatGPT in a browser at chatgpt.com or by way of the official mobile app for iOS and Android.
You’ll be able to attempt the app with out a lot setup, however creating an account provides you entry to longer and extra messages, in addition to your chat historical past, tasks, reminiscence, file uploads, Library, GPTs, and linked apps.
Additionally: How to learn ChatGPT in an hour – for free
On the internet, go to chatgpt.com and click on enroll or log in. Use your electronic mail, Google account, Apple account, Microsoft account, or quantity, if obtainable. On cell, obtain and open the app, and enroll the identical method.
ChatGPT Free customers get “restricted entry” to GPT-5.5, OpenAI’s latest model family. You’ll be able to ask the AI something through textual content or voice, and add information and generate pictures. However you may shortly hit utilization limits.
A paid plan raises limits and unlocks extra instruments and mannequin choices, reminiscent of GPT-5.5 Pondering and GPT-5.5 Professional.
Additionally: I put GPT-5.5 through a 10-round test: It scored 93/100
Free customers get about 10 messages each 5 hours, whereas Plus and Go customers get 160 each three hours. Plus customers can swap to GPT-5.5 Pondering for as much as 3,000 messages per week, whereas Go customers get 10 messages each 5 hours. Professional contains limitless Instantaneous and Pondering entry (subject to “abuse guardrails”), plus GPT-5.5 Professional.
Within the US, ChatGPT Go prices $8 per 30 days, Plus is $20 per 30 days, and Professional has $100 and $200 month-to-month tiers.
The ChatGPT interface is straightforward: a sidebar and a essential chat space with a composer.
On the internet and desktop app, click on the menu button within the top-left nook to open the sidebar. From there, you can begin a brand new chat, search previous chats, open your picture library, browse apps, entry sometimes-paywalled instruments like Codex, discover GPTs, open tasks, and see current chats. All of your stuff is within the left sidebar.
On the backside of the primary chat space is the composer, the place you sort your immediate or use the + instrument menu so as to add information, pictures, and extra. On the desktop, ChatGPT additionally contains the mannequin picker, a mic for dictation, and a Voice Mode button. On cell, the mannequin picker is on the prime of the chat as a substitute, close to the brand new chat button and extra menu choices.
Additionally: Switching to Claude? How to take your ChatGPT memories
On desktop, the highest of the primary space contains choices to share a chat, begin a brief chat, or open a extra menu, the place you possibly can group a chat, transfer a chat, archive it, or delete it. For personalization, profile, and different settings, open your profile within the bottom-left nook on desktop or the top-right nook of the sidebar on cell.
To pick out a mannequin on the net, search for the mannequin identify within the composer. (The identify beforehand additionally appeared on the prime of the primary chat space.) On cell, faucet the mannequin identify on the prime of the chat. Then, if obtainable, select the mannequin you need to use. Most individuals can go away ChatGPT on the default mannequin and get good outcomes.
As of June 2026, GPT-5.5 Instantaneous is the usual mannequin without cost and logged-in customers. Paid customers can use the mannequin picker to decide on that or another choice, GPT-5.5 Pondering, whereas Professional customers additionally get GPT-5.5 Professional.
Additionally: AI Model Release Tracker: Microsoft AI’s first reasoning model arrives
I might use GPT-5.5 Instantaneous for quick writing, summaries, brainstorming, and fundamental questions, and GPT-5.5 Pondering for deeper reasoning duties like analysis synthesis, coding assist, and spreadsheet evaluation. GPT-5.5 Professional is the heavy-duty model, meant for particularly advanced duties that profit from extra reasoning time.
Once you’re prepared to start out your first chat, click on or faucet New chat, sort your immediate within the composer, and press Enter or faucet Ship. Use Shift + Enter or Shift + Return so as to add line breaks. On the internet and cell, you can too dictate your immediate utilizing the mic button or begin a Voice Mode dialog by tapping the waveform button.
ZDNET has printed many articles about the art of prompt writing. It is usually not sufficient to provide ChatGPT directions. The trick is to provide it sufficient context to do the job effectively. You could want to explain the duty, possibly even the viewers, give it supply materials, present constraints reminiscent of format, and extra.
Additionally: Want better ChatGPT responses? Try this surprising trick, researchers say
As an alternative of “give me a LinkedIn picture,” attempt: “Use the hooked up picture of myself to create a LinkedIn-style skilled headshot I can use on my resume and at work. Don’t change my face, physique, or likeness.” My different recommendation is to immediate away. Maintain revising and following up till you are glad. You can begin a brand new chat if wanted.
Tip: Remember to make use of the instruments menu within the composer. To extra shortly entry them, sort /Picture, /Search, /DeepResearch, or “/” adopted by another instrument you need. Instruments assist ChatGPT to do extra duties for you.
Listed here are some guides to learn for additional assist:
What can I do with ChatGPT?
As soon as you’ve got gone by way of the above, you can begin utilizing ChatGPT for greater than fundamental questions. The use circumstances are almost limitless, however there are a couple of built-in ChatGPT options which can be particularly helpful for getting extra work accomplished, whether or not that is deep analysis studies, linked apps like Canva or Malwarebytes, or customized GPTs and tasks. Listed here are some issues you are able to do.
1. Search the online
- Who can entry? Paid and free, with utilization limits
ChatGPT can search the web while you want present or up-to-date data. Use it for information, costs, legal guidelines, product specs, software program updates, sports activities, climate, or anything which will have modified just lately.
All customers, paid and free, can use ChatGPT to look the online, although they’re constrained by their plan’s messaging limits.
Additionally: ChatGPT is reportedly scraping Google Search data to answer your questions – here’s how
On the internet, select Net Search from the instruments menu. On cell, select Plugins from the instruments menu, then Search. Or simply sort /Search on desktop and cell. Whichever method you select, attempt asking: “What did Google announce at I/O 2026?” You need to see ChatGPT shortly search completely different internet pages, and in the long run, you may get a abstract with clickable hyperlinks to main sources.
As at all times, you should definitely fact-check the solutions.
2. Use Deep Analysis
- Who can entry? Paid and free, with utilization limits
Deep Research is for greater questions. It will probably search throughout sources, examine data, and return a extra structured report with citations. Consider Net Search as being handed a bit of paper and your studying glasses. Deep Analysis is a folder.
On the internet or cell app, open the instruments menu and select Deep Analysis. It’s also possible to sort /Deep Analysis. When prepared, attempt asking ChatGPT a fancy, multi-part, hyper-specific query that requires context and reasoning. An instance:
“My grandfather was born in Quebec in 1945, moved to New York, and died there. I am 38, born in New York, and my mom is his New York-born daughter. As of 2026, am I a Canadian citizen by descent? How do I confirm my standing and procure authorized proof?”
Additionally: I tested ChatGPT’s Deep Research against Gemini, Perplexity, and Grok AI to see which is best
ChatGPT has modified Deep Analysis’s utilization limits a number of instances over the previous couple of years. Final I heard, free customers had entry to a restricted light-weight model, Plus customers bought 25 full studies a month, and Professional customers bought 250. I’ve contacted OpenAI for a remark.
3. Add information and analyze them
- Who can entry? Paid and free, with utilization limits
ChatGPT can work with PDFs, paperwork, spreadsheets, CSVs, pictures, and different supported information. This functionality is without doubt one of the AI’s most helpful instruments as a result of it allows you to ask questions on your personal materials as a substitute of pasting big blocks of textual content into the chat.
Additionally: I compared how Gemini, ChatGPT, and Claude can analyze videos – this model wins
On the internet or cell app, click on the + button, then select the file, attachment, or picture choice. Then enter your immediate: “Summarize this PDF in three bullets,” “Discover spelling errors on this draft,” “Flip this spreadsheet right into a chart,” or “Inform me the way to enhance my resume.” For information, ChatGPT can clear columns, calculate totals, spot patterns, and clarify what the numbers imply.
4. Hook up with apps like Canva
- Who can entry? Paid and free
Anybody can connect apps to ChatGPT to unlock new talents or get extra work accomplished. These apps have been usually referred to as connectors, however the fundamental thought is identical: You grant ChatGPT entry to a third-party service you utilize so it could actually search or use your linked information.
For instance, you possibly can join Google Drive to work together with your saved information. Or you possibly can add Canva after which immediate ChatGPT to create a presentation. Malwarebytes even has an app that permits you to ask ChatGPT whether or not an electronic mail, letter, or textual content you acquired is a rip-off. In chat, use @ mentions, the instruments menu, or a pure request like, “Search my Google Drive for the most recent finances spreadsheet.”
Additionally: How to use Canva in ChatGPT to build a stunning presentation in minutes – for free
However you first want to attach the app. On the internet or cell app, click on your profile icon, open Settings, then Apps, and browse the app listing. Select an app, click on Join, and full the permissions course of.
5. Create pictures and discover them in Library
- Who can entry? Paid and free, with utilization limits
ChatGPT can generate pictures and edit pictures you add. In my expertise, it helps to explain the topic, model, structure, colours, facet ratio, and any textual content that you simply need to seem in particular element. A weak immediate is “make a picture of a cat.” A greater one is: “Create a 16:9 editorial-style portrait of a Russian blue cat on a pink background with shiny lighting, HD decision, and no textual content.”
Additionally: I got an early look at ChatGPT Images 2.0, and it’s impressive – with one exception
On the internet, simply ask ChatGPT to create a picture, or choose Photos from the instruments menu, for those who see it. On cell, you possibly can sort the immediate or use the instruments button. After your picture seems, ask for adjustments in the identical chat, reminiscent of “make it brighter” or “hold the shiny lighting however change the pink background to purple.” To search out any picture later, open your Library within the left sidebar.
Like Deep Analysis, ChatGPT usually adjustments the utilization limits for picture era. The final numbers I discovered recommend free customers get a few pictures a day, Go customers get 20 to 30 pictures a day, Plus customers get about 50 pictures each three hours, and Professional is limitless.
Anybody with a ChatGPT account can create pictures, however you want an account to retailer them in a library, clearly.
6. Discover and use GPTs
- Who can entry? Paid and free, with utilization limits
GPTs are customized variations of ChatGPT constructed for particular duties. You’d mainly use a GPT while you desire a customized workflow.
Some GPTs assist with writing, coding, learning, design, analysis, or productiveness. Some are made by OpenAI, and customers or organizations make others. Whilst you can entry your GPTs on cell, I could not discover the choice to discover them.
Additionally: How to use ChatGPT to write code – and my top trick for debugging what it generates
On the internet, you possibly can open Explore GPTs from the sidebar. Search by subject, choose one, and begin chatting. On cell, you may simply see your personal GPTs within the sidebar above current chats. Free customers can use GPTs with limits, whereas creating GPTs requires a paid plan.
7. Create Initiatives
- Who can entry? Paid and free
Projects are like devoted workspaces for ongoing work. They hold associated chats, information, and directions collectively, so ChatGPT can use particular context with out making you re-explain every thing every time you resume. Consider Initiatives as folders that keep in mind.
Additionally: These 7 useful ChatGPT settings are turned off by default (and I can vouch for them)
On the internet or cell, select Initiatives within the sidebar, choose New venture, identify it, add directions, and add information. You should utilize a venture for a e-book, coding work, a analysis subject, a trip plan, or anything you need to hold organized. Your directions can inform ChatGPT what tone, viewers, formatting guidelines, and sources to make use of. Anybody with a ChatGPT account can save a venture.
8. Use Voice Mode
- Who can entry? Paid and free, with utilization limits
Voice Mode allows you to discuss with ChatGPT as a substitute of typing. This mode might be helpful for working towards a presentation, doing a mock interview, brainstorming, or dumping messy ideas out loud. On the internet or cell app, open a brand new chat and faucet the waveform icon. Then begin speaking, interrupt ChatGPT, or ask follow-up questions the way in which you’d in an actual one-on-one dialog.
Additionally: 7 surprisingly useful ways to use ChatGPT’s voice mode, from a former skeptic
As typical, free customers get restricted entry, whereas paid plans get extra.
9. Save recollections and personalize
- Who can entry? Paid and free
Final however not least, let’s discuss what ChatGPT can keep in mind about you. It has a Memory function that may keep in mind helpful particulars throughout chats — as much as 130, as I came upon just lately as a Plus person, earlier than being prompted to clear some. For instance, the AI can keep in mind my weight, top, identify, household, and different data I’ve instructed it, so I haven’t got to repeat myself when asking private questions.
However ChatGPT has different options that have an effect on its reminiscence. Customized directions allow you to inform ChatGPT the way you need it to reply. For instance, you possibly can inform it to by no means use em dashes in its responses. On the internet or cell, click on your profile icon, open Settings, then Personalization. From there, you will notice choices to handle your reminiscence and add customized directions.
You may even see choices to vary the AI’s tone, make it chillier or enthusiastic, and resolve if it makes use of headers, lists, and emoji.
Additionally: How to audit what ChatGPT knows about you – and reclaim your data privacy
Lastly, there’s Short-term Chat. It is somewhat chat bubble button on the prime of the primary chat space on desktop. Use this function when you don’t want ChatGPT to recollect a dialog. It is like Chrome’s Incognito mode, however for ChatGPT. You’ll be able to even archive or delete previous chats for added privateness. Simply open the left sidebar, discover the current chat, click on its menu, and select Archive or Delete.
In fact, you’ll want to be logged in for ChatGPT to recollect issues about you or to be extra customized.
And there is extra…
ChatGPT has a number of different buried options as a result of it is at all times regularly updating with extra. Listed here are a couple of you would possibly need to attempt:
- Codex (for Paid customers): Obtainable through the sidebar, Codex is ChatGPT’s coding assistant that helps you write, assessment, and debug code. It will probably analyze repositories, refactor scripts, and take a look at code.
- Agent Mode (for Paid customers): Obtainable through instruments, Agent Mode lets ChatGPT carry out multi-step duties, reminiscent of opening websites, filling out types, and producing information. I recommend you utilize it while you need ChatGPT to behave autonomously.
- Canvas (for Free and Paid customers): This function offers a cut up house the place you and ChatGPT can co-edit textual content, code, or a draft collectively.
- Scheduling Tasks (for Paid customers): Obtainable through instruments, Duties allows you to schedule one-time or recurring actions, reminiscent of day by day summaries or weekly reminders. ChatGPT will run the duty on schedule and notify you when it is accomplished through electronic mail and notifications.
- Shopping (for Free and Paid customers within the US): You’ll be able to ask ChatGPT for a product to see outcomes with pictures, particulars, and generally a “Purchase” button. Launched in September 2025, it lets US customers take a look at in chat from supported retailers like Etsy.
- Study and Learn (for Paid and Edu customers): Obtainable through instruments, this mode guides you thru classes, quizzes, and reasoning workout routines, fairly than giving direct solutions, which is nice for studying new subjects interactively.
The purpose is to play with the AI, take a look at issues, determine the instruments that curiosity you or what you utilize AI for essentially the most, and have enjoyable attempting ChatGPT.
The place is ChatGPT obtainable?
ChatGPT is out there on the web, cell apps for iOS and Android, and desktop apps for macOS and Home windows.
Is ChatGPT free?
Sure. But it surely’s closely restricted, that means you will not be capable to message usually in a brief time period or generate many pictures.
Do I want a ChatGPT account or login?
No. However for the total expertise, reminiscent of recollections, personalization, chat historical past, picture library, and tasks, you may need an account.
Which ChatGPT plan ought to I select?
Here’s a fast determination tree for you:
- When you not often use AI and need to take a look at it now, keep on with ChatGPT Free.
- When you’ve tried AI, prefer it, however don’t count on to make use of it day by day, get ChatGPT Go.
- When you use AI all day for writing, planning, analysis, or problem-solving, get Plus.
- When you want AI for heavy analysis, coding, and superior work, Professional is your greatest wager.
How a lot does ChatGPT price?
As of June 2026 within the US, ChatGPT Go prices $8 per 30 days, Plus is $20 per 30 days, and Professional has $100 and $200 month-to-month tiers.
Additionally: Is ChatGPT Plus still worth your $20? I compared it to the Free, Go, and Pro plans – here’s my advice
Can ChatGPT be fallacious?
Sure. Any solutions must be fact-checked, particularly medical, authorized, monetary, and breaking information data.
How do I cease ChatGPT from remembering?
You’ll be able to flip reminiscence off by going to Profile > Settings > Personalization > Reference saved recollections, or handle your saved recollections from the identical settings space. It’s also possible to use a Short-term Chat when you don’t want ChatGPT to recollect a chat.
What’s Atlas?
Atlas is OpenAI’s ChatGPT browser obtainable to paid subscribers. It is a Mac browser constructed on Chromium. It has ChatGPT inbuilt, so it could actually reply questions, summarize pages, assist with internet searches, help on webpages, handle tabs, and autofill types.
