ChatGPT, the AI chatbot developed by OpenAI, has gained significant traction since its launch in late 2022. With continuous updates and enhancements, it has evolved into a versatile tool capable of performing a myriad of tasks. Users can engage with ChatGPT for various purposes, including composing emails, generating essays, brainstorming ideas, translating languages, assisting with coding, and answering a wide array of questions.
Also: Research indicates that extensive use of ChatGPT may lead to feelings of loneliness.
OpenAI provides both a free version of ChatGPT and paid plans that offer additional features for users seeking more comprehensive capabilities. This guide aims to help you navigate the initial steps of using ChatGPT effectively.
How to use ChatGPT
What you’ll need: A computer or smartphone with an internet connection. ChatGPT is accessible via its website or app, and you can start using it for free.
OpenAI has streamlined access to ChatGPT, allowing users to engage with the chatbot without the necessity of creating an account. This accessibility caters to those who are curious yet hesitant to commit to an account setup. However, registering an account unlocks additional features such as saving chat history and sharing conversations.
To sign up:
- Visit the ChatGPT website: Navigate to the ChatGPT homepage.
- Start the signup process: Click on the “sign up” button.
- Choose a signup method: Enter your email address and create a strong password, or opt for a quicker process using your Google, Microsoft, or Apple account. After signing up, check your email for a verification link from OpenAI.
- Stay free or upgrade: Once registered, you can choose to subscribe to various plans, including a free tier with some usage limits.
The mobile app mirrors the web experience, with the primary difference being the location of your profile and settings, which can be found at the bottom of the sidebar. Notably, ChatGPT’s user base has surged, doubling in just six months to over 400 million weekly users.
| Model | Features | Limitations | Who can use it? |
|---|---|---|---|
| GPT-4o mini | Quick and efficient for everyday tasks, handling text, images, and voice, and converting text prompts into images. | Limited uses every 5 hours for free users. | Free, Plus, Pro, Team |
| GPT-4o | Excellent for detailed, creative tasks, generating realistic images, and managing text, images, audio, and video. | Up to 80 messages every 3 hours for Plus users. | Plus, Pro, Team |
| GPT-4.5 | Great for intuitive tasks like writing, design, and problem-solving. | Limited monthly usage for Pro, Plus, and Team subscribers. | Plus, Pro, Team |
| o1 | Ideal for solving complex STEM or logical problems. | Up to 50 messages per week for Plus and Team subscribers; more for Pro. | Plus, Pro, Team |
| o3-mini | Fast thinker for quick yet tricky reasoning tasks. | 50 messages per day for Plus and Team users; higher daily limits for Pro users. | Plus, Pro, Team |
| o3-mini-high | Perfect for coding, logic, and complex computational tasks, yielding faster and more accurate results than o3-mini. | 50 messages per week for Plus and Team; higher weekly limits for Pro. | Plus, Pro, Team |
| GPT-4o with Scheduled Tasks | Integrates scheduling into conversations, automatically sets reminders, and follows up on tasks. | Limited based on your organization’s Team plan. | Team |
| o1 Pro Mode | A more powerful version of o1 designed for tackling highly detailed and challenging problems. | Weekly usage limits due to high computational needs. | Pro |
| Operator | Performs tasks on the web autonomously, integrating with apps and tools. | Limited tasks per month, depending on subscription (Pro or Team). | Pro, Team |
OpenAI’s leadership team includes notable figures such as Sam Altman, who continues to steer the company as CEO. ChatGPT serves as a multifaceted assistant, capable of addressing a variety of inquiries and tasks, including:
- Advice: Offering insights on relationships, careers, or personal matters.
- Data-related requests: Analyzing and summarizing information.
- Browsing/search: Finding information or identifying trends.
- Deep research: Providing detailed explanations on complex topics.
- Image generation with DALL·E: Creating images from prompts.
- File uploads: Analyzing or summarizing uploaded files.
How much does ChatGPT cost?
Here’s a concise overview of the consumer subscription plans:
| Plan | Price | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Free | [cyberseo_openai model=”gpt-4o-mini” prompt=”Rewrite a news story for a business publication, in a calm style with creativity and flair based on text below, making sure it reads like human-written text in a natural way. The article shall NOT include a title, introduction and conclusion. The article shall NOT start from a title. Response language English. Generate HTML-formatted content using
tag for a sub-heading. You can use only,
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Plus | per month | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Pro | 0 per month |
What is ChatGPT Operator?
Operator is an advanced AI agent available to ChatGPT Pro users in the U.S. It autonomously interacts with websites, performing tasks such as filling out forms, ordering groceries, booking travel, and conducting research by mimicking human actions like clicking and typing. This feature is currently in a research preview phase.
What is Voice Mode vs. Advanced Voice Mode?
ChatGPT Voice Mode allows users to engage with the chatbot through spoken conversation, offering a hands-free and more organic communication experience. This feature is available on mobile devices for ChatGPT Plus subscribers. Advanced Voice Mode, powered by GPT-4o, enhances this experience further by enabling real-time interactions that respond to the user’s emotional tone. This mode is accessible to ChatGPT Plus and Team users, while free users have limited access with usage caps.
What is ChatGPT Canvas?
ChatGPT Canvas is an interactive feature that facilitates visual organization and brainstorming within the ChatGPT interface. It provides tools for editing and organizing content, enhancing the user’s ability to visualize ideas effectively.
What is ChatGPT Tasks?
This feature allows users to schedule actions and set reminders within ChatGPT, enabling the creation of one-time or recurring tasks, such as daily briefings or regular notifications upon task completion. Currently in beta, it is available to Plus plan subscribers and above.
Can you search the web with ChatGPT?
Yes, ChatGPT has integrated web search capabilities, allowing it to access and provide current information from the internet. This feature is available to ChatGPT Plus subscribers and higher.
Can you make images with ChatGPT?
Indeed, users can generate images using the DALL·E model. This feature is available with the Plus plan or higher. In March 2025, OpenAI introduced the upgraded GPT-4o image generator, which significantly enhances the ability to handle complex prompts and create realistic images.
Can you make videos with ChatGPT?
Yes, video generation is possible using Sora, a feature currently accessible to Plus plan subscribers and above.
What are GPTs?
GPTs are customized versions of ChatGPT tailored for specific tasks or purposes. Users can explore existing GPTs in the GPT store or create their own to meet unique project requirements.
Does ChatGPT have a desktop app?
Yes, ChatGPT offers a desktop application compatible with both Windows and MacOS platforms.
Can I use ChatGPT without a login?
Absolutely. Users can engage with ChatGPT without creating an account, allowing for a trial experience with the free plan before deciding to upgrade.
Is ChatGPT accurate?
While ChatGPT provides valuable information, it is advisable to fact-check its responses, especially for complex or sensitive topics, as it may not always deliver 100% accuracy.
Want to learn more about ChatGPT?
Explore additional guides from ZDNET on various applications of ChatGPT, including:
How to use ChatGPT for coding
How to use ChatGPT for work
How to use ChatGPT for school
Other ChatGPT tips, tricks, and useful bits
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