ChatGPT is a popular AI chatbot created by OpenAI. It first came out in 2022, and has been growing ever since then with every update and model release. It can be asked to perform any task including writing essays or emails or creating videos and images or thinking up ideas and translating languages, aiding with programming, or answering questions.
OpenAI provides a free version of ChatGPT along with paid plans that include extra features for users who wish to make the most of ChatGPT. In this article I’ll walk you through how to start and get the most out of ChatGPT to meet your needs.
How to use ChatGPT
You’ll require a smartphone or computer with Internet access. ChatGPT is a web-based or app. It’s free to try it.
1. Visit the ChatGPT website or download the app.
ChatGPT is accessible via desktop or phone. ChatGPT via your computer or mobile phone
To start using ChatGPT just visit chat.openai.com and download their mobile application through the Apple Application Store as well as the Google Play Store. The web version has additional features in general. Both the website as well as the app let you access customized GPTs, a few options, like Sora’s video generator, for instance Sora video maker, remain exclusive to the browser on the web.
2. Create an account ChatGPT account and sign up… either do not
An account isn’t required, but it will unlock more features when you sign up
OpenAI allows users to utilize ChatGPT immediately without having to create an account. This allows ChatGPT an AI accessible to anyone who is curious about the technology, but who doesn’t want to wait for registration. Be aware that having an account opens up additional options like keeping chat history in a database, sharing conversations, and so on.
Go to on the ChatGPT website: Visit on the ChatGPT homepage.
Sign up for the process by clicking”sign up” and then click”sign-up” and then click on the “sign up” button.
Select a method of signing up by entering your email address and then create a secure password. It is also possible to use the accounts of your Google, Microsoft, or Apple account to speed up the process. If you sign up in any of these ways, once you’ve completed, make sure to check your email for a confirmation URL from OpenAI.
Upgrade or stay free If you have created accounts, then you may then sign up. There are a variety of plans to choose from that each offer various advantages. OpenAI provides a free plan that you can begin with right away, even though it comes with some limitations to usage.
3. Explore ChatGPT to understand it better
ChatGPT’s basic layout are explained
After you’ve signed in, let’s take a look at what’s on the web version to ensure you’re aware of where everything is:
Sidebar Left side, you’ll have access to important features such as those of ChatGPT, Sora, and DALL*E, as well as Explore GPTs to search for other GPTs. You can also click on the Search icon on high on the bar to quickly search for messages or tools.
Model selection: On the top, you will be able to select which ChatGPT model you wish to communicate with, like ChatGPT-4 mini.
Text input area Text area: If you’ve chosen ChatGPT from your sidebars, you’ll be able to see an interface with an input field for text for you to type in your questions or instructions. Depending on the software that you’re using, it’s possible to be able to select options like Search that lets you search for information online and Deep Research that permits more in-depth analysis. There’s also the + button, which lets you upload files for example, such as images, for analysis or to add to your project.
Profil: Hit the profile icon to gain access to additional options, including Settings, which allows you to modify your preferences and features. There’s also an Upgrade Plan button in case you’d like to access additional features. You can also choose to log Out too.
Temporary chat ChatGPT screen: In ChatGPT’s ChatGPT display, you may see a temporary Chat button at the top right. When it’s enabled, that your chat will not be recorded in the history of ChatGPT and will not be used in the future to build images or models of trains.
Share The Share button located on the right-hand side of the screen lets you share your current session, or collaborate with other users.
Plans to view: If you’re searching for various plans, you can go to in the View Plans section to look at the plans and pick the best plan for your requirements.
The mobile application is designed exactly the same way, with one key distinction: your Profile and preferences are on the lower part on the left sidebar. There’s no Sora in the sidebar of the app However, there are many other GPTs to utilize.
4. Choose which ChatGPT model you will make use of to create your prompt
Certain models are better suited to certain job requirements.
It can be difficult to decide the ChatGPT model to select.
The short version is that GPT-4o mini is available for free to everyone, whereas other models, such as GPT-4o and o1, as well as o3-mini and O3-mini-high require a subscription for access and come with the same usage limitations.
5. Start entering prompts
Tips and tricks for top tips
Once you’ve picked an option, it’s now time to contact ChatGPT anything. Simply type your query or question into your text field. Here are some suggestions to ensure you get the most effective responses:
Be precise: The more specific information you can provide, the better ChatGPT will be able to comprehend your question and provide a customized answer. In lieu of asking a general question such as “Tell me about dogs,” think about more specific questions, such as “What are the health benefits of adopting a dog from a shelter?” for instance “Can you explain the differences between a Labrador and a Husky in terms of temperament and exercise needs?”
Make sure you follow the guidelines clearly When you’ve got a particular kind of format or style of response you’re thinking of, be sure you include it in your request. For instance, if searching for a list ideas, request “10 birthday gift ideas for a 10-year-old” instead of soliciting “gift ideas.” If you’re looking for poetry, you should specify the type of poem, such as “Can you write a rhyming poem about the country?” Clarity helps ChatGPT understand exactly what you’re hoping for.
Make complex requests easier to understand If your question is multi-part or contains multiple components, break it into simpler, more understandable questions. For instance, instead of asking “How do I start a business, and what are the legal requirements? ” Ask “Can you list the first steps to starting a business?” This is followed by “What are the legal requirements for registering a business in New York?”
Include context: Providing details about the background can aid ChatGPT to understand the larger picture. For instance, if needing help creating a formal letter tell ChatGPT know what you’re asking for (e.g., “I need help writing a thank-you letter to a teacher”) so that it can customize its response to this particular situation.
Follow-up If the answer provided by ChatGPT doesn’t match what you’re seeking, don’t be afraid to ask questions in the future or add additional information to improve the quality of the answer. For instance, “Can you explain that in simpler terms?” Or “Could you add more examples?” This can help narrow down the answers and provides more precise results.