ChatGPT Work is the agent side of ChatGPT, built for longer, multi-step tasks that end in a finished deliverable. Chat is for quick questions and conversation, Work researches, analyses and creates documents, spreadsheets, presentations, reports and Sites, and Codex is the separate experience for software development. On web and mobile, Work runs in the cloud; in the ChatGPT desktop app you select ChatGPT, then flip the toggle from Chat to Work.
If you've opened ChatGPT recently and noticed a Chat and Work toggle, you're not alone in wondering what changed. The short answer is that OpenAI has split everyday conversation from the heavier jobs where you want a file at the end, not just an answer.
Here's what Work is, what it's good for, and how to brief it so you get something usable on the first try. Everything below comes from OpenAI's help articles.
Chat, Work and Codex side by side
| Experience | Use it for | Typical output |
|---|---|---|
| Chat | Questions, search, brainstorming, quick help | An answer in the conversation |
| Work | Research, analysis, longer multi-step tasks | A document, spreadsheet, presentation, report or Site |
| Codex | Writing and debugging code, running tests, working with a repository | Code changes and technical work |
OpenAI also lists Voice as a way to talk to Work on web and mobile, or to Work and Codex in the desktop app, and ask it to get on with a task while you speak.
Where ChatGPT Work runs
- Web and mobile: Work runs in the cloud, for eligible plans.
- Desktop app: select ChatGPT from the menu, then Work from the toggle. Where your plan and workspace allow it, Work on desktop can also use local files and desktop apps with your permission.
- Recents: Chat and Work chats appear together, and you can sort, filter and pin them.
- Sync: cloud Work chats started on web or mobile show up on desktop, and the other way round.
Projects work with it too. From a project, choose Chat to start a normal chat, or Work to start a Work chat that uses the project's context.
The models behind Work
This is the detail that surprises people. OpenAI says GPT-6.1 Sol, GPT-6 Sol and GPT-6 Luna are models for ChatGPT Work and Codex, and they aren't available in regular ChatGPT conversations. GPT-6.1 Sol has a default context window of 500,000 tokens in Work and Codex, which is why Work can handle long source material that would swamp a normal chat.
You choose Default or a specific model in the model picker. Default combines models and reasoning levels on one slider. Which options you see depends on your plan and workspace.
What Work can make for you
OpenAI's guide to creating files in Work covers documents, spreadsheets, presentations, reports and analyses. A few specifics worth knowing:
- It supports native Google Docs, Sheets and Slides when the Google Workspace app is enabled.
- The desktop app supports Microsoft Excel through the ChatGPT for Excel add-in.
- PowerPoint isn't included in the Work desktop flow at launch, according to OpenAI. For decks inside PowerPoint, use the separate ChatGPT for PowerPoint add-in.
- You can hand it a reference file to match, such as a master deck, or save a reusable template.
How to brief Work so the first file is right
OpenAI's own five steps are a good checklist:
- Open Work and describe the file you want and how you'll use it.
- Attach the source material it should use.
- Name the output format and where it should create the file.
- Say what must stay unchanged, such as formulas, layout, tone, branding or slide order.
- Review the file and ask for changes before you share or rely on it.
Put together, a good brief looks like this:
Copy this prompt
Create a two-page client report as a Google Doc from the attached notes and analytics export.
It's for a small business owner, so plain English and no jargon.
Sections: what we did, what changed, what we recommend next.
Keep my logo and heading style from the attached template.
Flag any figure you couldn't confirm from the source files instead of guessing.Work with meWant AI doing the heavy lifting in your marketing?
I build the systems that handle the boring 80 percent, so you get your week back. Done properly, with the human kept in.
Templates: the time saver most people miss
If you make the same kind of file every week, build a template once. In Work on the web, select @Template-Creator in the composer, attach one reference file or a Google Workspace link, and describe what stays the same and what changes. Later, select @Documents, @Spreadsheets or @Presentations to open your templates gallery. Picking a template doesn't start the task by itself; you still describe the job and add the source material.
One catch: templates created on the web and templates saved locally by Codex are separate and don't sync automatically.
Is the old desktop app gone?
No. If you already had the ChatGPT desktop app, the new one may install alongside it. The previous app becomes ChatGPT Classic and keeps getting model updates, bug fixes and security patches, but OpenAI says some new agent features are only in the new app. If you use a Mac, my guide to using ChatGPT on a Mac covers the setup.
My verdict: Work is where ChatGPT starts proving its worth in a small business, because the output is a file you can send rather than text you have to reformat. Use Chat for thinking, Work for making. If you're still getting to grips with the newest model, start with my GPT-6 guide, and if you want help building Work into your weekly routine, that's what I do in my one-to-one AI sessions.
Frequently asked questions
What is ChatGPT Work?
ChatGPT Work is an agent designed for longer, multi-step work and finished deliverables, such as documents, spreadsheets, presentations, reports and Sites.
What is the difference between ChatGPT Chat and Work?
Chat is for fast, conversational help and everyday questions. Work is for research, analysis and creating files over several steps.
How do I open Work in the ChatGPT desktop app?
Select ChatGPT from the menu, then select Work from the toggle.
Can ChatGPT Work make PowerPoint files?
OpenAI says PowerPoint isn't included in the Work desktop flow at launch. You can use the separate ChatGPT for PowerPoint add-in inside PowerPoint.
Which models does ChatGPT Work use?
OpenAI lists GPT-6.1 Sol, GPT-6 Sol and GPT-6 Luna as models for Work and Codex. They aren't available in regular ChatGPT conversations.
