What ChatGPT is, the desktop app's Chat and Work, Voice on mobile, and where to start.
The full script, word for word — 534 words, about 2 minutes to read. Current as at July 2026. AI tools change quickly; if something looks different when you try it, check the product's own help pages.
Hi, I’m Mel. This is your map of ChatGPT: what it does and which tool to reach for. ChatGPT looks slightly different on web, mobile and the desktop app. We’re using the web version unless stated otherwise. Each important area has its own short module, so here we’ll stay at the level you need to get started.
mbered, use Temporary Chat.
ChatGPT can create documents, tables and images, or analyse material you already have. Give it a spreadsheet and ask what changed. Upload a report and ask for the decisions, risks and unanswered questions. Then check important numbers and claims against the source. ChatGPT is a capable working partner, but you remain the reviewer.
Personalisation saves repetition. Custom instructions tell ChatGPT how you like to work. Memory retains useful details from conversations; you can turn it off or reset it. Some specialist features work differently. On web and mobile, Data Controls lets you stop new conversations being used to improve OpenAI’s models.
Projects keep one continuing body of work together: its chats, reference files and its own instructions. Use one for a job search, a board cycle or a learning programme—anything you will return to. The point is continuity, not creating another filing cabinet.
Custom GPTs are specialist versions of ChatGPT, configured for a particular purpose. You can use one shared by somebody else, or build your own with instructions, knowledge and selected capabilities. Each GPT conversation starts fresh; it does not inherit your saved memory or custom instructions.
Skills and Plugins extend what ChatGPT can do. A Skill is a reusable method—your preferred steps, examples and quality checks. Plugins are packages that can add Skills or connect external apps and actions. You find both from Plugins in the left sidebar; Skills has its own tab at the top.
For a longer job, switch from Chat to Work. Give it an outcome and it can plan the steps, use permitted files and connected apps, and build a finished document, spreadsheet, presentation, report or Site. Scheduled Tasks handle work that runs later, repeats or watches for a change. They are managed from Scheduled in the sidebar, and we cover them with Work.
Codex is OpenAI’s coding agent. It is not inside normal ChatGPT web: Codex has its own web client for coding tasks that run in the cloud. In the desktop app, choose Codex from the top-left menu to work with a local software project. If you do not work with code, you can leave that module for later.
On your phone, ChatGPT becomes a conversation you can speak. Open the mobile app, tap the Voice icon at the bottom right, allow microphone access, and start talking. Use it to rehearse an interview, practise a difficult conversation, learn a language, or think something through while walking. You can interrupt, change direction and keep the exchange natural. Set it up before moving and use it only when it is safe and legal.
Start with one real task, not a tour of every button. Use Chat for the immediate job. Use a Project when the context needs to last, and use Work when the outcome has several steps. The remaining short modules will show you the rest.