On Friday, OpenAI introduced a new feature for ChatGPT, called Projects in ChatGPT, or simply Projects. This innovative tool enables users to establish chat folders tailored to specific topics or related contexts, enhancing the organization and ease of interaction. Projects allows users to incorporate files, positioning it similarly to Google’s NotebookLM. OpenAI noted that while paid subscribers will gain access in the coming days, Edu and Enterprise users can expect to see the feature by January 2025.
Projects in ChatGPT Set to Launch for Paid Subscribers
Released on the seventh day of the company’s 12-day rollout plan, the Projects feature was revealed during a live stream, with subsequent announcements shared via the official OpenAI account on X (formerly Twitter). Currently, the new feature is available for users of ChatGPT Plus, Pro, and Team globally, with free users slated to receive it eventually; however, a timeline for this has not been provided.
Projects serves primarily as an organizational tool, allowing users to categorize discussions by topic. This is particularly beneficial for those who frequently inquire about the same subject matter and prefer not to provide full context each time. For example, a user might create a Project called “Research Assignment” and instruct the chatbot to respond as if it were an expert. This eliminates the need for repetitive instructions as long as the same Project is utilized.
Moreover, the feature offers substantial research utility due to its resemblance to functionalities in Google NotebookLM. Users can add files to their Projects, enabling ChatGPT to maintain context in its responses that take these documents into account. This allows individuals to inquire about extensive texts or research papers seamlessly.
Projects in ChatGPT
Photo Credit: X/OpenAI
The Projects feature, once activated, will be visible in the left margin of ChatGPT’s web interface and desktop application, although it is currently unavailable on the mobile app for Android and iOS. Users can start a new folder by clicking the ‘+’ icon adjacent to the Projects header. These folders can be customized with specific titles, emojis, and colors to suit individual preferences.
After creating a folder, users have the option to add custom instructions or upload files to inform the chatbot’s responses. The interface enhances usability by displaying previous user chats for quick reference, and also includes access to the ChatGPT Search and Canvas features within Projects. Once established, each folder will appear under the Projects header on the left margin.
