Last week, OpenAI introduced significant enhancements to the Canvas and Projects functionalities in ChatGPT. The San Francisco-based AI organization is now allowing users to download content created within a Canvas in various file formats. Moreover, users who write code within Canvas can export their work in the appropriate file types. In a separate development, the company is also expanding its Projects feature, which now incorporates deep research capabilities, voice mode functionality, and more. Additionally, ChatGPT users on iOS and Android can finally upload files and switch AI models while engaged in a project.
New Features in ChatGPT
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), OpenAI revealed that users can now download content generated in the Canvas feature. Canvas was first introduced in a preview format in October 2024, later becoming available to all users in December 2024. This feature serves as a sandbox-style interface within the chatbot, allowing for inline text and code edits, as well as various formatting changes.
With these new capabilities, users can download generated text as PDF, Microsoft Word (.docx), and Markdown (.md) file formats. For coding tasks, the exported files are tailored to specific programming languages, including .py for Python, .js for JavaScript, and .sql for Structured Query Language (SQL). Canvas is widely accessible to all users via ChatGPT’s website, desktop applications, and mobile apps.
OpenAI is also broadening the functionality of Projects, a tool designed to create chat folders that maintain the context from previous conversations, establish specific guidelines, and allow for file uploads. Projects are exclusively available to paid subscribers of the platform at this time.
In a separate post, OpenAI detailed new features coming to Projects. The tool will now facilitate deep research, enabling users to perform detailed, multi-step inquiries with public web resources. Additionally, Projects will support voice mode in ChatGPT for a more hands-free experience.
Users will also have the ability to generate a unique URL for their chat folders to share with others. The improved memory function in ChatGPT within Projects allows for references to previous dialogues, ensuring that responses are contextually relevant. Furthermore, users can easily convert any chat into a project through the sidebar menu or by dragging the chat into the project folder.
Lastly, users of the ChatGPT mobile app can now upload files and switch between AI models within a project. Accessing this feature requires users to be on the latest version of the app.
