ChatGPT has transformed AI with advanced suggestions, question-answering capabilities, image generation, and more. Continuously enhancing its Large Language Model, ChatGPT improves its results over time.
As of May 2024, ChatGPT was not accessible to MacOS users, and when OpenAI did release it for MacOS, it was restricted to premium members. However, with the launch of ChatGPT 4o, the MacOS app is now available for all users without a subscription. This article provides a comprehensive guide on installing and using the ChatGPT MacOS app.
How to Get and Use ChatGPT MacOS App?
You typically search the Apple App Store to download an app on iOS or MacOS. However, ChatGPT is not currently available in the MacOS App Store. We advise against downloading AI apps from the App Store to avoid unreliable versions.
Instead, you can install ChatGPT for MacOS directly from the official OpenAI website. Follow these steps:
- Open Safari or another browser on your MacOS and visit the official ChatGPT Mac website.
- Click the download button. Once the download is complete, install the app on your device.
- Go to the Downloads folder on your MacBook and locate the ChatGPT app.
- Drag the ChatGPT app to the Applications folder.
- Open Finder, go to Applications, and click ChatGPT to launch it.
- Confirm the pop-up prompt to proceed.
- After launching the app, login or sign up. You can use your Gmail credentials with a ChatGPT Plus subscription or sign in with your Google Account.
- You will receive a launcher desktop widget to place anywhere on your screen.
- A ChatGPT menu bar will appear at the top of your screen, allowing you to launch or quit the app.
Following these steps, you can install and use the ChatGPT MacOS app.
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How to Use ChatGPT in MacOS?
The ChatGPT app for MacOS is user-friendly and straightforward to navigate, featuring a minimalist design and intuitive menu.
To interact with the app:
- Enter your text prompts in the input box to receive responses.
- Tap the leftmost icon in the top title bar to access your previous chats and prompts, similar to search history.
- Tap the right arrow icon to open the flyout menu. This menu allows you to select the Large Language Model (LLM) for your queries. We recommend using ChatGPT 4o for free ChatGPT services. If you have a subscription, you can switch models as needed.
- The flyout menu lets you start a temporary chat using the LLM version.
- Use the pen icon in the top right corner to begin a new chat.
- Below the top menu, a text bar allows you to write your query and press Return to get answers.
- On the left side of the text bar, click the paperclip icon to upload images or screenshots for analysis.
- On the right side of the text bar, the microphone icon allows you to add audio prompts.
- Tap the headphone icon to start an audio conversation with ChatGPT.
These features make using the ChatGPT MacOS app efficient and versatile.
How to Access ChatGPT on MacOS?
Once you’ve installed ChatGPT, you have two ways to use it:
- Open the ChatGPT window: Directly search for a prompt within the main ChatGPT app.
- Use the pop-up window: Press Option + Space to open a flyout text bar while working in another app. Type or paste your query into this bar for a quick answer.
After entering your query, press Return to display the response in a new window. This feature is useful for quickly finding definitions or synonyms while working or reading on your MacOS.
How do you ask ChatGPT questions in MacOS?
ChatGPT enables you to type or paste queries into the text box for various tasks, including answering questions, paraphrasing text, creating travel itineraries, comparing items, or drafting menus. Additionally, ChatGPT supports voice commands. Tap the microphone icon, grant ChatGPT permission to access your device’s microphone, then speak your question and hit the tick icon to submit it. The app will provide a text-based response to your voice query.
How do you start a voice conversation with ChatGPT?
ChatGPT also supports voice interactions. Tap the headphone icon and grant the necessary permissions to activate voice prompts. You can then ask questions or start conversations directly with the AI.
This feature is handy for preparing speeches or practicing a new language. ChatGPT also offers a quick text summary of the conversation. To pause or resume the conversation, tap the Pause button at the top right corner of your screen. To end the conversation, tap the Back button.
How to Capture Screenshots on ChatGPT?
To keep track of your conversation with ChatGPT, click the paperclip icon and select Take Screenshot. This feature lets you capture the entire screen or a specific section of the text prompt, which you can save for future reference, discussions, or presentations.
When using the camera or microphone for the first time, ChatGPT will request permission. To grant it:
- Open System Settings on your Mac.
- Go to Privacy & Security.
- Scroll down to Screen & System Audio Recording.
- Toggle the switch next to ChatGPT to the on position.
How to Upload Files & Media on ChatGPT?
You can also use images to pose queries to ChatGPT. To do this, click the paperclip icon and select Upload File. Navigate to the image on your device, select it, and press Enter to submit your query.
How do I access Chat History on ChatGPT for MacOS?
To access your chat history in ChatGPT, click the icon on the leftmost side of the title bar. This will open a sidebar displaying your previous conversations.
How to Start a Temporary Chat?
To start a temporary chat, like private browsing, click ChatGPT in the top bar and enable the Temporary Chat Toggle.
How to Access Settings in MacOS ChatGPT?
To update the appearance and language or customize the ChatGPT app, tap the ChatGPT button in the top bar and select Settings from the fly-out menu.
How to Customise ChatGPT on Your MacOS?
Click ChatGPT in the top bar and go to Settings. Under the Account section, tap Customize GPT. Here, you can enter custom instructions to apply to your future chats.
How do you delete Chat in ChatGPT for Mac?
To delete a ChatGPT conversation from your device entirely:
- Click ChatGPT in the top bar and go to Settings.
- Under the Account section, tap Data Controls.
- Tap the Delete Chat button and click Confirm to remove all previous prompts from your device.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I download the ChatGPT MacOS app?
Visit the official OpenAI website using Safari or another browser on your Mac. Download the app from there, then drag it to the Applications folder. Open it from Finder and follow the prompts to install.
Can I find ChatGPT in the MacOS App Store?
No, ChatGPT is not available in the MacOS App Store. It can only be downloaded from the official OpenAI website.
How do I use ChatGPT with voice commands?
Tap the microphone icon in the app, grant permission for microphone access, then speak your query and press the tick icon to submit it. ChatGPT will respond in text format.
How can I start a temporary chat?
Click ChatGPT in the top bar and enable the Temporary Chat Toggle. This feature provides a private browsing-like experience.
How do I access and manage chat history?
Click the leftmost icon in the title bar to open a sidebar with your previous conversations.
How can I customize the ChatGPT app?
Click ChatGPT in the top bar, go to Settings, and tap Customize GPT under the Account section. Enter your custom instructions to tailor future chats.
How do I update App’s appearance and language settings?
Tap ChatGPT in the top bar to go to Settings. Here, you can adjust the appearance and language settings according to your preferences.
How can I delete my ChatGPT conversations?
Click ChatGPT in the top bar, go to Settings, and tap Data Controls under Account. Select Delete Chat and click Confirm to erase all previous prompts from your device.
Conclusion
The ChatGPT MacOS app offers a powerful and versatile tool for enhancing productivity and interaction with AI. Following the steps outlined in this guide, you can easily download, install, and customize the app to fit your needs.
Whether you prefer text prompts, voice commands, or image queries, ChatGPT provides a range of features to streamline your experience.
