How to Get and Use ChatGPT macOS App
Jun. 27, 2024How to Download ChatGPT App for Mac
Many users would search the App Store to download the ChatGPT macOS app, but there’s no point in doing so. Currently, the ChatGPT app isn’t available on the Mac App Store. So, you may end up downloading a different or copycat app that may not perform like the original. To avoid any issues, you must download the ChatGPT macOS App from the official OpenAI website. Here are the step-by-step introductions to get ChatGPT on Mac:
Note:You can download the ChatGPT macOS app only on Apple Silicon Macs (M1 or newer) running macOS 14 Sonoma or later. The app is not available for Intel-powered Macs.
The ChatGPT app for Mac has a clean and minimal interface with application settings and an input box to enter your queries. Theleftmost iconin the title bar brings up a sidebar to show previous chats. The ChatGPT title has a small right-arrow icon on the right that revealsa pull-down menuso you can choose the AI large language model (LLM) or a Temporary Chat. On the top-right, you’ll see an icon (with a pen) that starts a new chat.
On the bottom, you have a text box with a placeholder text “Message ChatGPT” where you can type your queries. To the left, there’sa paperclip iconto upload files, photos, or screenshots. On the right side, you’ll see amicrophone iconto send voice messages to the AI. Lastly, there’sa headphone iconas well to initiate an audio connection for voice conversation.
Now, let’s see how to use the ChatGPT app on Mac.
Note:The latest version of ChatGPT, GPT-4o, is available for free, but allows a limited number of requests. ChatGPT Plus subscribers can sign in for full access.
Once you’ve opened the ChatGPT app, you can use the“Option + Space”keyboard shortcut to access the AI chatbot from any app that you’re currently using. It opens a text bar over any window you’re currently in. It’s similar to how we use the “Command + Space” shortcut to use Spotlight search on Mac.
Just type your question and hit theReturnkey to submit it. This will open the ChatGPT app window with a response to your query. This is one of the best features of the ChatGPT desktop app for Mac. You can instantly open ChatGPT to look for a synonym, define a term, or plan an itinerary, without having to switch between windows.
It’s worth knowing that the”Option + Space” shortcut doesn’t work after you’ve quit the app.
You can ask anything and everything using the ChatGPT Mac app. Simply, enter your question in the text field and hit enter. You can ask ChatGPT to rewrite the text, give you feedback, plan a four-day trip to Italy, help you prepare a five-course meal, compare iOS 18 with Android 15, and more.
ChatGPT also accepts voice commands. For this, click on the smallmicrophone iconon the bottom right. When prompted, hit theAllowbutton. Now, ask a question and click on the smalltick iconwhen you’re done. Your query will instantly appear in the text-box. Click on theSendbutton and ChatGPt will immediately give you a response.
There’s abuilt-in Voice Modeto interact with ChatGPT using your voice. To use this feature, simply click on theHeadphoneicon from the bottom. This will activate a voice session and you can start speaking to initiate a conversation with ChatGPT.
You can practice a new language, brainstorm new ideas for your company’s growth, prepare for an interview, or discuss a topic for your upcoming session. You can also ask ChatGPT to give you written notes for your voice session. To pause the conversation, click on thePausebutton on the top-right. To end the voice conversation, click on theBackbutton.
Open AI said a new version of Voice mode with GPT-4o capabilities will be coming in a few weeks on Mac.
You can capture screenshots for discussion with ChatGPT. This comes in handy when you need help with some settings, wish to draft an email reply, or want AI to check your code. To capture a screenshot, click on thePaperclip iconfrom the bottom-left and then click onTake Screenshot.You can select a specific window or capture the entire screen.
When you try to take a screenshot for the first time, you’ll be asked to allow access to the screen recording feature in the macOS System Preferences. If you don’t see a prompt, you can go toSystem Settings -> Privacy & Security -> Screen & System Audio Recordingand turn on theChatGPTtoggle.
If you want to capture a photo, select“Take Photo”and allow ChatGPT to use your Mac’s camera. Once you’ve taken a screenshot or a photo, type a message or start a voice conversation. Make sure to attach the screenshots before asking the question.
Besides capturing screenshots and photos, you can upload files from your Mac. For instance, you may need feedback on your Resume or ask AI to describe an image for you. For this, click on the Paperclip icon and selectUpload File.Now, choose a file, hit theOpenbutton, and enter your query.
By default, ChatGPT stores your chat history which is shared across the desktop app and web browser app. To search your previous conversations, click on the icon present on the left in the title bar. This will open a sidebar to reveal your previous chats. From here, you can jump to your older conversations with ChatGPT.
ChatGPT stores all your chats and uses them to train its AI models. If you don’t want ChatGPT to save or use your chat, you can switch to aTemporary Chatmode. It’s basically like anIncognito modein a web browser. To enter Incognito in ChatGPT, click on ChatGPT from the title bar and turn on theTemporary Chat toggle.
The ChatGPT Settings menu shows your account information and contains options to change the AI voice, language, app’s appearance, and more. It also allows you to delete the chat history, customize ChatGPT, and manage your account. To access ChatGPT Settings on Mac, click onChatGPTfrom the top menu bar and selectSettings.
The ChatGPT Desktop Settings also offers a “Customize ChatGPT” option to modify AI responses. You can input the custom instructions to provide additional information so ChatGPT can deliver better responses.
By default, ChatGPt stores all your chats and uses your content to improve its models. If you don’t want ChatGPT to use your data or you wish to delete all your ChatGPT conversations, you can do that on your Mac app. Here’s what you need to do:
That’s how you can use the ChatGPT macOS app. I love how the app seamlessly integrates into everything on my MacBook. Thanks to the “Option + Space” shortcut in the ChatGPT Mac app, I can always have the AI chatbot at my fingertips.
Apple has also partnered with OpenAI tointegrate ChatGPT in iOS 18, iPadOS 18, and macOS Sequoia.With user permission, Siri can transfer complex AI requests to ChatGPT, while maintaining user privacy and data.
Have you downloaded the ChatGPT app on your Mac? Don’t forget to share your experiences in the comments below.
