How to Download and Use ChatGPT MacOS App Like a Pro: A Useful Guide

PaperEarn
6 min readJul 6, 2024

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How to Download and Use ChatGPT MacOS App Like a Pro

ChatGPT has revolutionised AI with its smart suggestions, question-answering capabilities, image generation, and many more skills. The best part is that it’s continuously working on its Large Language model and growing to streamline the results.

But the question persists, how to Get and Use ChatGPT in MacOS App? However, till May 2024, ChatGPT was not available for MacOS users.

Even when OpenAI launched it for MacOS users, it was available for premium members only. But with the release of ChatGPT 4o, now ChatGPT MacOS app is available that you can install on your Mac and get help from AI without any subscription per se.

In this article, we will cover an all-round guide on how you can install the ChatGPT MacOS app and use it.

alsoread: Use ChatGPT Voice Chat Feature: Transforming Conversations with Ease

How to Download ChatGPT MacOS App?

When you want to download something in iOS or MacOS, the first instinct is to search the Apple App Store. However, currently, you won’t find ChatGPT in the App Store of MacOS.

Our recommendation is to avoid downloading any AI app from the App Store, as you might end up installing a copy that doesn’t work very well.

Alternatively, currently, you can install ChatGPT for MacOS via the official OpenAI website. You can use the below steps to do so.

  1. Launch Safari or another browser on your MacOS and go to the official ChatGPT Mac website.
  2. Click the download button. After the download finishes, the next step is to successfully install it on your device.
  3. Go to the Downloads section of your MacBook and navigate the downloaded ChatGPT app.
  4. Drag the ChatGPT app to applications.
  5. Go to Finder and open Applications to find ChatGPT. Click to open it.
  6. You will get a confirmation pop-up, click Confirm.
  7. After opening the app, you can log in or sign up. You can either use your Gmail credentials with a ChatGPT Plus subscription or sign in with your Google Account.
  8. Post this step, you will get a launcher desktop widget that you can move anywhere on your screen.
  9. You will also see a ChatGPT menu bar in the top panel of the screen. You can launch or quit the app using this window.

How to Use ChatGPT in MacOS?

Like other ChatGPT apps, MacOS ChatGPT is easy to use and operate. With the minimalistic app settings and easy-to-navigate menu, you won’t face any issues with using the app.

  • In the input box, you can add text prompts to get answers to your queries.
  • If you tap the leftmost icon in the top title bar, it will open Previous chats and prompts like search history.
  • If you wish to open the flyout menu, tap the right arrow icon. The flyout menu will have options for you to choose the Large Language Model (LLM) you wish to use while searching any prompt. For free ChatGPT services, our recommendation is to switch to ChatGPT 4o. If you have a ChatGPT subscription, you can switch the models per your use.
  • In the flyout menu, you can also start a temporary chat in the LLM version.
  • At the top right corner, you will see a pen icon. You can use it when you wish to start a new chat.
  • Below the top menu will be a text bar. Here, you can write your query prompt and press Return to get answers to them.
  • On the left side of the text bar, you will see a paperclip icon. If you wish to upload an image or screenshot to get answers to the questions, you can use this icon.
  • Towards its right corner, you will see a microphone icon. Use it when you wish to add an audio prompt.
  • Lastly, tap the headphone icon when you wish to initiate an audio conversation with ChatGPT.

How to Access ChatGPT on MacOS?

After installing ChatGPT, you can either open the ChatGPT window and search for a prompt there. Alternatively, you can open its pop-up window to search for a query while using some other app. If you wish to use ChatGPT, press the Option + Space key.

It will open a flyout text bar where you can type or paste the prompt to get a quick answer to it.

After entering your query, press Return. It will open an answer window to respond to your query.

It will be helpful when you want quick definitions or synonyms while working or reading on your MacOS.

How to Ask Questions to ChatGPT in MacOS?

ChatGPT allows you to type or paste your query in the text box. You can find answers to your questions, ask AI to paraphrase a text, prepare a travel itinerary, compare two things, or prepare the menu.

In addition to text prompts, ChatGPT also accepts voice commands. You can tap the microphone icon and permit ChatGPT to use the device microphone.

You can now voice your question and hit the tick icon to send it to ChatGPT. It will then answer your query in the text box.

How to Start a Voice Conversation with ChatGPT?

ChatGPT also allows you to talk to AI over voice notes. To do so, tap the headphone icon and provide the required permissions. It will activate the voice prompt and you can ask anything to initiate the conversation.

This feature comes in handy when you want to prepare for a speech or practice a new language. ChatGPT also provides a quick text summary of the chat.

If you wish to pause or resume the conversation, tap the Pause button present at the top right corner of your screen. If you wish to end the conversation, tap the Back button.

How to Capture Screenshots on ChatGPT?

If you wish to keep track of your conversation with the AI, you can click the paperclip icon and select Take Screenshot.

It will allow you to capture the entire screen or some section of the text prompt. You can save it for future reference, discussions, or presentations.

When you try to use a Camera or microphone for the first time, ChatGPT will ask for permission. You can use the below steps to grant it:

  1. Open Mac System settings and go to Privacy & Security.
  2. Scroll down to find the Screen & System Audio recording.
  3. Turn the toggle button in front of ChatGPT on.

How to Upload Files & Media on ChatGPT?

You can also use images to ask a query to ChatGPT. To do so, upload the query by clicking the paperclip icon and selecting the Upload File option. Now navigate to your device picture, select an image, and hit enter.

How to Access Chat History on ChatGPT for MacOS?

If you wish to access Chat History on ChatGPT, click the leftmost icon present in your title bar to open a sidebar with your previous conversations.

How to Start a Temporary Chat?

Temporary chat is like the private browsing in ChatGPT. To start it, click ChatGPT in the top bar and turn on the toggle button present in front of the Temporary Chat Toggle.

How to Access Settings in MacOS ChatGPT?

If you wish to update appearance, and language or add customization to the ChatGPT app, you will need to access its Settings. To do so, tap the ChatGPT button from the top bar and in the flyout menu, select Settings.

How to Customise ChatGPT on Your MacOS?

  1. Click ChatGPT in the top bar and go to Settings.
  2. Under the Account section, Tap Customize GPT.
  3. You can provide custom instructions you want to apply to your chat moving forward.

How to Delete Chat in ChatGPT for Mac?

You can use the below steps if you wish to delete a ChatGPT conversation from your device entirely:

  1. Click ChatGPT from the top bar and go to its Settings.
  2. Under the Accounts section, tap Data Controls.
  3. Tap the Delete chat button and click Confirm to delete all your previous ChatGPT prompts.

Wind Up

We hope, you now know how to Get and Use ChatGPT MacOS App. No need to open ChatGPT on the web browser in MacOS, you can now quickly access its native app.

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