# Quickstart

> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://learn.chatgpt.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to the page URL.

## Where to use ChatGPT

ChatGPT is available across different surfaces, including the
[ChatGPT desktop app](https://learn.chatgpt.com/docs/app) and [ChatGPT on the web](https://learn.chatgpt.com/docs/web). Choose
the option that fits your work.



> Illustration: Cards compare the ChatGPT desktop app and ChatGPT on the web



If you're a developer and want to use Codex in your terminal or code editor,
  try [Codex CLI](https://learn.chatgpt.com/docs/codex/cli) or the [Codex IDE extension](https://learn.chatgpt.com/docs/codex/ide).

## Setup

{/* prettier-ignore */}
<Tabs
  id="codex-quickstart-setup"
  param="setup"
  defaultTab="web"
  size="md"
  tabs={[
    { id: "app", label: "Desktop" },
    { id: "web", label: "Web" },
  ]}
>
  

The ChatGPT desktop app is available for macOS, Windows, and Linux. Use it for
projects, local files, longer tasks, and quick chats. For supported Linux
distributions and package installation, see the
[Linux desktop app guide](https://learn.chatgpt.com/docs/linux/linux-app).

<WorkflowSteps variant="headings">
1. <h3 id="setup-app-install">Install the ChatGPT desktop app</h3>

    Choose the version for your operating system:

    <CodexAppDownloadCta client:load className="mb-4" />

2.  <h3 id="setup-app-sign-in">Open the ChatGPT desktop app and sign in</h3>

    Open the app, then sign in with your ChatGPT account.

    You may also use Codex with an API key. [Some features might not be available](https://learn.chatgpt.com/docs/pricing#feature-availability).

3.  <h3 id="setup-app-select-workspace">Select where ChatGPT should work</h3>

    Start a chat, create a project, or open a folder. ChatGPT can read and modify
    files in the folder you choose. [Learn more about chats and projects](https://learn.chatgpt.com/docs/projects).

4.  <h3 id="setup-app-start-task">Start a chat</h3>

            


          


                - For research, analysis, or deliverables such as documents, presentations,
                  spreadsheets, and Sites, select **ChatGPT**, then switch to **Work** at the
                  top of the new chat page, above the composer.
                - For software development with codebase context and developer tools, select
                  **Codex** from the ChatGPT dropdown.
                - For a quick question or chat, select **ChatGPT**, then select **Chat**
                  in the switcher at the top of the new chat page, above the composer. In
                  Codex, point to **New chat**, then select the **Quick chat** icon on its right.

                Learn more about [using ChatGPT](https://learn.chatgpt.com/docs/use-chatgpt).

              


          <ChatGPTModeDropdown client:visible />

    


5.  <h3 id="setup-app-send-message">Send your first message</h3>

    Describe your goal and add any files or context ChatGPT needs. Try an example:

    

**Prepare a decision:**

```text
Review the reports and notes in this project, compare the options, and create a one-page decision memo with a recommendation, risks, open questions, and source links.
```

**Analyze spreadsheets:**

```text
Combine the spreadsheets in this folder, clean inconsistent records, identify the most important trends, and create a concise report with charts and plain-English takeaways.
```

**Improve this app:**

```text
Inspect this app, identify one high-impact usability improvement, implement it, update the relevant tests, and verify the result on mobile and desktop.
```

Explore more [use cases](https://learn.chatgpt.com/use-cases).

</WorkflowSteps>

  


  

ChatGPT is available on the web and includes Chat and ChatGPT Work.

<WorkflowSteps variant="headings">
1. <h3 id="setup-web-sign-in">Open ChatGPT and sign in</h3>

Go to [chatgpt.com](https://chatgpt.com) and sign in with your ChatGPT account.

2.  <h3 id="setup-web-start-task">Start a chat</h3>

            


          


                - Select **Chat** to ask questions, explore ideas, and work through a topic
                  conversationally.
                - Select **Work** to research, analyze information, and create documents,
                  presentations, spreadsheets, Sites, or other finished work.

                Learn more about [using ChatGPT](https://learn.chatgpt.com/docs/use-chatgpt).

              


          <ChatWorkSegmentPicker client:visible />

    


3.  <h3 id="setup-web-select-workspace">Select where ChatGPT should work</h3>

    Start a chat or select a project. Projects can include chats, files, and instructions.

4.  <h3 id="setup-web-send-message">Send your first message</h3>

    Describe your goal and add any files or context ChatGPT needs. Try an example:

    

**Make a decision:**

```text
Research whether I should [decision], compare the best options, explain the tradeoffs for my situation, and recommend one with citations.
```

**Daily briefing:**

```text
Every weekday at 8:00 a.m., review my connected calendar and recent messages, then send me a briefing with today’s priorities, meeting prep, replies I owe, and blockers.
```

**Plan an event:**

```text
Help me plan my event. Ask me about the occasion, guests, date, location, budget, and anything else you need. Then create a timeline, budget, invitation copy, and checklist, and publish a Site I can use to invite guests and collect RSVPs.
```

</WorkflowSteps>

  


</Tabs>



## Next steps
[Learn more about the ChatGPT desktop app



      <OpenBook />
    

    Use the ChatGPT desktop app to work with your local projects.](https://learn.chatgpt.com/docs/app)
[Import your setup



      <CompareArrows />
    

    Bring supported setup, projects, and recent work into ChatGPT.](https://learn.chatgpt.com/docs/import)