Beginner's Guide to ChatGPT Features You'll Actually Use

A simple walkthrough of the most helpful tools in the ChatGPT web app, including chat history, switching models, and prompt tips

If you’re new to ChatGPT, you’re not alone. Millions of people are just starting to explore what artificial intelligence can do – and let’s be honest, it can feel overwhelming at first. That’s exactly why we created this guide. No technical jargon. No unnecessary complexity. Just a clean, clear walkthrough of ChatGPT features you’ll actually use.

This article is part of the AI Knowledge Base from Google Keith, and it’s designed with you in mind. Whether you’re using ChatGPT to help write emails, study for a test, brainstorm ideas, or ask curious questions, this guide will show you how to get started and get the most from your time in the ChatGPT web app.

Let’s get into it.

What Is ChatGPT, and Why Does It Matter?

ChatGPT is an AI chatbot created by OpenAI. You type something in, and it responds with helpful, human-like text. It can summarize, answer, suggest, explain, write, code, brainstorm, and more.

It runs directly in your browser through the ChatGPT web app (chat.openai.com). No software installs, no steep learning curve. Just you and a text box – and a really smart assistant on the other side.

This guide is your beginner-friendly walkthrough to the most useful parts of the web app. If you’ve never used ChatGPT before, or only poked around without knowing what to do, keep reading.

Getting Started with the ChatGPT Web App

To access ChatGPT, go to chat.openai.com. You’ll need to create a free OpenAI account. You can sign in using your email address, Google account, or Apple ID.

Free vs. Paid Plans
The free version gives you access to GPT-3.5, which is great for basic tasks. If you want access to GPT-4 and more advanced features like file uploads, image generation, or memory (when available), you can subscribe to ChatGPT Plus. It’s $20/month (as of this writing).

After Signing In
You’ll land on the ChatGPT dashboard. The layout is clean and minimal. On the left: your chat history. In the center: the current conversation. At the bottom: the prompt box where you type your question or task.

Understanding the Chat Interface

The chat interface works like a messaging app. You type, ChatGPT responds. But unlike texting a friend, ChatGPT responds with incredible detail, speed, and accuracy – based on everything it’s learned.

Prompt Box (at the bottom)
This is where you type your request or question. Press Enter to submit, and ChatGPT will begin responding almost instantly.

Regenerate Response
Not satisfied with an answer? You can click Regenerate to get a new response based on your same prompt.

Feedback Options
You’ll notice thumbs-up and thumbs-down icons next to each reply. You can click these to give feedback and help improve the tool. Optional, but helpful.

Copy and Share
Need to paste the response into an email or document? Use the copy icon to instantly grab the text.

Chat History That Actually Helps

One of the most useful parts of the web app is Chat History. It automatically saves your previous chats so you can revisit them anytime.

Where to Find It
Look on the left sidebar. You’ll see a list of recent conversations, usually titled by your first prompt in each chat.

You Can Rename Conversations
Click on a title to open the conversation. Hover over the title and click the pencil icon to rename it to something more meaningful. Marketing Ideas, Resume Help, or AI Poem About Coffee – name it whatever you like.

Deleting Chats
To delete a chat, hover over the conversation, click the three dots, and choose Delete. You can also clear your entire history if you want a fresh start.

Why It’s Useful
Think of Chat History like bookmarks for your AI conversations. You don’t have to start from scratch every time. Whether you’re working on a project or returning to an idea, everything is saved right there.

Switching Between Models (GPT-3.5 and GPT-4)

You might see a dropdown at the top of your screen that lets you choose between different models. Don’t let the term scare you – it’s just a version of the AI.

GPT-3.5 (Free Tier)
Fast and capable for most everyday tasks like writing, summarizing, and answering questions.

GPT-4 (ChatGPT Plus)
More accurate, better with complex tasks, and often more helpful with reasoning, tone, or advanced writing.

How to Switch
Click the dropdown at the top of your chat screen and select GPT-3.5 or GPT-4 (if you’re subscribed to Plus). That’s it.

When Should You Use GPT-4?
If you’re writing something important, doing research, analyzing data, or working with files and images, GPT-4 is often worth the upgrade. But for casual questions or quick tasks, GPT-3.5 holds its own.

Prompt Tips That Make a Real Difference

Your prompt is what you type into ChatGPT. A good prompt gives clear instructions and sets expectations. That doesn’t mean long-winded – it means thoughtful.

Examples of a Vague Prompt
Tell me about dogs.
This might return a generic summary.

Examples of a Clear Prompt
What are the best low-shedding dog breeds for apartment living?
Now you’re giving it direction – and you’ll get a much more useful answer.

Quick Tips for Better Prompts

Be specific. Add details about what you want.
Set a tone. Explain it like I’m 12 or Write in a professional voice.
Ask follow-up questions to refine the output.
Break big requests into smaller ones.

ChatGPT doesn’t read your mind – but it’s excellent at following clear instructions.

Other Useful Features for Beginners

Even if you only use the basics, there are a few other tools in the ChatGPT web app that are worth knowing.

Custom Instructions
Click on your name (bottom left), then choose Custom Instructions. You can tell ChatGPT things like:

What you’d like it to know about you
How you’d like it to respond (formal, casual, concise, etc.)

These settings help personalize your experience, even on the free plan.

Explore GPTs
There’s a growing list of specialized GPTs that do specific tasks – writing code, teaching languages, making jokes, writing resumes. You can explore these under the Explore GPTs tab (if available in your plan).

Upload Files or Images
On GPT-4 with ChatGPT Plus, you may see an option to upload files or drag in an image. This allows ChatGPT to analyze documents, summarize content, or even describe photos. Perfect for students, researchers, or content creators.

When You’re Ready to Do More

Once you’ve mastered the basics, you might want to unlock a few more advanced features. These usually come with a Plus subscription:

ChatGPT Plus ($20/month)

Access to GPT-4
Priority access during busy times
Use of advanced tools (file uploads, image generation, code interpreter)
Faster, more reliable performance

Mobile App Access
You can also use ChatGPT on your phone. The mobile app syncs with your web history and offers the same features in a portable format.

Final Thoughts on ChatGPT Features You’ll Actually Use

ChatGPT isn’t just a fun novelty – it’s a powerful productivity tool that can help with almost anything you type into it. And the best part? You don’t need to be a tech expert to use it well.

Start small. Ask it to write an email. Summarize a paragraph. Generate ideas for dinner. Then build from there. The more you use it, the more natural it becomes.

This has been your ChatGPT for Beginners walkthrough from Google Keith, part of our ongoing AI Knowledge Base. Stay curious, stay creative, and keep experimenting – because this is just the beginning.