The 7 ChatGPT features I use to fix my workflow — and why you're probably missing them

Most people only scratch the surface of what ChatGPT can do. After using it every day for almost three years, I’ve tested every model extensively. I've created a number of prompts that push it to do more, show up for better workflow and even save me money.

Something I've noticed time and again is that people are missing opportunities to use it better and for more things. Once I started digging into some of the features hiding in plain sight, everything changed. ChatGPT is really good at being an assistant (even though it fails at this one thing).

Here are the 7 features that make all the biggest difference — and how they fix the most common mistakes people make.

1. Memory

If there's one thing every new ChatGPT user needs to do for better answers, it's enable memory mode. Instead of iterating each chat like a fresh start, enabling this feature helps build a rapport with the AI so it gets to know you.

If this seems weird or scary, rest assured that as long as you disable training in the privacy settings, the AI will not train off your data. Instead, ChatGPT will start to remember how you like things written, what you do for fun (and work) and give you the kind of output you want. This means fewer explanations, better first drafts and more consistent results suited just for you. It's the closest thing to having an assistant that actually learns over time.

2. Custom instructions

If you've been using ChatGPT like a search engine up to this point, don't let the idea of custom instructions scare you. It's actually much simpler than most people make it seem. Custom instructions, also known as "GPTs" let you define how you want the AI to behave. This could mean anything from the tone (punchy, sassy, clear, no fluff) to the format (headers, bullet points, structure).

I've noticed that if memory is enabled, over time, ChatGPT just "gets it." But if you want to add details for specific projects or certain times, you're going to want to dive into GPTs with instructions. An example of custom instructions might be:
"Act as a strict productivity coach. I’m following the 2-minute rule today. Every time I give you a task, decide if it takes less than 2 minutes. If yes: tell me to do it immediately (no explanation). If no: tell me to schedule or defer it. Do not let me overthink. Be direct and decisive.”

Once I set up GPTs, my prompts got shorter — and the outputs got better. There are many GPTs already customized on the site, so you might want to give those a try, too.

3. Projects

If you use ChatGPT a lot, you're going to want to use Projects. You can keep conversations organized and revisit them (without using the Search). I like to keep my Voice chats in Projects. I also keep manuscripts, editing notes, lists of prompts and just about anything else that I use on a regular basis.

Instead of starting from scratch, ChatGPT keeps context across everything. For me, this is what turns the tool into a true workspace.

4. Temporary chat

I didn't think I'd need this feature, but occasionally I'll use ChatGPT for a query that I know I won't revisit again. For example, if my mom wants me to find a quilt pattern or has a question about a particular product that I don't use, I'll enable Temporary chat.

I don't want to ChatGPT to get confused and think I'm now a senior citizen who likes to quilt. It could skew some of my other queries. The way Temporary chat works when enabled, nothing is saved. You could use it for sensitive questions, experiments or anything else you might want to do without affecting memory.

5. Voice mode

If you're thinking aloud or just don't want to type everything, reach for Voice mode. Even better? Go with Voice + Vision. This feature completely changes how you use ChatGPT.

I’ve used it to brainstorm ideas while walking, to talk through problems in real time or even refine projects without staring at a screen. It's faster, more natural and surprisingly useful.

6. File uploads

Most people ignore this feature and it's a real shame because it's so helpful! By tapping the plus sign next to the chat, you can drop in PDFs, notes and spreadsheets and ask ChatGPT to summarize, analyze or pull out key insights.

This is one of the easiest ways to save time — and almost no one uses it. Give it a try with the reverse brief prompt and discover even better results.

7. Apps inside ChatGPT

From Ticketmaster and Tubi to Norton, the ChatGPT app hub is full of custom ways to connect to your favorite brands and companies.

These tools and services directly inside ChatGPT means you don’t always need separate apps. I’ve used it to find recommendations, plan tasks and compare options all without ever leaving the platform.

It’s not perfect yet, but it’s clear where this is going.

The takeaway

ChatGPT is so much more than an answer machine. And getting the most out of it doesn't mean perfecting your prompts, it's about how you use the system around them.

Most people are only using about 10% of what ChatGPT can do. Once you start using features like memory, projects and apps, it tarts working like something much closer to a real assistant. And once you start, you're going to wonder why you didn't hop on these features sooner.

Follow Tom's Guide on Google News and add us as a preferred source to get our up-to-date news, analysis, and reviews in your feeds.

More from Tom's Guide

• I asked ChatGPT to rebuild my workday around the '4-hour rule' — then everything changed
• I used ChatGPT to try the ‘Let Them’ rule for 24 hours — and I finally stopped overthinking
• I replaced my notes app with Gemini’s new Notebooks — and I’m not going back