QuickStart with ChatGPT
This guide covers the essentials to get started using ChatGPT, whether
you're on a free or paid plan.
1. Getting Started
Visit https://chat.openai.com and sign in or create an account.
2. ChatGPT Interface Overview
- Left Sidebar: Access past chats, explore GPTs, and settings.
- Center Window: The chat area where you input your prompts and get responses.
- “View all tools”: Access all available tools including voice, code interpreter, image
creation, and more.
+ Upload files
- Microphone icon: Activate Voice Mode (on supported devices).
3. Account Comparison
Feature Free Plan ChatGPT Plus / Pro
Access to GPT4o mini ✅ Unlimited fast fallback ✅ Full access
Access to GPT4o 10 messages / 3 hr limit ~80 messages / 3 hr limit
Browsing the web ✅ Available ✅ Full access
File & image uploads ✅ Limited rate ✅ Expanded limits
Image generation
(DALL·E/GP4o)
✅ Limited ✅ Expanded access
Deep Research ⚠ Lite: ~5 queries/month ✅ 25+ queries/month
Voice Mode ✅ Standard ✅ Advanced (Plus/Pro)
Model picker & tools ✅ GPT4.1mini, o4mini ✅ Also GPT4o, o3mini, GPT4.1,
GPT-4.5
Memory (saved & chat history) ✅ Enabled ✅ Enhanced with editing
Custom GPTs ✅ Limited use ✅ Full create + publish
4. Model Guide
Model Strengths
GPT4o Best allaround: text + tools + fast responses
GPT4.1 / 4.5 10 messages / 3 hr limit
o4mini / o4minihigh Lightweight, fast fallback
3.5 Basic Q&A, fallback when others limited
5. Handy Shortcuts
Action Windows Shortcut Mac Shortcut
Show all shortcuts Ctrl + / Cmd + /
Open new chat Ctrl + Shift + O Cmd + Shift + O
Focus chat input Shift + Esc Shift + Esc
Toggle sidebar Ctrl + Shift + S Cmd + Shift + S
Copy last response Ctrl + Shift + C Cmd + Shift + C
Copy last code block Ctrl + Shift +; Cmd + Shift +;
Delete current chat Ctrl + Shift +X Cmd + Shift +X
Insert line break (without
Shift + Enter Shift + Enter
sending)
Submit prompt Enter Return
Cycle interface elements Tab Tab
