ChatGPT has evolved far beyond a simple question-and-answer chatbot. In 2026, it can help with studying, research, coding, data analysis, image creation, shopping, collaboration and long-term projects. Here are 13 features worth exploring.
Study Mode
Study Mode turns ChatGPT into a more interactive learning assistant. It can explain concepts step by step, ask questions, give hints and work with uploaded study materials. OpenAI says Study Mode is available across ChatGPT plans globally on web, iOS and Android.
Steps:
1. Open ChatGPT.
2. Start a new chat.
3. Open the Tools menu.
4. Choose Study and learn.
5. Enter your topic or upload your notes.
6. Follow the questions and explanations.
Deep Research
Deep Research is designed for complex research. It can search multiple sources, analyze information and produce a structured report with citations.
Steps:
1. Open ChatGPT.
2. Choose Deep Research from the tools.
3. Enter your research question.
4. Add files or specific websites if needed.
5. Review the research plan.
6. Let ChatGPT complete the research.
7. Check the final report and sources.
ChatGPT Work
ChatGPT Work is designed for larger tasks. It can work across files, apps and web-based workflows to help turn a goal into a finished result. Availability depends on your plan and workspace.
Steps:
1. Open ChatGPT Work if it is available.
2. Tell it what you want to accomplish.
3. Add your files or other information.
4. Give it clear requirements.
5. Let it work through the task.
6. Review the finished result.
Projects
Projects keep related chats, files and instructions together. They are useful for assignments, research, software projects and other long-term work.
Steps:
1. Open Projects.
2. Create a new project.
3. Give it a name.
4. Add your files and instructions.
5. Start a chat inside the project.
6. Return to the same project whenever you want to continue.
Connected Apps
ChatGPT can connect to supported apps and services, allowing information from those services to be used in eligible ChatGPT experiences.
Steps:
1. Open ChatGPT Settings.
2. Find Apps or connected services.
3. Choose an available app.
4. Follow the connection and authorization steps.
5. Use the connected information in your ChatGPT conversations.
Data Analysis
Data Analysis can work with spreadsheets, CSV files and other supported datasets. It can help find patterns, perform calculations and create visualizations.
Steps:
1. Open a new chat.
2. Upload your spreadsheet or dataset.
3. Tell ChatGPT what you want to find.
4. Ask for calculations, patterns or charts.
5. Check the results.
6. Ask follow-up questions if needed.
Canvas
Canvas provides an interactive workspace for writing, editing and coding. You can make targeted changes instead of repeatedly rewriting an entire document or program.
Steps:
1. Open Canvas.
2. Add your document or code.
3. Select the part you want to change.
4. Tell ChatGPT what to improve.
5. Review the changes.
6. Continue editing until the result is ready.
Voice Mode
Voice Mode lets you communicate with ChatGPT by speaking instead of typing. It can be useful for conversations, learning and quick questions.
Steps:
1. Open ChatGPT.
2. Tap the Voice icon.
3. Allow microphone access if requested.
4. Start speaking.
5. Listen to the response and continue the conversation.
Image Generation
ChatGPT can create images from text descriptions and edit images using natural-language instructions.
Steps:
1. Open ChatGPT.
2. Choose the image-generation option.
3. Describe the image you want.
4. Add details such as style, layout or text.
5. Generate the image.
6. Ask for changes if something needs to be adjusted.
Shopping Research
ChatGPT can help research products and compare options based on requirements such as budget and features.
Steps:
1. Tell ChatGPT what you want to buy.
2. Give your budget.
3. List the features you need.
4. Ask ChatGPT to research suitable options.
5. Compare the results.
6. Check the final product details before buying.
Group Chats
Group Chats allow multiple people to participate in the same conversation with ChatGPT, making them useful for discussions, planning and collaborative work.
Steps:
1. Open the Group Chat option if available.
2. Create a group.
3. Invite the people you want.
4. Start your discussion.
5. Ask ChatGPT to help with questions, ideas or planning.
Scheduled Tasks
Scheduled Tasks can allow ChatGPT to perform certain tasks at a future time or on a recurring schedule. Availability can vary by account and feature rollout.
Steps:
1. Tell ChatGPT what you want it to do.
2. Tell it when to do it.
3. Set the schedule.
4. Confirm the task.
5. Manage or change the task later if needed.
Example:
"Remind me every Monday to review my study plan."
Codex
Codex is designed for software development. It can help write and debug code, run tests and commands, review changes and work with repositories. In the current ChatGPT setup, Codex is a separate experience from normal ChatGPT chat.
Steps:
1. Open Codex if it is available to you.
2. Connect or provide your project files.
3. Tell Codex what you want to build or fix.
4. Review the changes it makes.
5. Run tests and check the results.
6. Keep only changes you understand and have verified.
Which Feature Should You Use?
Studying → Study Mode
Research → Deep Research
Large tasks → ChatGPT Work
Long-term projects → Projects
Connected services → Connected Apps
Spreadsheets and datasets → Data Analysis
Documents and code → Canvas
Talking instead of typing → Voice Mode
Creating images → Image Generation
Comparing products → Shopping Research
Working with others → Group Chats
Reminders and recurring tasks → Scheduled Tasks
Programming → Codex
ChatGPT Is More Than a Chatbot
The biggest change is that ChatGPT can now support different types of work instead of simply answering questions. Depending on the task, you can use it as a study partner, research assistant, coding partner, data analyst, writing workspace or project assistant.
Feature availability can vary by plan, device, workspace and rollout, so you may not see every option in your account.
