This FAQ addresses the most common questions about using ChatGPT Atlas. If you can't find your answer here, consider visiting the OpenAI support center or community forums.
General Questions
Is ChatGPT Atlas free?
The ChatGPT Atlas browser itself is free to download and use. However, you need an OpenAI account to sign in. Free accounts have access to GPT-3.5 with some usage limitations. ChatGPT Plus ($20/month) provides access to GPT-4, faster response times, priority access during peak times, and advanced features like voice mode and plugins.
Do I need ChatGPT Plus to use the Atlas browser?
No, the Atlas browser works perfectly fine with a free ChatGPT account. However, some advanced features like GPT-4 model access, advanced voice mode, custom GPTs, and DALL-E image generation require a ChatGPT Plus subscription.
Will my conversations sync between the web version and browser?
Yes, all conversations automatically sync between the web version and the macOS browser. Any chat you start on one platform will appear on the other. This sync happens in real-time when you're connected to the internet.
Can I use ChatGPT offline?
No, ChatGPT requires an internet connection to generate responses. However, you can browse your previous conversation history offline. The app needs to connect to OpenAI's servers to process new queries.
How much disk space does the app use?
The initial installation is approximately 150-200MB. However, as you use the app and accumulate conversation history, it may grow to 500MB-1GB depending on usage. Cached data can be cleared in Settings > Advanced > Clear Cache.
Technical Questions
Which macOS versions are supported?
ChatGPT Atlas requires macOS 13.0 (Ventura) or later. This includes macOS 13 Ventura, macOS 14 Sonoma, and macOS 15 Sequoia. The app is not compatible with macOS 12 Monterey or earlier versions.
Does it work on Intel Macs or only Apple Silicon?
The app works on both Intel-based Macs and Apple Silicon (M1, M2, M3, M4) Macs. On Intel Macs, it runs through Rosetta 2 translation, which may result in slightly higher resource usage. Apple Silicon Macs benefit from native ARM optimization for better performance and efficiency.
Why is the app using so much RAM?
ChatGPT may use 200-500MB of RAM depending on your conversation length and number of open chats. This is normal for a modern Electron-based app. If RAM usage seems excessive (over 1GB), try clearing the cache or restarting the app. Long conversations with many images or files will use more memory.
Can I run multiple instances of the app?
No, only one instance of ChatGPT can run at a time. If you try to launch it while it's already running, it will bring the existing window to the front instead of opening a new instance.
How do I completely remove the app and all its data?
To completely uninstall: (1) Quit the app, (2) Delete it from Applications folder, (3) Remove app data from ~/Library/Application Support/ChatGPT, (4) Remove preferences from ~/Library/Preferences/com.openai.chat.plist, and (5) Empty Trash. Your conversation history will remain accessible through the web version.
Features & Functionality
What file types can I upload?
ChatGPT supports uploading: Documents (PDF, DOCX, TXT, RTF, ODT), Spreadsheets (XLSX, CSV), Code files (all major programming languages), Data files (JSON, XML, YAML), and Images (PNG, JPEG, GIF, WebP). Maximum file size is 512MB for Plus users and 25MB for free users.
Can I customize the keyboard shortcut?
Yes! Go to Settings > Keyboard to customize the global shortcut and other keyboard commands. You can change the default Option + Space to any combination that doesn't conflict with system shortcuts or other apps.
Does voice mode work without ChatGPT Plus?
Basic voice input (speech-to-text) is available to all users. However, the advanced voice mode with real-time conversational AI and natural voice responses is exclusive to ChatGPT Plus subscribers.
How do I export my conversations?
Right-click on any conversation in the sidebar and select "Export". You can export as plain text, Markdown, or JSON format. For bulk export, go to Settings > Data & Privacy > Export Data to download all your conversations.
Can I use custom GPTs in the Atlas browser?
Yes, ChatGPT Plus subscribers can access all custom GPTs through the Atlas browser. Click the model selector and browse the GPT Store, or search for specific GPTs. Your favorite custom GPTs will sync across all platforms.
Is there a mobile companion app?
Yes, OpenAI offers ChatGPT apps for iOS and Android. Your conversations sync across all platforms - macOS desktop, iOS, Android, and web. You can start a conversation on your Mac and continue it on your phone seamlessly.
Privacy & Security
Is my data private and secure?
Conversations are encrypted in transit and at rest. The Atlas browser stores conversation history locally on your Mac and syncs with OpenAI's servers. OpenAI's privacy policy states they may use conversations to improve their models unless you opt out. You can disable chat history in Settings > Data Controls > Chat History.
Can I prevent my conversations from being used for training?
Yes. Go to Settings > Data Controls and toggle off "Improve the model for everyone". When disabled, new conversations won't be used to train OpenAI's models. Note that this doesn't apply to conversations created before you disabled the setting.
What is temporary chat mode?
Temporary chat mode (also called incognito mode) allows you to have conversations that aren't saved to your history or used for training. Enable it from the conversation menu or Settings. These conversations disappear when you close them and aren't synced to other devices.
Can I use Touch ID to secure the app?
Yes, you can enable Touch ID authentication in Settings > Security > Require Authentication. When enabled, you'll need to authenticate with Touch ID, Face ID (on newer MacBooks), or your password each time you open the app.
Where are my conversations stored?
Conversations are stored both locally on your Mac (in ~/Library/Application Support/ChatGPT) and on OpenAI's cloud servers for syncing. Local storage is encrypted. You can export and backup conversations anytime.
Troubleshooting
The app won't open or keeps crashing. What should I do?
Try these steps in order: (1) Restart your Mac, (2) Check for macOS updates, (3) Update the ChatGPT app, (4) Clear the app cache from Settings > Advanced, (5) Reinstall the app by deleting and downloading again, (6) Check if your macOS version is 13.0 or later. If problems persist, contact OpenAI support.
Keyboard shortcuts aren't working. How do I fix this?
First, verify you've granted Accessibility permissions: Open System Settings > Privacy & Security > Accessibility, and ensure ChatGPT is in the list and enabled. If it's not there, click the + button to add it. Also check if another app is using the same shortcut.
Responses are very slow. What's wrong?
Slow responses can be caused by: (1) Slow internet connection - check your network, (2) High server load - try during off-peak hours, (3) Using GPT-4 which is slower than GPT-3.5, (4) Very long conversations - start a new chat, (5) Multiple plugins enabled - disable unused ones.
Voice mode isn't working. How do I enable it?
Voice mode requires: (1) ChatGPT Plus subscription, (2) Microphone permissions granted to ChatGPT in System Settings > Privacy & Security > Microphone, (3) Working microphone and speakers, (4) Stable internet connection. Check all these requirements if voice mode isn't working.
My conversations aren't syncing between devices. Why?
Ensure you're: (1) Signed in to the same OpenAI account on all devices, (2) Connected to the internet on all devices, (3) Using the latest version of the app, (4) Have chat history enabled in settings. Try signing out and back in to force a sync.
I can't upload files. What's the problem?
Check: (1) File size is under the limit (512MB for Plus, 25MB for free), (2) File format is supported, (3) You have an active internet connection, (4) You're not hitting rate limits (free users have stricter limits). Try uploading a smaller file to test.
Pricing & Subscriptions
What's included in the free version?
Free users get: Access to GPT-3.5 model, basic chat functionality, image uploads and analysis, file uploads (up to 25MB), conversation history and syncing, and access to the Atlas browser. Response times may be slower during peak hours.
What does ChatGPT Plus include?
ChatGPT Plus ($20/month) includes: GPT-4 and GPT-4 Turbo access, faster response times, priority access during high demand, advanced voice mode, DALL-E image generation, custom GPTs access, larger file uploads (512MB), plugins and browsing capabilities, and early access to new features.
Can I upgrade or downgrade my subscription?
Yes, you can upgrade to Plus or cancel anytime through your account settings on the OpenAI website. Changes take effect at the start of your next billing cycle. There are no refunds for partial months.
Is there a family or team plan?
OpenAI offers ChatGPT Team ($25-30 per user/month) for small businesses with collaborative features. There's also ChatGPT Enterprise for larger organizations with custom pricing. Individual subscriptions cannot be shared across multiple users.
Comparison Questions
Should I use the browser or web version?
Use the browser if you: Want faster access via keyboard shortcuts, prefer native macOS integration, need better performance, want to access ChatGPT while other browsers are closed, or use it frequently throughout the day. Use the web version if you: Need to access from multiple computers, prefer not installing software, or have limited disk space.
How is this different from ChatGPT on iPhone/iPad?
The Atlas browser has: Larger screen for better productivity, keyboard shortcuts for quick access, better file handling, desktop integration features, and ability to use alongside other browsers. The iOS app has: Siri Shortcuts integration, mobile accessibility, widgets, and camera integration. Both sync conversations seamlessly.
Can I use this instead of the API?
No, the browser is designed for interactive conversations with ChatGPT. If you need to integrate ChatGPT into your own applications, automate tasks, or make programmatic requests, you need to use the OpenAI API which requires separate pricing and has different capabilities.
Future & Updates
How often is the app updated?
OpenAI typically releases updates every 2-4 weeks with bug fixes, performance improvements, and new features. Major feature updates happen every 1-3 months. The app automatically checks for updates on launch and notifies you when new versions are available.
Will there be a Windows version?
As of December 2025, OpenAI has announced that a Windows version is in development but hasn't provided a specific release date. Windows users can currently use the web version or API while waiting for the native browser.
What new features are planned?
While OpenAI doesn't publicly announce specific roadmaps, they've hinted at: Enhanced plugin system, better offline capabilities, more voice customization, improved file handling, and deeper macOS system integrations. Join the OpenAI community forums to stay updated on development.
Still Have Questions?
If you couldn't find the answer to your question in this FAQ, here are additional resources:
- OpenAI Help Center: Visit help.openai.com for official documentation and support articles
- Community Forum: Join the OpenAI community forum to ask questions and learn from other users
- Official Support: Contact OpenAI support through your account settings for technical issues
- Status Page: Check status.openai.com for service status and known issues
- Release Notes: Read the latest updates and changes in the app's release notes
Ready to Get Started?
Now that you have all your questions answered, it's time to start using ChatGPT Atlas!