Installing ChatGPT Atlas is straightforward and takes about 5-10 minutes. This guide covers downloading, installation, initial setup, importing your data from other browsers, and configuring Atlas for your needs.
Before You Begin
Ensure you meet these requirements before starting:
Prerequisites Checklist
- Mac running macOS 13.0 (Ventura) or later
- At least 1GB of free disk space
- Stable internet connection
- OpenAI account (create one at openai.com if needed)
- Administrator access to your Mac
- Optional: Another browser with bookmarks/passwords to import
Step 1: Download ChatGPT Atlas
Get the latest version from the official OpenAI website.
Visit the Download Page
Open your current browser and go to chatgpt.com/atlas. You'll see the download page for ChatGPT Atlas.
Click Download for macOS
Click the "Download for macOS" button. The installer file (approximately 200-300MB) will begin downloading to your Downloads folder.
Wait for Download Completion
Depending on your internet speed, this takes 2-5 minutes. You can monitor progress in your browser's download manager.
Step 2: Install the Browser
Once downloaded, install Atlas on your Mac.
Open the Installer
Locate the ChatGPT Atlas installer (.dmg file) in your Downloads folder and double-click to open it.
Drag to Applications
A window will appear showing the Atlas icon. Drag it to the Applications folder shortcut to install.
Wait for Installation
macOS will copy Atlas to your Applications. This takes 15-30 seconds.
Eject the Installer
After installation, eject the installer disk image by dragging it to Trash or right-clicking and selecting "Eject".
Step 3: First Launch & Security
Launch Atlas and handle macOS security prompts.
Open ChatGPT Atlas
Go to Applications folder and double-click ChatGPT Atlas, or use Spotlight (Command + Space) and type "Atlas".
Approve Security Dialog
macOS may show: "Atlas is an app downloaded from the internet. Are you sure you want to open it?" Click "Open" to continue.
Grant Initial Permissions
Atlas may request permissions for network access and notifications. Review and grant as needed.
If Atlas Won't Open
If macOS blocks the app:
- Open System Settings > Privacy & Security
- Scroll to the Security section
- Click "Open Anyway" next to the ChatGPT Atlas message
- Confirm by clicking "Open" in the next dialog
Step 4: Sign In to ChatGPT
Connect Atlas to your OpenAI account.
Choose Sign-In Method
Atlas will prompt you to sign in. Options include: Email, Google, Microsoft, Apple ID, or other providers linked to your OpenAI account.
Complete Authentication
Enter your credentials and complete any two-factor authentication if enabled on your account.
Sync Conversations
Atlas will sync your ChatGPT conversation history from the web version. This happens automatically in the background.
Step 5: Import Your Data
Bring your bookmarks, passwords, and history from your current browser.
Start Import Process
Atlas will offer to import data during first setup. Click "Import from Browser" or access later from Settings > Import Data.
Select Source Browser
Choose which browser to import from: Chrome, Safari, Firefox, Edge, or others. Atlas will detect installed browsers automatically.
Choose What to Import
Select items to import: Bookmarks, Passwords, History, Settings. You can import all or be selective.
Wait for Import
Import takes 1-5 minutes depending on data volume. You'll see a progress indicator.
Note: If you skip import during setup, you can always do it later from Settings > Import Data.
Step 6: Configure Initial Settings
Customize Atlas to match your preferences.
Browser Memories
Decide if you want ChatGPT to remember context from sites you visit. You can change this anytime in Settings > Privacy.
Appearance
Choose light, dark, or automatic theme. Adjust font size and zoom level in Settings > Appearance.
Default Search
Atlas uses ChatGPT search by default, but you can switch to traditional search engines in Settings > Search.
Privacy Controls
Configure what ChatGPT can see, data training opt-in/out, and tracking protection in Settings > Privacy.
Step 7: Set as Default Browser (Optional)
Make Atlas your default browser for opening links from other apps.
macOS System Settings
Open System Settings > Desktop & Dock (or General in older macOS versions).
Find Default Browser
Scroll to "Default web browser" dropdown menu.
Select ChatGPT Atlas
Choose "ChatGPT Atlas" from the list. All web links will now open in Atlas by default.
Step 8: Explore the New Tab Page
Familiarize yourself with Atlas's unique starting interface.
- Type to Search/Ask: The search box accepts both URLs and ChatGPT questions
- View Tabs: Switch between Chat, Links, Images, Videos, and News tabs
- Smart Suggestions: ChatGPT offers personalized starting points based on your usage
- Recent Activity: Quick access to recent sites and continuing tasks
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Atlas Won't Install
- Check that you're running macOS 13.0 or later (System Settings > General > About)
- Ensure you have at least 1GB free disk space
- Try redownloading the installer if the file is corrupted
- Restart your Mac and try installation again
Can't Sign In to ChatGPT
- Verify internet connection is working
- Try signing in at chat.openai.com first to verify credentials
- Disable any VPN or firewall temporarily
- Check OpenAI status page for service issues
Import Failed from Other Browser
- Ensure the source browser is not running during import
- Try importing smaller sets (bookmarks only first, then passwords)
- Check that source browser data isn't password-protected
- Manually export/import if automatic fails
Agent Mode Not Available
- Confirm you have ChatGPT Plus, Pro, or Business subscription
- Ensure you're signed in to the correct account
- Check if agent mode is enabled in Settings > Features
- Agent mode may be rolling out gradually—check back if unavailable
Post-Installation Tips
After installation, consider these recommendations:
- Take the Tour: Atlas offers an interactive tour of features—highly recommended
- Try Agent Mode: If you have Plus/Pro, experiment with simple tasks first
- Configure Privacy: Review privacy settings to match your comfort level
- Import Bookmarks: Don't forget to import favorites if you haven't already
- Explore Shortcuts: Learn keyboard shortcuts in Settings > Keyboard
- Join Community: Visit OpenAI community forums to learn from other users
Updating ChatGPT Atlas
Atlas receives frequent updates with new features and improvements.
Automatic Updates
By default, Atlas checks for updates automatically and notifies you when one is available:
- Notification appears in browser toolbar
- Click "Update" to download and install
- Atlas will restart to apply update
- All tabs, settings, and data are preserved
You can manually check for updates: Atlas menu > About ChatGPT Atlas > Check for Updates
Uninstalling Atlas
If you need to remove Atlas from your Mac:
- Quit ChatGPT Atlas completely
- Open Applications folder
- Find ChatGPT Atlas
- Drag to Trash or right-click > Move to Trash
- Empty Trash to complete removal
- Optional: Remove app data from ~/Library/Application Support/ChatGPT Atlas
Your ChatGPT conversations and memories remain accessible through chat.openai.com even after uninstalling Atlas.
Installation Complete!
Now that Atlas is installed, explore our tips and tricks guide to become a power user, or check the FAQ for common questions.