Tips & Tricks

Master ChatGPT Atlas with these productivity tips

Get the most out of ChatGPT Atlas with these expert tips, hidden features, and workflow optimizations that will boost your productivity.

1. Master Keyboard Shortcuts

Keyboard shortcuts are the fastest way to navigate and use ChatGPT efficiently.

Essential Shortcuts to Remember

  • Ask ChatGPT button: Invoke ChatGPT from anywhere (most important!)
  • Command + N: Start a new conversation instantly
  • Command + K: Quick search through all your chats
  • Command + Shift + C: Copy last response to clipboard
  • Command + /: Show all available shortcuts
  • Escape: Close ChatGPT window (stays running in background)
  • Command + 1-9: Switch between recent conversations
Pro Tip: Create custom shortcuts for your most common tasks. Go to Settings > Keyboard > Custom Shortcuts and add shortcuts for actions like "Explain this code" or "Summarize this text."

2. Use Text Selection Shortcuts

One of the most powerful features is the ability to send selected text directly to ChatGPT.

1

Select Text Anywhere

Highlight text in any application - Safari, Mail, Pages, VS Code, or even PDFs.

2

Trigger ChatGPT

Press Ask ChatGPT button while text is selected. ChatGPT opens with the selected text automatically pasted.

3

Add Your Prompt

Type your instruction like "Summarize this", "Translate to Spanish", or "Find errors in this code".

Use Cases: Perfect for quickly proofreading emails, translating foreign text, explaining code snippets, or getting definitions of technical terms.

3. Organize Conversations Effectively

Keep your ChatGPT workspace clean and organized for better productivity.

  • Use Descriptive Names: Rename conversations with specific titles like "React Project - Authentication" instead of generic "Chat 1"
  • Create Folders: Group related chats - separate folders for work, personal, coding projects, learning, etc.
  • Star Important Chats: Mark frequently accessed conversations with a star for quick access
  • Archive Old Conversations: Keep your sidebar clean by archiving finished conversations
  • Use Search: Command + K lets you search through all conversations by content, not just titles
  • Pin Active Projects: Pin 3-5 conversations you're actively working on to the top of your sidebar

4. Optimize for Different Tasks

ChatGPT performs better when you use the right model and settings for your specific task.

Quick Questions

Best Model: GPT-3.5
Why: Faster responses, lower cost, sufficient for simple queries, definitions, or basic coding help.

Complex Analysis

Best Model: GPT-4
Why: Better reasoning, more accurate for complex problems, coding, creative writing, and detailed analysis.

Long Documents

Best Model: GPT-4 Turbo
Why: Extended context window handles longer inputs, great for analyzing entire documents or large code files.

Brainstorming

Best Model: GPT-4
Why: More creative and diverse responses, better at understanding nuanced requests.

5. Leverage Voice Mode Effectively

Voice mode is great for hands-free operation and natural conversation.

Best Use Cases for Voice:
  • Brainstorming sessions while walking or away from keyboard
  • Learning new concepts through conversation
  • Dictating longer content or emails
  • Multitasking - listen to explanations while doing other work
  • Accessibility - easier for those who prefer speaking to typing

Voice Mode Tips:

  • Speak naturally - you don't need to be overly formal
  • You can interrupt ChatGPT mid-response to steer the conversation
  • Use voice for complex explanations, switch to text for code or precise formatting
  • Adjust speaking speed in settings if responses are too fast or slow
  • Enable "Show Transcript" to see what was said even in voice mode

6. Advanced File and Image Workflows

Maximize productivity with smart file handling techniques.

Screenshot Workflow

Take a screenshot (Command + Shift + 4), then immediately open ChatGPT (Ask ChatGPT button) and paste (Command + V). Perfect for getting help with error messages, UI designs, or visual problems.

Multi-Document Analysis

Upload multiple related files (PDFs, spreadsheets, code files) in one conversation. ChatGPT can cross-reference between them, compare data, or merge information.

Batch Processing

Upload a folder of images or documents for batch analysis. Ask ChatGPT to categorize, extract information, or process all files with the same instruction.

Code Repository Analysis

Upload key files from your codebase (main files, configs, documentation). ChatGPT can help debug, suggest improvements, or explain architecture.

7. Create Custom Prompts and Templates

Save time by creating reusable prompt templates for common tasks.

Example Templates

  • Email Polish: "Rewrite this email to be more professional and concise: [paste email]"
  • Code Review: "Review this code for bugs, performance issues, and best practices: [paste code]"
  • Meeting Notes: "Convert these rough notes into structured meeting minutes with action items: [paste notes]"
  • Content Summarization: "Summarize this article in 3 bullet points highlighting key takeaways: [paste article]"
  • Language Learning: "Translate to [language], then explain grammar points and cultural context: [paste text]"

Store these templates in a notes app or text file for quick copy-paste access.

8. Privacy and Security Best Practices

Protect your sensitive information while using ChatGPT.

  • Use Temporary Chats: Enable incognito mode for sensitive conversations that you don't want saved
  • Remove Sensitive Data: Before pasting code or documents, remove API keys, passwords, or personal information
  • Enable Touch ID: Require biometric authentication to open the app in Settings > Security
  • Regular Cleanup: Periodically delete old conversations containing sensitive information
  • Disable Chat History: Turn off chat history in settings if you don't want conversations saved to cloud
  • Local Storage: Remember that conversations are stored locally but also synced to OpenAI servers

9. Performance Optimization

Keep ChatGPT running smoothly and efficiently.

Clear Cache Regularly

Go to Settings > Advanced > Clear Cache monthly to remove temporary files and improve performance.

Limit Conversation Length

Very long conversations can slow down. Start a new chat when discussions exceed 50-100 messages.

Manage Plugins

Disable plugins you're not using. Active plugins consume resources even when not actively used.

Update Regularly

Keep the app updated to benefit from performance improvements and bug fixes.

10. Integration with macOS Ecosystem

Connect ChatGPT with other Atlas browsers and services.

Shortcuts App Integration

Create custom Shortcuts that send data to ChatGPT. Example: Process clipboard text, send to ChatGPT with a specific prompt, and paste result back.

Spotlight Integration

Use Spotlight to quickly open ChatGPT or search for specific conversations. Type "ChatGPT" in Spotlight for instant access.

Share Sheet

On some apps, you can use the Share button to send content directly to ChatGPT for processing.

Clipboard Monitoring

Enable clipboard monitoring in settings to automatically detect when you copy text and offer to process it with ChatGPT.

11. Productivity Workflows

Real-world workflows that combine multiple ChatGPT features.

Research & Writing Workflow

  1. Use web browsing plugin to research current information on your topic
  2. Ask ChatGPT to organize findings into an outline
  3. Draft sections by providing the outline and asking for expansion
  4. Upload completed draft for editing, fact-checking, and improvement suggestions
  5. Use voice mode to brainstorm conclusions or additional angles

Code Development Workflow

  1. Describe your project requirements in a new conversation
  2. Ask for architecture suggestions and file structure
  3. Request code generation for individual components
  4. Upload existing code for review and optimization
  5. Use screenshot feature to get help with error messages
  6. Ask for test cases and documentation

Learning Workflow

  1. Start conversation about topic you want to learn
  2. Ask for a structured learning path with milestones
  3. Request explanations of concepts with examples
  4. Upload materials (PDFs, images) for deeper discussion
  5. Create practice problems and quiz yourself
  6. Use voice mode for conversational teaching

12. Hidden Features

Lesser-known features that power users should know about.

  • Conversation Export: Right-click any conversation > Export as Markdown for archiving or sharing
  • Message Editing: Click on your previous messages to edit them and regenerate responses
  • Multiple Responses: Click the regenerate button to get different versions of the same answer
  • Code Block Features: Hover over code blocks to copy, or click language name to download as file
  • LaTeX Support: Use $$ for mathematical formulas that render beautifully
  • Conversation Branching: Edit a middle message to create alternative conversation branches
  • Dark Mode Images: ChatGPT automatically adjusts generated images based on your theme

Put These Tips Into Practice

Now you know the expert techniques - time to apply them! Check out our FAQ for answers to common questions.

Read FAQ Back to Home