After a long beta period, Apple Mac users can finally try the ChatGPT app. While the AI results are similar to those of the web app, there are notable differences in features. Here are the exclusive features available only on the ChatGPT app for Mac and a few functionalities missing compared to its web counterpart.
Exclusive Features in the ChatGPT App for Mac
1. Voice Chat
Voice chat is the standout feature of the ChatGPT app on Mac. You can converse with ChatGPT to receive shorter and quicker responses. While I used it, the easily understood natural speech patterns. Also, it offers up to four different voices. Thankfully, none of them sound robotic.
How to Use ChatGPT Voice Chat:
- On the chat page, click the headphones icon at the bottom-right corner to use voice mode.
- Tap the voice animation in the center to pause the conversation.
- Click the back icon to close voice chat.
- To change the voice, click on the profile icon>Settings>Voice, and choose your preferred option.
2. Automatic Spelling Correction
The ChatGPT app for Mac includes a native spelling correction feature that auto-corrects your spelling as you type, similar to a smartphone. However, this feature is not enabled by default.
How to Enable Automatic Spelling Correction:
- Click on the profile picture at the bottom left and select Settings.
- Enable the toggle beside Correct Spellings Automatically.
- As you type in the chatbox, ChatGPT will correct your spelling in real time.
3. Search Conversations
There is no search option on the web app to find the previous conversation. So, if you want to find any info in an old conversation, you need to manually find that conversation from the sidebar. Then, you need to slowly scroll to find the exact message you are looking for.
On the ChatGPT app for Mac, you get a search bar at the top of the sidebar. It searches for the name of the conversation and can also search for the messages inside it. Just open the conversation, and you will find the message you are looking for without scrolling and finding it manually.
4. Keyboard Shortcuts
You can easy master this app with keyboard shortcuts. With the Option + Space command, you get a spotlight-like search box that’s helpful to start the conversation with ChatGPT, which is very accessible. Also, various keyboard shortcuts help you to navigate the app
Common Keyboard Shortcuts:
| Shortcut | Functionality |
|---|---|
| Option + Space | Open ChatGPT textbox like Spotlight |
| Command + N | Start a new conversation |
| Command + Shift + N | Start a new temporary chat |
| Command + Z | Undo |
| Command + Shift + Z | Redo |
| Command + F | Search conversations |
| Command + = | Increase text size |
| Command + 0 | Copy and paste text |
| Command + – | Decrease text size |
| Command + Q | Quit ChatGPT app for Mac |
| Command + Comma (,) | Open settings |
Apart from these shortcuts, there are also common keyboard shortcuts that work on web app like Command + A, Command + X, Command + C, Command + V, etc.
5. Native Camera and Screenshot Tool
ChatGPT app for Mac features a built-in screenshot tool and the ability to take photos using your Mac’s camera. You can capture and share images directly, without saving them to storage.
How to Use the Native Screenshot Tool:
- On the chat page, tap the paperclip icon and select Take Screenshot or Take Photo.
- Choose to capture the entire screen or any of the open apps.
- It opens a camera window if you have selected the Take Photo option. Capture the photo to upload it instantly.
6. Always-On-Top Mode
For existing ChatGPT users, the app offers an Always-On-Top mode, keeping the ChatGPT window visible above other applications. Enable this by going to the app’s Settings and toggling the Keep ChatGPT on the Top option.
7. Speech to Text
Apart from the voice chat, ChatGPT app on Mac also has a speech-to-text feature where you can enter the message with your voice. If you prefer a detailed output with tables or code, then this feature will come in handy to speak to ChatGPT and also take advantage of its answers visually.
Features Missing From the ChatGPT App for Mac
Despite its unique features, the ChatGPT app for Mac lacks certain functionalities available on the web app.
1. File Upload from Cloud Storage
The ChatGPT app for Mac does not support direct integration with cloud storage services like Google Drive or OneDrive. You’ll need to download files from cloud storage before uploading them to the ChatGPT app, which can be inconvenient.
2. Memory Settings
While users can add, update, or remove information from ChatGPT’s memory on the app for Mac, they cannot tweak memory settings directly.
Workaround to Check Memory Info:
- Ask ChatGPT to remember something.
- When the memory updated notification appears, hover over it and click on Manage Memory.
3. Search Within Conversations
On the web app, users can press Command + F to search for messages within a specific conversation. The app only allows searching across all conversations, not within a single chat.
4. Custom GPTs and Plugins
GPTs are like custom versions of ChatGPT that are dedicated to specific tasks like recommending movies or writing a book. On the web app, along with using GPTs created by others, you can also create a custom version of GPT dedicated to your specific needs. Whereas on the ChatGPT app for Mac, you can only install the GPTs from the store, but cannot create a custom GPT.
Similarly, the ChatGPT Pro version supports plugins that can enhance the functionality of the platform. While you can install plugins on the app on Mac, you cannot sideload the custom ones.
The ‘Almost There’ Experience
The ChatGPT app for Mac introduces several exclusive features that enhance user experience, such as voice chat, native spelling correction, and robust search capabilities. However, it still lags behind the web app in terms of certain functionalities like cloud storage integration and custom GPT creation. With ongoing updates, these gaps may be bridged, offering a more comprehensive tool for Mac users.
