Persistent context loss slows down multi-step work in AI chatbots, especially for users juggling research, writing, or ongoing business projects. ChatGPT’s new Projects upgrade tackles this by introducing structured workspaces that remember your files, chats, and instructions—pushing the platform beyond quick Q&A into a tool for long-term productivity.

Organizing Work with Smart Project Spaces

ChatGPT Projects now operate as dedicated workspaces where users can group related conversations, upload reference files, and set custom instructions. This shift means you no longer need to manage scattered chat threads or re-upload files each session. Instead, each project keeps all your materials and context in one place, allowing ChatGPT to stay on-topic and recall your preferences over time.

For example, if you’re developing a marketing campaign, you can create a project, upload design briefs, set tone guidelines, and move all related chats into that workspace. ChatGPT will then use these files and instructions as context for every new request, making it easier to iterate on drafts or revisit old conversations without losing track of your goals.

Deep Research: Multi-Step Insights Without Losing Focus

Research tasks often require gathering information, analyzing documents, and synthesizing findings across multiple sessions. The new Deep Research feature lets you run complex, multi-step searches within a project. ChatGPT combines your uploaded files, instructions, and prior chats with public web results, producing detailed reports that reference all relevant materials.

This approach streamlines academic research, technical documentation, or competitive analysis. Instead of piecing together notes from separate chats, you get a cohesive research assistant that keeps everything organized and accessible, even as your project evolves.

Voice Mode and Mobile Upgrades: Hands-Free Productivity

Voice Mode is now available inside projects, letting you interact with ChatGPT hands-free. This is especially useful for brainstorming, reviewing documents, or asking questions while multitasking. Simply tap the microphone in any project chat to start speaking—ideal for mobile users or those who prefer voice over typing.

The mobile app now supports file uploads and model switching directly from your phone, closing the gap between desktop and mobile workflows. If you need to share a document or switch to a different AI model while on the go, you can do it without leaving the app.

Memory Across Chats: Smarter, Context-Aware Responses

One of the most significant upgrades is project-level memory. For Plus and Pro subscribers, ChatGPT can now reference past chats within a project, using previous conversations to inform new responses. This reduces repetition and keeps responses consistent with your evolving requirements.

For instance, if you ask ChatGPT to summarize last week’s meeting notes and then request a follow-up task, it will recall your earlier instructions and files, producing more relevant and accurate outputs each time.

Sharing and Collaboration

Projects now allow users to generate unique links to share individual chats. This means you can send a single conversation to a colleague or client without exposing the rest of your project’s files or chat history. It’s a practical way to collaborate or gather feedback while maintaining privacy and control over your workspace.

Setting Up and Managing Projects

Step 1: Click the New project button in the ChatGPT sidebar. Name your project with a clear, goal-oriented title—such as Market Research Q3 or App Redesign 2025.

Step 2: Upload files (PDFs, spreadsheets, images) relevant to your project. These files remain accessible and can be referenced in any chat within the project.

Step 3: Add custom instructions to guide ChatGPT’s tone or role for the project. For example, specify Act as a technical editor to tailor responses to your needs.

Step 4: Move existing chats into your project by dragging them from the chat list or using the chat’s menu. This lets you keep related discussions together and ensures project context is always applied.

Step 5: Use Deep Research, Canvas, Voice Mode, and file analysis tools directly within your project workspace. These tools are accessible from the project interface and benefit from your uploaded materials and instructions.

Step 6: Share individual chats by generating a unique URL from the chat menu. Recipients will only see the selected conversation, not the full project.

Step 7: Delete projects when finished by selecting Delete project from the project menu. This action removes all files, chats, and instructions associated with the project.

Data Security and Access Controls

Projects inherit your existing privacy settings, including data retention and residency policies. For business and education users, project data is not used to train OpenAI models. Free, Plus, and Pro users can opt out of data sharing in settings. Workspace-level controls allow organizations to manage feature availability and enforce encryption and access policies for sensitive information.

Comparing ChatGPT Projects to Other AI Workflow Tools

OpenAI’s approach with Projects mirrors trends in platforms like Microsoft Copilot, Notion AI, and GitHub Copilot, where AI is integrated directly into workspaces for document editing, coding, and project management. However, ChatGPT’s persistent memory across chats, deep research capabilities, and seamless file integration set it apart for users needing long-term context and collaboration in a single environment.

Security experts recommend encrypting all data sent to and stored in AI tools, using zero-trust models, and maintaining robust access controls—especially for organizations handling sensitive business data.

Limitations and Rate Limits

Projects are available to all ChatGPT users, but premium features like cross-chat memory are reserved for Plus and Pro subscribers. Each project supports up to 20 files, and rate limits depend on your subscription tier. Connectors for third-party integrations are not yet supported within projects.

ChatGPT’s Projects update turns the platform into a practical workspace for research, writing, and collaboration—making it easier to manage complex tasks without losing context or momentum. If you’re tired of starting from scratch every session, these upgrades streamline your workflow and open new productivity possibilities.