ChatGPT has more tools than most people realize. Beyond basic chat, there are specific features designed for research, writing, coding, and productivity.
This guide shows you every tool in ChatGPT’s menu, what each one does, and when to use them.
Quick Takeaway
Main tools: Canvas (document editing), Web Search (current info), Deep Research (comprehensive reports), Agent Mode (multi-step automation), Study and Learn (educational materials), DALL-E (images), Advanced Voice (hands-free conversation).
How to pick the right tool: Canvas for writing/editing, Web Search for current facts, Deep Research for thorough analysis, Agent Mode for tasks needing external tools, Study and Learn for learning materials, DALL-E for custom images.
What’s free vs paid: Free users get Canvas, Web Search, file uploads, Projects (5 files), and DALL-E (2/day). Plus users ($20/month) add Deep Research, Agent Mode, Study and Learn, and Advanced Voice.
Where to Find the Tools Menu
Open ChatGPT and look at the bottom of your screen where you type messages. You’ll see a + icon next to the input box.
Click it and a menu appears with all available tools. Some tools appear immediately, others are under “More” depending on your plan.
Canvas: Document Editor
What It Does
Canvas opens a side-by-side workspace. Your document appears on the right, chat stays on the left. You can type or paste content, then ask ChatGPT to edit specific sections.
When to Use It
Use Canvas for writing projects, editing documents, or coding. It’s faster than copying and pasting between chat and your document.
Available to everyone. Free users and paid users get the same Canvas features.
Full guide: How to Use ChatGPT Canvas.
Web Search: Real-Time Information
What It Does
ChatGPT searches the web and pulls current information into responses. You get cited sources so you can verify facts.
When to Use It
Use Web Search when you need up-to-date information. Stock prices, current events, recent product releases, or anything that’s changed since ChatGPT’s training data cutoff.
ChatGPT often triggers this automatically when it detects you need current info. You can also click it manually from the tools menu.
Available to everyone as of December 2024.
Details: How to Use ChatGPT Web Search.
Deep Research: Comprehensive Reports
What It Does
Deep Research searches multiple sources, analyzes findings, and compiles everything into a structured report with citations. It works in the background while you do other things.
When to Use It
Use Deep Research for tasks that would normally take hours of manual research. Market analysis, academic research, competitive intelligence, or any topic requiring comprehensive information from multiple sources.
Available to Plus, Pro, and Team users.
Learn more: How to Use ChatGPT Deep Research.
Agent Mode: Multi-Step Automation
What It Does
Agent Mode handles tasks that require multiple steps or external tools. It can pull files from Google Drive, search the web, and coordinate different actions to complete complex requests.
When to Use It
Use Agent Mode when your task needs ChatGPT to coordinate multiple tools or services. For example, researching competitors, pulling data from your Drive, and creating a summary report.
Available to Plus, Pro, and Team users.
Full guide: How to Use ChatGPT Agent Mode.
Study and Learn: Educational Tool
What It Does
Study and Learn creates study guides, flashcards, and quizzes from materials you upload. It adapts difficulty based on your responses and tracks your progress.
When to Use It
Use Study and Learn when you’re learning new material. Upload textbook chapters, lecture notes, or any educational content, and ChatGPT generates learning materials automatically.
Available to Plus, Pro, and Team users.
Details: How to Use ChatGPT Study and Learn.
DALL-E: Image Generation
What It Does
DALL-E creates images from text descriptions. Describe what you want, and ChatGPT generates an image.
When to Use It
Use DALL-E for creative projects, presentations, social media content, or any time you need custom images. It’s faster than searching stock photo sites or hiring a designer for simple visuals.
Free users get 2 images per day. Plus and Pro users get more generations.
File Upload: Work with Documents
What It Does
Upload PDFs, Word docs, spreadsheets, images, or code files. ChatGPT reads the content and can answer questions, summarize, or analyze what’s in the file.
When to Use It
Upload files when you need ChatGPT to work with existing content. Analyzing data, summarizing reports, extracting information from documents, or getting feedback on written work.
Available to everyone. Free users can upload files in regular chat.
Advanced Voice Mode
What It Does
Have natural voice conversations with ChatGPT. It picks up on tone, speaking speed, and can respond with emotion. Now supports video and screen sharing on mobile.
When to Use It
Use Advanced Voice when you want hands-free interaction or need to show ChatGPT something visually. Good for brainstorming while driving, getting help while cooking, or showing ChatGPT a problem you’re trying to solve.
Available to Plus and Pro users only. Has daily usage limits.
How to Pick the Right Tool
Here’s a quick decision guide:
Need to write or edit? Use Canvas for side-by-side document editing.
Need current information? Use Web Search for real-time data.
Need comprehensive research? Use Deep Research for detailed reports with citations.
Need multi-step automation? Use Agent Mode for tasks requiring external tools.
Need to learn something? Use Study and Learn for study materials.
Need images? Use DALL-E for custom visuals.
Have files to analyze? Upload them directly in chat.
What’s Available on Each Plan
Free Plan
- Canvas
- Web Search
- File Upload
- DALL-E (2 images per day)
- GPT-5.2 (with usage limits)
Plus Plan ($20/month)
- Everything in Free
- Deep Research
- Agent Mode
- Study and Learn
- Advanced Voice Mode
- Higher usage limits
- Priority access during peak hours
Pro Plan ($200/month)
- Everything in Plus
- Unlimited access to all models
- o1 pro mode (extended reasoning)
- No usage limits
Common Questions
Can I Use Multiple Tools at Once?
Yes. For example, you can use Web Search inside Canvas, or upload a file and then use Deep Research to analyze it.
Do I Need to Select a Tool Every Time?
No. ChatGPT automatically triggers Web Search when it detects you need current information. For other tools like Canvas or Deep Research, you need to select them manually.
Are These Tools Available on Mobile?
Most tools work on mobile, but Canvas is desktop-only for now. Advanced Voice with video works on mobile.
What Happened to Code Interpreter?
Code Interpreter functionality is now built into Canvas. You can write and execute Python code directly in Canvas.
Next Steps
Start by exploring the tools available on your plan. If you’re on the free plan, try Canvas and Web Search first.
For more detailed guides:
- ChatGPT 2025 Update: Complete Guide to New Features – What’s new this year
- ChatGPT for Beginners: The Complete Guide – Start from scratch
- How to Use ChatGPT Canvas – Master document editing
