Several sources
The task spans files, research or connected apps that need to be brought together.
Work
Turn a goal into finished work
Describe the outcome, give ChatGPT the right sources and boundaries, then review a completed deliverable instead of guiding every small step.
Multi-stepFiles & appsDeliverables
A well-framed Work task
OutcomeDefine what finished means
↓Sources + constraintsProvide material and boundaries
↓WorkResearch, analyse, create
↓DeliverableReview before sharing
✓Use Work when the activity has a finish line
Several steps
You would normally need a chain of prompts, decisions and revisions to finish.
A real output
You need a document, spreadsheet, presentation, report or Site—not only advice.
Chat or Work?
Need
Chat
Work
Quick answer
Best choice
Usually unnecessary
Finished deliverable
Can advise
Builds and revises it
Long sequence
You guide each turn
Works toward the outcome
Start with a definition of done
Review these customer interviews, identify the five recurring issues, create a 10-slide leadership deck, and include supporting quotes in an appendix. Keep the existing brand and slide order.
Describe the deliverable precisely
Work performs better when it knows the output format, audience, review standard and anything that must remain unchanged.
For spreadsheets
Name the sheets, columns, formulas and charts that matter. Say which formulas must be preserved and how the finished workbook should be checked.
For presentations
Describe the audience, sections, slide types and supporting evidence. If a reference presentation is supplied, state whether its structure, brand, layout or slide order must stay intact.
For documents and reports
Explain the decision the document should support, the required sections, the tone and the source material it must use. Ask for a final review against those criteria.
Work
Choose the right working environment
Cloud Work is ideal for uploaded files, connected apps and web sources. Local Work is for tasks that need files or applications on your computer.
CloudLocalPermissions
Two places Work can run
☁️Cloud WorkRuns while your computer is off
💻Local WorkUses approved files and desktop apps
🔌Connected appsDirect access where supported
🌐Public browserUseful when no app route exists
Cloud and local at a glance
Question
Cloud Work
Local Work
Where it runs
OpenAI cloud
Your computer
Local files
Upload what it needs
Direct access with permission
Computer can be off
Yes
No
Frame agentic work safely
Expect pauses
Work may ask for clarification, permission or confirmation before an important action.
Prefer direct app access
Use a connected app when it can complete the action; browser interaction is a fallback for public web pages.
Review before impact
Check irreversible, financial, legal or business actions before approving them.
Delegation still needs direction
Give Work the outcome, material, boundaries and review criteria. Then check the result rather than assuming every intermediate decision was right.
What Work can do with files and connected services
The best route depends on whether the material is uploaded, connected through an App or stored locally on your computer.
References and templates are different
A reference file guides one task. A reusable template combines an example with standing instructions so the same type of output can be produced repeatedly.
Connected Apps are direct routes
Where supported, Work can search or act through connected services and may create native Google Docs, Sheets or Slides. The App and workspace permissions still define what is available.
Browser access has limits
Public browser interaction is useful when no App can complete the task directly, but websites may block automated access. Cloud browser also cannot complete every sign-in or payment flow.