If you’ve ever wished you had a helpful assistant who could answer questions, write text, explain ideas, or brainstorm creative projects with you, ChatGPT is exactly that.
This guide walks you through everything you need to get started, from signing up to crafting prompts that give you the best results. Whether you’re a complete beginner or you’ve tried ChatGPT before but didn’t know how to get the most out of it, this step-by-step guide will set you up for success.
What Is ChatGPT?
ChatGPT is an AI-powered language model created by OpenAI. It can understand natural language (the way humans write or speak) and respond conversationally. You can use it to write blog posts, emails, or social media captions, explain complex topics in simple terms, brainstorm ideas, summarise long articles, generate creative content like poems or stories, and even help with research and learning.
Quick example:
You: “Explain photosynthesis like I’m 10 years old.”
ChatGPT: “Photosynthesis is how plants make their own food using sunlight…”
How to Access ChatGPT
There are several ways to start using ChatGPT. You can go to chat.openai.com, sign up for a free account, and log in on the web. You can also download the ChatGPT mobile app for iOS or Android from the official app stores. Many popular apps, like Notion, Canva, and Microsoft Word, now integrate ChatGPT directly as well.
The free version is perfect for most beginners, but ChatGPT Plus gives you access to the most advanced model if you want extra power later on.
Understanding the ChatGPT Sidebar
When you open ChatGPT, you’ll see a sidebar on the left-hand side of the screen. This is where you can navigate between conversations, explore tools, and access extra features.
New Chat
Starts a fresh conversation. Each new chat is independent, and ChatGPT won’t remember previous questions unless you bring them into the conversation again. You can ask a chat to summarise a project that has been worked on, to carry into another chat later.
Library
Your personal space to store useful prompts, saved conversations, and AI resources. This is handy for keeping prompts you want to reuse, like a “Product Description Generator.”
GPTs (Custom GPTs)
Specialised versions of ChatGPT are created for specific tasks, industries, or styles. They can be made by you or shared by others. For example, you could use a “Legal GPT” for contracts or a “Travel GPT” for personalised itineraries.
Sora
An experimental text-to-video tool is currently in limited release. It turns written descriptions into realistic or stylised videos. Not all users will see Sora yet — if it’s missing, it’s probably still being tested.
Your Conversations
A list of your past chats, organised chronologically. You can reopen old discussions, copy text, or pick up where you left off. Rename them to make them easier to find.
Starting a Conversation
Once you’re logged in, you’ll see a chat box at the bottom of your screen. Type your question or request in plain English — no special formatting needed.
Example starter prompts:
- “Write a friendly email to a client about rescheduling a meeting.”
- “Summarise this text in 3 bullet points: [paste text]”
- “Give me 10 ideas for healthy breakfasts.”
Tip: Be specific. Instead of “Tell me about dogs,” try “Give me a 100-word overview of the history of domestic dogs.”
How to Write Better Prompts
The secret to great results is giving ChatGPT clear, detailed instructions. A strong prompt has four parts:
- Role — Who should ChatGPT act as? (“Act as a nutrition coach…”)
- Task — What should it do?
- Details — Tone, style, word count, or examples
- Format — Bullet points, table, or paragraph
Example:
“Act as a travel guide. Create a 5-day itinerary for Rome, with activities, restaurants, and tips. Present it as a table.”
Prompt Library: Examples You Can Copy
Here are some ready-to-use prompts to help you get started.
Business & Productivity
- “Write a LinkedIn post about remote work tips in under 150 words.”
- “Summarise this PDF into 5 key points: [paste text].”
Education & Learning
- “Explain quantum computing in simple terms with an analogy.”
- “Create a study guide for the French Revolution with key dates and events.”
Creativity & Content
- “Generate 5 catchy Instagram captions for a travel photo in Bali.”
- “Write the first paragraph of a cosy mystery novel set in the English countryside.”
Everyday Life
- “Make me a weekly meal plan for a family of four with a £60 budget.”
- “Give me 10 ideas for rainy-day activities with kids.”
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Beginners often make three common mistakes with ChatGPT:
- Being too vague — the more detail you give, the better your results.
- Not fact-checking — always verify important information.
- Overloading requests — break large tasks into smaller chunks instead of asking for everything at once, and make sure you respond to ChatGPT requests for additional information.
Troubleshooting: When ChatGPT Isn’t Helpful
If ChatGPT gives vague, incomplete, or off-topic answers, try rephrasing your prompt with more detail, breaking the question into smaller parts, or asking follow-up questions to guide it. Treat it like a conversation — each prompt builds on the last.
FAQs
Is ChatGPT free?
Yes, the basic version is free. ChatGPT Plus is a paid upgrade for advanced features.
Can ChatGPT browse the internet?
Only if you’re using a version with browsing enabled. The free model doesn’t pull live data.
Is my data private?
OpenAI may use chats to improve its models, so avoid sharing sensitive personal information.
Final Thoughts
ChatGPT is a powerful tool for learning, productivity, and creativity. By mastering clear, detailed prompts, you’ll unlock its full potential — whether you’re writing, researching, or just curious about the world. The key is to experiment often, keep refining your requests, and let ChatGPT do the heavy lifting.
If you’re ready to explore more tools, try our Beginner’s Guide to Using Google Gemini (Step-by-Step). For an external introduction, see OpenAI’s official ChatGPT guide.
