How to use ChatGPT: A beginner's guide to mastering OpenAI's chatbot

ChatGPT has evolved far beyond a simple chatbot — nearly four years after launch, it can now write, research, generate images, analyze files, and connect to third-party apps like Canva and Google Drive. Free accounts offer basic access with strict message limits, while paid plans ranging from $8 to $200 per month unlock faster models, deeper research tools, and higher usage limits. Features like memory, voice mode, and projects make it increasingly useful for everyday tasks.