ChatGPT: what you get free and paid, and the right setup for every task
ChatGPT is the best-known assistant, and it changed a lot in 2026: new tools such as ChatGPT Work and plugins, and familiar ones that are gone. Here is what you really get for free, what is worth paying for, and the right setup for each of the 20 most common tasks in an engineering office.
01What ChatGPT is and who it suits
ChatGPT is OpenAI's assistant: a chat that writes, summarises, translates, analyses files, searches the web and creates images. Since 2026 it is also a workspace: ChatGPT Work runs long tasks and returns a finished document, spreadsheet or deck, and Codex writes code.
It suits people who want one tool for everything: an engineer writing letters and reports, a small office living in Word and Excel, anyone who also needs images. The current model is GPT-6 Luna on Free and Go, and GPT-6 Sol on Plus and above.
Note: agent mode, the Atlas browser, Canvas and the Sora app no longer exist, and custom GPTs retire on 11 December 2026, replaced by plugins. This guide reflects the state of things in October 2026.
02ChatGPT as a toolbox
The free version is a small toolbox: almost every tool is in it, but you can use each one only a little per day. Plus is the same box in full size, with a few power tools. Business is the office toolbox with a lock: everyone gets tools, and what is inside does not go into training.
03Free vs paid: what you really get
Free: more than you would think
- Unlimited text chats on GPT-6 Luna (subject to abuse guardrails)
- Web search with source links
- File upload and data analysis with Python, up to 3 uploads per day
- ChatGPT Images 2.5, deep research and voice, with limited allowances
- Projects with instructions and files (up to 5 files per project) and sharing
- Add-ins for Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Google Sheets with limited use
- Desktop app with Chat, Work and Codex, with limited use
Limit: Only 3 file uploads per day, no advanced reasoning, possible ads, and chats may be used for training until you switch it off.
Plus and above: a stronger model and real work
Plus 20 USD per month (monthly billing only); Go 8 USD in the US; Business 25 USD per user, or 20 USD billed yearly
- GPT-6 Sol with advanced reasoning
- More messages, uploads, deep research, memory and context
- ChatGPT Work on desktop, web and mobile: finished documents, sheets and decks
- Expanded Codex for code and small tools
- ChatGPT Sites to build and publish websites (public beta)
- Images with thinking, Record mode on macOS and event-triggered tasks
- No ads
When paying is worth it: When you use ChatGPT daily, upload more than 3 files a day or need finished documents from Work. For an office of 2 or more, Business is better because it does not train on your data by default.
04The weak sides
In the free version
- Only 3 file uploads per day: too few for office work
- No advanced reasoning, and limits for images, voice and deep research are not published
- Ads may appear (on Go too)
- No custom GPT creation, no Sites, and at most 3 scheduled tasks running once a day
- Chats may be used for training until you turn off Improve the model for everyone
- ChatGPT Work only on desktop and with a limited allowance
Even when you pay
- Plus has no annual discount, and its caps vary with demand
- Work, Codex and GPT-6 Astra use up allowances fast; extra use costs credits
- Dots is only on Pro (100 to 500 USD) or Business Premium (125 USD per user); Space and the Meetings plugin need Pro or Business, not Plus
- Many renames and retirements in 2026, so internal training material goes stale quickly
- Record mode is macOS only and "works best in English"; no built-in recorder on Windows
- Hebrew is not in the official interface-language list, and Hebrew text inside images is not documented
05Plans and prices
| Plan | Price per month | For whom | Main limits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Free | 0 | Trying it out, occasional use | 3 uploads per day, possible ads, 5 files per project |
| Go | 8 USD in the US; Israel price: check the plan page | More uploads and images on a small budget | No advanced reasoning, possible ads, no Sites |
| Plus | 20 USD (monthly billing only) | Professionals using it daily | Variable caps, 25 files per project, 5 active tasks |
| Pro | 100, 200 or 500 USD (three tiers) | Heavy users and developers | Expensive; tiers differ by usage allowance |
| Business Standard | 25 USD per user, 20 USD billed yearly | Offices and teams | 2-seat minimum; allowances for reasoning, Work and Codex |
| Business Premium | 125 USD per user, 100 USD billed yearly | People running Work and Codex all day | 2-seat minimum (can mix with Standard) |
| Enterprise / Edu | Check the plan page | Large organisations and universities | Through sales only |
| Full comparison | AI Price Comparison: Claude, ChatGPT, Gemini and Copilot | All assistants | Claude, ChatGPT, Gemini, Copilot |
06The best setup for each task
Write an email or letterA clear, correctly toned letter with a subject line and concrete action items.6
Free way
- Regular chat (GPT-6 Luna)Unlimited text chats on Free, enough for most letters.
- A "Letters" ProjectKeeps standing instructions (signature, tone, company details) and sample letters in one place.
- ChatGPT for WordDrafts and polishes text right inside Word, with limited use on Free.
Paid way
- Gmail or Outlook Email pluginDrafts replies in the context of your real threads, no copy and paste.
- Expanded memoryPaid plans keep more memory and context, so your style stays consistent.
- ChatGPT for WordMore add-in usage for long letters inside your company template.
Write a formal letter to a contractor about delayed anchor installation; polite but firm, 150 words, with a subject line and three action items.
Write a technical reportA structured report with fixed sections, data from your own files and clearly marked assumptions.6
Free way
- Project with your source filesInstructions and files in one place (up to 5 files per project on Free).
- File and photo uploadUpload site notes and photos and ChatGPT builds a draft from them.
- ChatGPT for WordTurns notes into a draft inside Word, with limited use.
Paid way
- ChatGPT WorkRuns a long task and returns a finished document, not just chat text.
- ChatGPT for WordEdits the report inside your own template and keeps the layout.
- Deep researchBackground research with cited sources, downloadable as Word or PDF.
Upload the site notes and photos, then: "Write a technical report with sections Scope, Findings, Calculations, Recommendations; mark every assumption with [ASSUMPTION]."
Summarise long documents and PDFsA short, faithful summary listing every numeric requirement with its page number.5
Free way
- File upload in chatVery large files (up to 512 MB), but Free allows only 3 uploads per day.
- A Project for the job documentsDocuments stay available for follow-up questions without re-uploading.
Paid way
- Projects with 25–40 files25 files on Plus and 40 on Pro and Business: a complete project file.
- Deep research over your filesSynthesises several documents with citations.
- Google Drive pluginWorks directly on documents already in Drive.
"Summarise in 10 bullets, then list every numeric requirement with its page number so I can check it."
Translate documentsA fluent translation that keeps technical terms, units and standard numbers intact.4
Free way
- Chat with an uploaded fileIn practice handles Hebrew and English well; always proofread terms.
- Project with a glossaryKeep a fixed glossary so every translation stays consistent.
Paid way
- ChatGPT for WordTranslates selected text inside the original Word layout.
- Projects with past translationsRoom for 25 files or more: glossary, approved translations and style samples.
Give a glossary first: "Translate to Hebrew; keep these terms: bond strength = חוזק הדבקה; keep units and standard numbers unchanged."
Solve an engineering problem with a checked calculationA step-by-step solution with units, a calculation actually run in code, and assumptions stated.5
Free way
- Data analysis (Python) in chatRuns code to verify the arithmetic instead of guessing numbers (limited on Free).
- ADIT AAS and ARS calculatorsFree software for an independent check of anchor and rebar calculations.
Paid way
- GPT-6 Sol reasoning (Plus)A stronger reasoning model for multi-step problems.
- Wolfram pluginListed in the Plugin Directory for exact math.
- Project with your calculation sheetsChatGPT follows your office's own method and formulas.
"Solve step by step with units, verify the result with Python and state every code-clause assumption." Not a substitute for an engineer: check against the standard.
Analyse Excel data and make chartsA pivot, a clear chart and a formula you can check, inside the workbook itself.6
Free way
- Upload a spreadsheet to chatBuilds charts with Python; spreadsheets up to about 50 MB.
- ChatGPT for Excel (limited)A sidebar inside Excel, also on Free with limited use.
- ChatGPT for Google SheetsA Sheets add-on available on every plan, including Free.
Paid way
- ChatGPT for ExcelBuilds, updates and questions the workbook, across tabs and formulas.
- ChatGPT for Google SheetsThe same work in Google Sheets, with a larger allowance.
- ChatGPT WorkReturns a finished spreadsheet built from several source files.
"Create a pivot of load vs. embedment depth, plot it, and add the formula you used in a new column."
Create a presentationAn editable deck, one idea per slide, with speaker notes.5
Free way
- ChatGPT for PowerPoint (limited)Drafts editable slides inside PowerPoint.
- Deck outline in chatTitles, bullets and speaker notes to paste into your template.
Paid way
- ChatGPT WorkBuilds a complete deck from your files, end to end.
- ChatGPT for PowerPointMore usage to revise existing slides and keep the structure.
- Canva pluginBrand-template design through the Plugin Directory.
"Make 8 slides for site managers on correct drilling and cleaning of anchor holes; one idea per slide, speaker notes in Hebrew."
Draw an image or illustrationA clean illustration of one idea, with no garbled text inside the image.5
Free way
- ChatGPT Images 2.5Image creation on every plan, limited on Free.
- Area-selection editingSelect part of the image and change only that part.
Paid way
- Images with thinkingOn Plus and above: better complex layouts and a larger allowance.
- Canva pluginPuts the image into brand templates where you add Hebrew text.
- Adobe pluginWork with Adobe tools through the Plugin Directory.
Hebrew text inside images is not documented as supported: generate without text and add Hebrew captions in Canva or PowerPoint.
Technical drawings, diagrams and flowchartsAn editable flowchart or diagram. Not a dimensioned CAD drawing.4
Free way
- Mermaid or SVG code in chatA diagram as text you can edit and paste into any Mermaid editor.
- Visuals in chat (GPT-6)GPT-6 Intelligent UI can show diagrams and side-by-side comparisons right inside the answer.
Paid way
- Figma pluginEditable diagrams in a real design tool.
- tldraw pluginA whiteboard for sketches and diagrams through the Plugin Directory.
Not suitable for dimensioned CAD drawings. Ask: "Give me a Mermaid flowchart of the anchor selection process" and paste it into a Mermaid editor.
Video and animationA good script and storyboard, with the video made in a dedicated tool. This is a weak spot for ChatGPT.5
Free way
- Script and storyboard in chatNo built-in video: Sora was discontinued on 26 April 2026.
- Animated HTML or SVGA workaround for a simple animation that runs in the browser.
Paid way
- Runway pluginVideo generation through the Plugin Directory; Runway's own pricing applies.
- invideo pluginExplainer and marketing videos from a script; separate pricing.
- Higgsfield pluginAnother video option in the Plugin Directory, with its own pricing.
Write the script and scene breakdown in chat first, then move to a video plugin or a dedicated tool.
Web research with sourcesAn answer with source links and dates you can check one by one.5
Free way
- Web searchWeb search with links, included on Free.
- Deep research (limited)Cited research reports even on Free, with limited use; the allowance resets every 30 days.
Paid way
- Deep researchA multi-step cited report, downloadable as Word or PDF.
- Consensus pluginResearch-backed sources through the Plugin Directory.
- Scite pluginAnother research-backed source through the Plugin Directory.
"Use only manufacturer or government sources; give a table with claim, source URL and date."
Search standards and regulationsAn answer that quotes the exact clause from a document you own, or says clearly it was not found.4
Free way
- Web searchFinds public summaries; paid standards (EN, EAD, SI) are not readable.
- Project with your standard PDFsAnswers grounded only in documents you bought (up to 5 files on Free).
Paid way
- Project with 25–40 filesRoom for all the standards and technical approvals of your field.
- Deep research over your filesCompares several documents with citations.
Upload the clause PDF and ask: "Quote the exact clause number and text in every answer; say NOT FOUND if absent."
Write code or a small engineering toolA single working file with visible formulas and test cases.4
Free way
- ChatFine for a short script or a single HTML file.
- Codex (limited)OpenAI's coding agent is available on Free with a limited allowance.
Paid way
- CodexA full coding agent in desktop, cloud, IDE and CLI; Plus covers focused sessions.
- ChatGPT desktop appChat, Work and Codex in one app for macOS and Windows.
"Write a single HTML file that calculates the required embedment depth from these inputs; show the formulas and add test cases."
Build a website or landing pageA right-to-left Hebrew landing page you can preview before publishing.5
Free way
- HTML from chatReady code to upload to your hosting; Sites is not available on Free or Go.
- Codex (limited)To edit and test the site files.
Paid way
- ChatGPT Sites (public beta)Create, preview and publish, also on your own domain (Plus and above).
- ChatGPT WorkCall Sites from Work and build the page from your files.
- Webflow pluginFor sites that already live in Webflow.
In Work type "@Sites build a one-page landing page in Hebrew (RTL) for…"; save a version before each deploy, since every deploy URL is production.
Organise files and folders on the PCA clear change plan you approve first, and only then renames and moves.4
Free way
- ChatGPT Work in the desktop appWorks in a local folder you grant; limited on Free.
- Desktop appOnly the desktop app can reach local files.
Paid way
- ChatGPT Work (desktop)Longer sessions; web and mobile cannot reach local files.
- Google Drive pluginFor files that live in the cloud rather than on the PC.
Grant one test folder first: "List the renames you propose; do not change anything until I approve."
Meetings: transcription and minutesMinutes with decisions, owners and dates, after checking names and numbers.5
Free way
- Upload a transcript and summariseRecord mode and the Meetings plugin are not on Free, but an existing transcript summarises well.
- A Project for minutesA fixed minutes template and the regular participants' names.
Paid way
- Record modeRecords and summarises in the macOS app (Plus and above), up to 4 hours per session.
- Meetings plugin (beta)Takes meeting notes without a bot joining the call (Pro and Business, macOS).
- Zoom or Teams pluginConnects ChatGPT to your meeting tool through the Plugin Directory.
OpenAI says Record mode "works best in English": in Hebrew meetings check names and numbers. On Windows, use the Zoom or Teams transcript.
Customer service and repeated repliesConsistent replies based only on your own FAQ file.5
Free way
- Project with a standard-answers fileReusable instructions and files for every inquiry.
- ChatDrafts a quick reply from the file, with unlimited text chats.
Paid way
- Plugin with skillsReplaces custom GPTs, which retire on 11 December 2026.
- Gmail or Outlook Email pluginDrafts the reply straight from the customer's thread.
- HubSpot pluginFor teams that manage customers in HubSpot.
"Reply using only the attached FAQ; if it is not covered, say we will check and get back." Do not build a new GPT: it will stop working.
Learn a new subject (tutor)Step-by-step explanations and check questions one at a time, with corrections.6
Free way
- ChatUnlimited text chats, so you can keep asking.
- Voice (limited)Spoken conversation with GPT-Live-1 mini, limited.
Paid way
- VoiceOn Plus up to 3 hours per 24 hours with GPT-Live-1.
- Quizlet pluginFlashcards and quizzes for practice.
- Consensus and Scite pluginsResearch-backed sources for going deeper.
- A Project for course materialKeeps notes and files for the whole course.
"Teach me the bond failure modes of chemical anchors; ask me one question at a time and correct me." For spoken lessons in Hebrew, set Settings, then Voice, then Language.
Marketing and SEO contentA Hebrew article targeting a keyword, with FAQ and meta description, after a fact check.5
Free way
- Chat with web searchDrafts the article and checks current information online.
- ChatGPT Images 2.5A header image for the article, limited.
Paid way
- Ahrefs pluginKeyword data from the Plugin Directory.
- Deep researchCompetitor and topic research with sources.
- Canva pluginSocial graphics from your brand templates.
"Write a 1,200-word Hebrew article targeting the keyword X; include an FAQ section and a meta description under 155 characters." Fact-check product claims.
Automate a repeating workflow (agents)A task that runs on its own on a schedule or an event and returns a summary and actions.5
Free way
- Scheduled tasksUp to 3 active tasks, at most once per day.
- ChatGPT Work (limited, desktop)A limited allowance to try a long multi-step task before paying.
Paid way
- Event-triggered tasksA task triggered by an app event, such as a new Gmail message (Plus and above).
- ChatGPT WorkReplaces the retired agent mode; works with connected apps and a browser.
- DotsAlways-on agents working toward a goal (Pro and Business Premium only).
"Every Sunday at 08:00, summarise new emails from suppliers with label X and list the required actions." On Free you pick a morning, afternoon or night window; an exact hour needs a paid plan.
07Privacy and Hebrew
Training on your data
On Free, Go, Plus and Pro, OpenAI may use your content for training. To stop it: Settings, then Data controls, and turn off Improve the model for everyone, or ask for Do not train on my content in OpenAI's Privacy Portal. A thumbs up or down may still allow use of that conversation.
Temporary Chat
A chat that stays out of history, is not used for training, creates no memories and shows no ads. It is kept up to 30 days for safety. Good for a one-off sensitive question.
Business plans
On Business, Enterprise and Edu, content is not used for training by default, with user management, SSO and MFA. Ads appear only on Free and Go.
Hebrew, RTL and region
In practice ChatGPT reads and writes Hebrew, but Hebrew is not in the official interface-language list and RTL is not documented. Check terms, numbers and unit direction. For spoken Hebrew, set Settings, then Voice, then Language. Israel is a supported country; at launch Sites and Dots are not offered in the EEA, Switzerland and the UK, so that regional block does not apply to Israel (Dots still rolls out gradually).
08Set it up in 10 minutes
- 1
Create an account
Sign up at chatgpt.com. Start on Free and upgrade only when you hit a real limit.
- 2
Turn off training
In Settings, then Data controls, turn off Improve the model for everyone. Use Temporary Chat for sensitive questions.
- 3
Decide on memory
In Settings, then Personalization, then Memory, check what ChatGPT saved, delete what you do not need, or switch memory off.
- 4
Install the desktop app
Download it from chatgpt.com/download (the installer may be labelled ChatGPT Classic; once installed, check that the Work tab is there). Only there can ChatGPT Work use a local folder you grant.
- 5
Create an office Project
Standing instructions such as "answer in Hebrew, SI units, mark every assumption", plus a few base files: a letter template, a glossary.
- 6
Add one connection
The ChatGPT for Word or Excel add-in, or one plugin from the Plugin Directory such as Gmail, Outlook Email or Google Drive.
- 7
A first real task
Upload a specification PDF and ask for a summary with every numeric requirement and its page number. Check three of them against the source.
09FAQ
Is the free version enough for a small office?
For letters, questions and occasional summaries, yes. The first limit you will feel is 3 file uploads per day. Also, on Free your chats may be used for training, so switch that off in the settings.
Which plan for a team of 3?
Business Standard: three seats at 25 USD per month each, or 20 USD billed yearly. You get a shared workspace, user management and no training on your data by default. Someone who uses Work or Codex heavily can get a Premium seat.
Go or Plus?
Go is cheaper (8 USD in the US; check the local price in Israel) and gives more uploads and images, but no advanced reasoning and possible ads. For an engineer working daily with calculations and reports, Plus at 20 USD is the better deal.
What happens to custom GPTs?
They retire on 11 December 2026 on all plans (Enterprise is deferred to 11 February 2027). OpenAI offers a migrate-to-plugin path. Do not build a new GPT; use Projects or plugins.
Can I trust its engineering calculations?
Only after checking. Ask it to run the calculation in Python, write units and assumptions, and check against the standard. For anchor and rebar calculations, ADIT's free AAS and ARS calculators are a reliable independent check.
Where did agent mode, Canvas and Atlas go?
Agent mode was replaced by ChatGPT Work, Canvas by writing and code blocks in the chat, and Atlas by the new desktop app and the ChatGPT Chrome extension. Older guides that mention them are out of date.