OpenAI has introduced Projects in ChatGPT, a feature designed to help users keep their long-running work organized in one place. Available globally across free and paid subscription plans, Projects allow individuals and teams to group together chats, upload reference files, and add project-specific instructions.

What Are Projects?

Projects function as smart workspaces that maintain context over time. They are particularly useful for tasks that evolve or repeat, such as research, writing, study preparation, or planning. Within a project, users can:

1. Combine chats, files, and instructions.
2. Switch across devices while maintaining continuity.
3. Reuse the same project setup for recurring workflows.

Key Features

1. Context Management: Projects ensure that files, instructions, and conversations stay in one place. With built-in memory, ChatGPT can maintain focus without losing track of progress. Users can also move existing chats into a project, which then inherit the project’s instructions and file context.

2. File Uploads: Users can upload PDFs, spreadsheets, documents, or images as reference material. File limits vary by subscription:

Free has a limit of up to 5 files per project

Go, Plus, Edu: up to 25 files per project

Pro, Business, Enterprise: up to 40 files per project

3. Project Instructions: Custom instructions can be added for each project, guiding ChatGPT’s responses in a way that fits the specific task. These instructions override global settings but apply only within that project.

4. Memory Options: Projects support two memory modes:

1. Project-only memory: ChatGPT recalls only the chats and files within that project.
2. Default memory: ChatGPT may also draw from saved memories and other chats, depending on account settings and subscription type.

5. Integrated Tools: All familiar ChatGPT tools remain available inside projects, including Canvas for drafting, image generation, study mode, voice conversations, and web search. Paid users may also have access to advanced tools like agent mode and deep research.

6. Data and Security: Projects inherit the same data policies, encryption, and access controls as standard ChatGPT chats. Enterprise, Business, and Edu users benefit from workspace-level controls for compliance, retention, and security. Deleted projects and their contents are removed from systems within 30 days, unless required for legal or security purposes.

Sharing and Collaboration

While full projects cannot be shared, individual chats can be shared via unique links. Shared links expose only that single conversation, not other project files, instructions, or history.

Availability and Cost

Projects are available to all ChatGPT users worldwide, across free and paid plans.

There is no additional cost for creating projects.

Usage charges for models or tools apply in the same way as standard chats.

Why It Matters

By consolidating files, chats, and instructions into one workspace, Projects reduce friction for ongoing work. Whether for professional projects, academic study, or personal planning, they provide structure and continuity without requiring extra tools outside ChatGPT.