10 ChatGPT Features You're Probably Not Using (But Should)

Most people use ChatGPT like a search engine—ask a question, get an answer, move on. But that's barely scratching the surface. Here are the features that power users rely on.

1. Custom Instructions

What it is: A persistent system prompt that applies to all your conversations.

Where to find it: Settings → Personalization → Custom Instructions

How to use it: Set up information about yourself and how you want ChatGPT to respond. For example:

This transforms every interaction without having to repeat context.

2. Memory

What it is: ChatGPT can remember information across conversations.

Where to find it: Settings → Personalization → Memory

Pro tips:

• Tell it to "remember" important preferences: "Remember that I prefer metric units"
• Review what it's learned in Settings → Manage Memory
• Delete specific memories you don't want it to keep

3. Advanced Data Analysis

What it is: Upload files and have ChatGPT analyze them with code.

What you can do:

• Upload Excel/CSV files for data analysis
• Create charts and visualizations
• Clean and transform data
• Run statistical analyses
• Process images programmatically

Example: Upload a sales spreadsheet and ask: "Analyze this data, identify the top 10 products by revenue growth, and create a visualization showing the trend."

4. Custom GPTs

What it is: Create specialized versions of ChatGPT for specific tasks.

Where to find it: Explore GPTs → Create a GPT

Use cases:

• A writing assistant trained on your brand voice
• A code reviewer for your specific tech stack
• A meeting prep assistant with your company context
• A customer service bot with your product knowledge

5. Voice Conversations

What it is: Talk to ChatGPT like you're on a phone call.

Where to find it: Mobile app → tap the headphone icon

Best uses:

• Language practice—have conversations in your target language
• Brainstorming while walking or driving
• Quick questions when typing is inconvenient
• Interview practice

6. Canvas

What it is: A side-by-side editor for working on documents and code.

How to use it: Start a message with "Use canvas to help me write..." or ChatGPT will suggest it for appropriate tasks.

What it does:

• Opens a document/code view alongside the chat
• Lets you make inline edits
• ChatGPT can suggest targeted improvements
• Better for iterative work than the standard chat

7. Web Browsing (Search)

What it is: ChatGPT can search the internet for current information.

How to trigger it:

• Ask about recent events
• Request current prices, stats, or news
• Say "search for" or "look up"

Limitations: It may not always search when you expect. Be explicit if you want current information.

8. DALL-E Image Generation

What it is: Generate images directly in ChatGPT.

Tips for better results:

• Be specific about style: "digital art," "photorealistic," "watercolor"
• Describe composition: "close-up," "wide shot," "from above"
• Include mood and lighting: "dramatic lighting," "soft morning light"
• Ask for variations: "Give me 3 different approaches"

9. Projects (ChatGPT Plus/Team)

What it is: Organize chats into projects with shared context.

How to use it:

• Create a project for each major initiative
• Upload relevant files that all chats in the project can access
• Add custom instructions specific to that project
• Keep related conversations organized

10. Keyboard Shortcuts

Speed up your workflow:

Bonus: Prompt Techniques

These work across all features:

• "Act as...": Have it take on a specific role or expertise
• "Step by step...": Get more thorough, reasoned responses
• "In the style of...": Match specific tones or formats
• "Before answering, ask me...": Get clarifying questions first
• "Give me 5 options...": Generate variety to choose from

The difference between basic and power users isn't knowing secret prompts—it's systematically using features like custom instructions, memory, and projects to make every interaction more effective.