Enhanced Multitasking with ChatGPT’s New Companion Window on macOS

The recent enhancement to the ChatGPT application on macOS introduces features that significantly improve user multitasking capabilities. This update, which became available on Tuesday, encompasses all compatible macOS versions and integrates a companion window that allows users to run ChatGPT alongside other applications seamlessly. By using the Option + Space keys on the keyboard, users can activate this smaller window, which previously only opened a prompt text field that would transition the app to a full-screen mode.

OpenAI has provided a comprehensive description of the new companion window mode in the release notes associated with the macOS app. With this update, the app is designed to facilitate side-by-side interaction, where the companion window can overlay other open applications, making it convenient for users to utilize multiple tools simultaneously.

In prior iterations, pressing the Option + Space keys launched a prompt window that allowed users to compose messages, upload files, or capture screenshots directly from their current screen. However, this activation would often overlay the full ChatGPT app over all other applications, complicating the navigation process for users who needed to switch between different programs or frequently call up the app for additional information.

OpenAI has indicated that the Option + Space shortcut can now trigger various functionalities, such as initiating a new conversation, returning focus to the open companion window, or bringing the last used window to the foreground.

Moreover, customization options for the companion window's position and keyboard shortcuts are available in the Settings menu. Users also have the capability to pull previous discussions into the companion window by selecting an icon from the primary desktop application interface.

In addition to the companion window feature, the update enhances the analytical capabilities of the ChatGPT desktop app for macOS. Users can interact with tables and charts through a specialized expandable interface, enabling customization and download options. There’s also improved functionality for selecting specific cells within tables, fostering a more efficient analysis of presentations and documents.