How to Use ChatGPT on Your Mac Including ChatGPT Apps

Kawhi Dumingz
6 min readOct 26, 2023

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ChatGPT is the most popular AI-based content generator in the world. Its uncanny ability to generate human-like text based on prompts has ushered in a new era of digital communication, providing a myriad of opportunities for users across various industries.

For Mac enthusiasts, the exciting news is that this groundbreaking tool is fully accessible on your favorite Apple device. Whether you’re a seasoned tech pro or just diving into the world of AI, this guide will walk you through the ins and outs of deploying and optimizing ChatGPT on your Mac. You can either use ChatGPT from a web browser on Mac or use a third-party app.

How to Use ChatGPT on Your Mac from a Web Browser

OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT, does not provide any desktop client for its service. Hence, there is no official app for Mac users. Using ChatGPT from a web browser is the default way recommended by OpenAI. Here is how to use ChatGPT on your Mac from a web browser:

Step 1. Choose a Suitable Browser

Most modern web browsers such as Safari, Google Chrome, Firefox, and Microsoft Edge are compatible. Ensure your browser is updated to the latest version for the best experience.

Step 2. Sign In or Sign Up OpenAI Account

If you already have an OpenAI account, sign in. If not, you’ll need to sign up. Some versions or functionalities of ChatGPT might require a subscription or payment.

Sign up page: https://chat.openai.com/auth/login

Step 3. Access the ChatGPT Interface

Once logged in, look for the ChatGPT section or interface. It is usually clearly labeled, but the exact navigation might vary depending on the platform’s design at the time.

GPT-3.5 is the default chat mode. To use GPT-4, you have to sign up a plan (20 USD/mo) first. It is more advanced mode than 3.5.

Step 4. Start Chatting

You’ll typically find a text box or similar interface where you can type in your questions, prompts, or messages. After typing your message, press ‘Enter’ or click on the corresponding button to submit.

Step 5. Read the ChatGPT Response

After a brief moment, ChatGPT’s response will appear on the screen. Depending on the platform, you might see a chat-like interface that shows both your messages and the model’s responses.

Step 6. Engage in Continuous Interaction

You can continue the conversation by responding to the model’s outputs or asking new questions. It’s like chatting with another person, but remember, you’re interacting with a machine learning model.

Step 7. Adjust Settings (If Available)

Some platforms might offer additional settings to tweak your experience. For instance, you might be able to adjust the model’s verbosity, creativity, or even its tone.

Step 8. Bookmark for Future Use

If you find yourself frequently returning to the platform, consider bookmarking the page for easier access in the future.

Remember, while ChatGPT is powerful and often accurate, it’s still a machine learning model. Always use discretion and critically evaluate its responses, especially if using the tool for professional, educational, or sensitive tasks.

How to Use ChatGPT on Your Mac from Desktop App

Upon the time we are writing this post, OpenAI hadn’t officially released a dedicated desktop app for ChatGPT. However, there are third-party apps that make use of OpenAI’s API to provide a desktop experience for Mac users. Here are some of the best ChatGPT apps on a Mac:

1. ChatGPT by Lencx

ChatGPT app is a free and open-source desktop client masterfully crafted by Lencx. Think of it as a savvy Telegram bot command, tailored to streamline your interactions and let ChatGPT shine in ways uniquely suited to your needs. As a passion project, I’ve poured countless hours into it. If you find value in this labor of love, a shoutout or a star would mean the world and fuel my drive to keep refining and enhancing it.

Dive deep into ‘awesome-chatgpt-prompts’ to discover a trove of intriguing features, ripe for integration. With the ‘Sync Prompts’ feature, streamline all your favorites in a single click. And for those prompts that don’t align with your vibe? Simply disable them and curate your optimal ChatGPT experience.

Download: https://github.com/lencx/ChatGPT

2. MacGPT

MacGPT is a cutting-edge software crafted to seamlessly integrate ChatGPT into your Mac, including right from the convenience of your menu bars. Revel in its array of features, ranging from the groundbreaking Global feature and MacGPT Inline to the immersive Conversation Mode, and the coveted access to the GPT-4 API.

With an existing OpenAI account or a ChatGPT Plus subscription, diving into ChatGPT becomes a breeze. If your preferred mode of access is through Google or Microsoft accounts, MacGPT conveniently supports those for a swift setup.

Once inside, the experience mirrors what you’d expect from accessing ChatGPT via a regular browser. However, be prepared for notifications reminding you that ChatGPT, being a research preview, might occasionally churn out content that’s inaccurate, potentially offensive, or skewed.

Yet, MacGPT isn’t just a browser bypass. It packs distinct features, like the ability to launch the application using a custom keyboard shortcut, bypassing the need for mouse intervention. This nifty addition can be activated from the MacGPT preferences found at the screen’s top-right corner.

In essence, MacGPT provides a direct portal to ChatGPT, bypassing browser hassles. But the OpenAI landscape is vast and ever-evolving. Take Snapchat’s recent unveiling of the ‘My AI’ feature or Slack’s innovative integration of a ChatGPT bot — testament to the diverse and expanding applications of OpenAI’s technology across platforms.

Download: https://www.macgpt.com/

3. MindMac

Experience the brilliance of ChatGPT directly from your Mac with MindMac. Engage in enlightening conversations, indulge in witty banter, or simply unwind with a humorous quip — all at the click of a button.

MindMac isn’t just any application — it’s tailor-made for macOS, leveraging the power and sophistication of Mac’s architecture. This ensures an unparalleled, lag-free user experience. The app showcases a contemporary design that is as aesthetic as it is functional, making it a delight for both the tech-savvy and the everyday user. Dive into the world of MindMac, and you’re greeted by its fluid performance complemented by a chic, intuitive interface. When it comes to marrying aesthetics with high-speed functionality in a native macOS environment, MindMac stands unrivaled.

The sheer simplicity of MindMac is what truly sets it apart. There’s zero need for technical prowess or coding skills. Simply download, register with your OpenAI API key 123, and immerse yourself in the captivating conversations that await.

Download: https://mindmac.app/

Conclusion

Currently, there are two ways to use ChatGPT on your Mac. The first one is via a web browser. And the other one is using third-party apps. From my experience, the content is generated a bit faster when using ChatGPT apps. However, it is not the way recommended by OpenAI. You should notice the risk and never share your account with other people as ChatGPT bannes account frequently!

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Kawhi Dumingz

Tech content writer & blogger who’s passionate about computer software and hardware.