Basics

Getting started

Accounts, models, and your first useful prompt.

Knowledge cards
Knowledge card
Build Your First Prompt From Context, Goal, and Format
A three-part template for any prompt: state the context you're working in, the specific goal you want, and the format the answer should take. It's the fastest fix for disappointing first answers.
L1 · Basic prompts
Knowledge card
Pick the Right ChatGPT Model for the Job
Choosing which ChatGPT model runs your prompt — the fast general model for most work, a reasoning model when the task needs real step-by-step thinking, and deep research for long sourced investigations.
L1 · Basic prompts
Best practice
Start a New Chat When the Topic Changes
A context-hygiene habit: when you switch to an unrelated task, open a fresh chat instead of continuing the old thread, so stale context doesn't colour the new answer.
L1 · Basic prompts
Comparison
Free, Plus, or Pro: Which ChatGPT Tier You Actually Need
A plain rule for choosing a tier: the free tier covers most learning and everyday tasks; paid tiers pay off when you keep hitting usage limits or lean on the strongest reasoning models and Deep Research.
L1 · Basic prompts
Getting started with ChatGPT

Your first ten minutes

Getting started with ChatGPT takes less setup than most people expect: create a free account, open the chat box, and type a real request. The only decision that matters early is the model — the fast default for everyday questions, a reasoning model when a problem needs real thought. You do not need plugins, prompts copied from the internet, or any special syntax to get value on day one. What you do need is the habit of telling ChatGPT enough about your situation that it can answer for you specifically rather than for a generic reader.

Make your first prompt a good one

A strong first prompt has three parts: who you are and what you are working on, the exact outcome you want, and the format you want it in. Compare 'give me marketing ideas' with 'I run a small coffee subscription; suggest five low-budget marketing ideas I could try this month, each with a first step.' The second gets something usable. Once you find yourself repeating the same background, that is the signal to move on to custom instructions so ChatGPT remembers it for you.

Frequently asked
Do I need an account to use ChatGPT?

Yes, a free OpenAI account. Once signed in you can start immediately in the chat box — no installation or configuration required. The free tier is enough to learn on and handle most everyday tasks.

What should my first ChatGPT prompt include?

Who you are and what you are doing, the specific outcome you want, and the format you want it back in. That context turns a generic answer into one tailored to your situation.

Which model should a beginner use?

Start with the fast default model for everyday questions and drafting. Switch to a reasoning model when a task involves multi-step logic or careful thinking where accuracy matters more than speed.