ChatGPT Atlas is OpenAI’s new web browser that puts AI help right where you browse. Instead of switching between tabs to ask questions, you get smart assistance on any webpage. This guide shows you how to download, set up, and use every feature Atlas offers.

Atlas works differently than Chrome or Safari. It understands what you’re reading and helps you work faster. You can summarize articles, improve your writing, and even let AI complete tasks for you. The browser remembers what matters to you and gives better suggestions over time.

Here’s what you need to know:

What ChatGPT Atlas Does

ChatGPT Atlas is a web browser with AI built directly into it. You browse websites like normal, but you can ask ChatGPT questions about any page without leaving it.

The browser has five main features:

Atlas runs on Mac computers with Apple Silicon chips. You need an M1, M2, M3, or M4 processor. The browser works with any ChatGPT account, including free ones.

System Requirements and Download

You need specific hardware to run ChatGPT Atlas:

How to download and install Atlas:

The browser opens after you sign in. You’ll see a familiar browser window with a new ChatGPT icon in the sidebar.

Using the ChatGPT Sidebar

The sidebar puts AI help on every webpage. You don’t need to copy text or switch tabs.

To open the sidebar:

Right-click anywhere on a webpage and select “Ask ChatGPT.” The sidebar slides out from the right side of your screen. ChatGPT already knows what page you’re on.

What you can ask:

The sidebar stays open as you browse. You can ask follow-up questions about the same page. ChatGPT uses the actual content from the webpage to answer.

Example use case:

You’re reading a long research paper. Instead of reading all 30 pages, right-click and ask “What are the main findings?” ChatGPT reads the paper and gives you the key points in seconds.

Writing Help That Works Anywhere

Atlas improves your writing directly in text boxes, forms, and emails. You don’t copy and paste anything.

How to use writing tools:

The improved text replaces your original text instantly. You can undo if you don’t like the changes.

Where this works:

Real example:

You write a casual email: “Hey, can you send me that report when you get a chance?” Highlight it, select “Make it more professional,” and it becomes: “Hello, could you please send me the report at your earliest convenience?”

Agent Mode for Complex Tasks

Agent Mode lets AI complete entire tasks for you. This feature requires a ChatGPT Plus or Pro subscription.

What Agent Mode does:

How to activate Agent Mode:

Example tasks:

“Find the three cheapest flights to Tokyo next month” - Atlas checks multiple travel sites and shows you options.

“Research the top-rated noise-canceling headphones under $200” - Atlas visits review sites, compares features, and summarizes findings.

Agent Mode works step by step. You see what it’s doing as it browses. You can stop it anytime if you don’t like where it’s going.

Browser Memories Explained

Browser Memories help Atlas give you better suggestions. The browser remembers what you work on and what matters to you.

What Atlas remembers:

How to control memories:

Memories are completely optional. You can turn them off and Atlas still works. The difference is responses become less personalized.

Privacy protection:

Smart New Tab Page

The new tab page combines search and AI help. You don’t need to decide between searching or asking ChatGPT.

How it works:

Open a new tab and you see a search box with ChatGPT ready. Type your question or search term. Atlas decides whether to show search results or answer directly.

What you can do:

Example:

Type “How does photosynthesis work?” and ChatGPT explains it directly. Type “restaurants near me” and you get search results with maps.

The new tab learns what you prefer. If you usually want links, it shows links. If you prefer explanations, it gives explanations.

Setting Atlas as Your Default Browser

Make Atlas your main browser so all links open in it.

Steps to set as default:

All web links now open in Atlas. You can switch back to your old browser anytime in System Preferences.

Importing Your Browser Data

Move your bookmarks, passwords, and history from your old browser.

Import process:

The import takes a few minutes depending on how much data you have. Your old browser data stays unchanged.

Privacy and Security Settings

Atlas gives you full control over what it tracks and remembers.

Incognito Mode:

Press Cmd+Shift+N to open an incognito window. Nothing you do in incognito gets remembered. Atlas doesn’t use the content to improve responses. No memories get saved.

Memory controls:

View every memory Atlas has saved. Delete individual memories or clear everything. Archive memories you might want later.

Parental settings:

Restrict Agent Mode so it can’t make purchases. Block certain websites from AI access. Limit what Atlas can remember.

Data transparency:

See exactly what data Atlas stores. Export your data anytime. Delete your entire Atlas history with one click.

Atlas doesn’t sell your data. Your browsing stays between you and the AI.

Best Ways to Use Atlas

For research:

For writing:

For productivity:

Tips for Getting Better Results

Be specific with context:

Instead of “What does this mean?” ask “What does this paragraph mean for small business owners?”

Use natural language:

Ask questions like you would ask a person. “Explain this like I’m five years old” works better than “Simple explanation.”

Leverage memories:

Let Atlas remember your work projects. It gives better suggestions when it knows what you’re working on.

Try different prompts:

Experiment with requests. “Make this sound more confident” might work better than “Make this professional” for your specific need.

Use Agent Mode for repetitive tasks:

If you do the same online task regularly, describe it once to Agent Mode. Let the AI handle it from then on.

Common Questions

Does Atlas work on Windows?

Not yet. Atlas currently only runs on Mac computers with Apple Silicon. Windows, iOS, and Android versions are coming soon.

Do I need ChatGPT Plus?

No. Atlas works with free ChatGPT accounts. Agent Mode requires Plus or Pro, but all other features work for free users.

Can I use my Chrome extensions?

No. Atlas doesn’t support Chrome extensions. The browser has built-in AI features that replace many popular extensions.

Is my browsing data private?

Yes. Atlas doesn’t sell your data. You control what gets remembered. Incognito mode keeps everything private even from the AI.

Can I turn off AI features?

Yes. You can disable memories, Agent Mode, and the sidebar. Atlas works as a regular browser when AI features are off.

Current Limitations

Atlas is new and has some limitations:

OpenAI is actively developing Atlas. More features and platform support are coming in future updates.

Conclusion

ChatGPT Atlas changes how you browse the web. The AI sidebar answers questions about any page instantly. Writing tools improve your text right where you type. Agent Mode completes complex tasks without manual work.

The browser works best when you let it remember your context. Memories make suggestions more relevant to your work. You control what gets saved and can delete everything anytime.

Start by using Atlas for research tasks. Try the sidebar to summarize articles. Test writing improvements on your next email. Once you see how it works, you’ll find more ways to use it.

Download Atlas from chatgpt.com/atlas and start browsing smarter today.