1In one sentence
A Project is a folder inside ChatGPT where you keep related chats, files and standing instructions together, so you do not have to explain the same background every time.
2New words
- Project — a named folder in the left sidebar. Every chat you start inside it can see the project's files and instructions.
- Project files — documents you upload once to the project. Free accounts can add a few per project; paid plans more (check the pricing page).
- Project instructions — a note that applies to every chat in the project, like "Always answer in short bullet points and assume I run a small bakery."
- Project memory — a choice you make when you create a project. "Default memory" lets the project use what ChatGPT already remembers about you (Chapter 1.12). "Project-only memory" keeps the project's chats to themselves, which is better for private or work topics.
3Why you would want it
Without projects, each chat starts from nothing. With a project, your menu, your price list and your brand voice are always on the desk. It is also simply tidier: all the chats about one topic sit under one heading instead of scattered through a long list.
4Try it now
- In the left sidebar, click Projects, then the Create button. In the "Create project" box, name it Sam's Bakery and leave memory on "Default memory".
- Click the files area and upload a short text file with your menu and prices (make one up if needed).
- In Instructions, type: I run a small bakery. Keep answers short and practical. Use my menu file when you suggest prices.
- Start a new chat inside the project and ask: Suggest a Saturday special using items on my menu, with a price.
5What you will see
The project page with its name, the file list and the instructions box, and the chats grouped underneath:
The answer names items from your file, not generic ones, and follows the "short and practical" rule without being told again.
6Watch out
- Projects are available on all plans, but Free gets fewer files per project. With "Project-only memory", a fact you told a project chat is not known elsewhere, and you cannot switch a shared project back to default memory.
- Deep research and scheduled tasks started inside a project may not read the project files. Attach the file directly when it matters.
7Go further
Make a second project for a different part of your life (a trip, a course). Then read Chapter 1.12 to teach ChatGPT about you once, for all chats.