How to Use OpenAI

What is OpenAI, and how do you actually use it?

OpenAI is the company behind ChatGPT, its developer API, and a set of models that power many other apps. For most people the starting point is ChatGPT, a chat interface where you type a question or task and get a written answer back. You can also upload files and images, ask for summaries, draft emails, brainstorm ideas, or get help with code. Developers use the separate API to build their own products on top of the same models.

This guide explains how to get started with OpenAI's main consumer product, how to write prompts that get useful results, how to pick a plan, and what to watch out for. It also flags one important change: OpenAI has announced that its Sora video app and API are being shut down, so if you were looking for video generation from OpenAI, that route is no longer available. Plan limits and prices change often, so treat any number in this article as a starting point and confirm it on OpenAI's official pages before you pay.

Step-by-step: getting started with ChatGPT

1. Go to the official site at chatgpt.com or download the official ChatGPT app from your phone's app store. Avoid third-party clones that ask for your password or card details outside the official domain.

2. Create an account with an email address or a supported sign-in option. Turn on two-factor authentication in your account settings if it is offered.

3. Start with a simple test prompt, such as asking it to explain a topic you know well. This lets you judge the tone and accuracy before you rely on it for real work.

4. Open the model picker if your account shows one. Free and paid accounts can see different models, and the names and availability change over time, so check what your plan currently includes.

5. Try a file or image upload on a non-sensitive document to see how it handles attachments. Read the data controls in settings so you know what is stored and whether chats are used for training.

6. Save useful prompts as templates you can reuse, such as "Summarise this article in five bullets for a beginner" or "Rewrite this paragraph for a retail customer."

How to write prompts that get better answers

The quality of the answer depends heavily on the quality of the request. A vague prompt like "write about marketing" gives a generic result. A specific prompt gives something you can use. Good prompts usually include four things: the task, the audience, the format you want, and any constraints such as length, tone, or facts to avoid.

For example, instead of asking for a product description, you could write: "Write a 90-word product description for a stainless steel water bottle aimed at office workers in India. Use a friendly tone, mention leak-proof lids and a 24-hour cold rating, and end with a single call to action." You get a draft you can edit in minutes.

It also helps to iterate. If the first answer misses the mark, reply with specific feedback, such as "make it shorter," "use simpler words," or "add a table comparing the three options." Treat the conversation as a working session rather than a single query.

Always check facts that matter. Language models can state incorrect details with confidence, especially dates, prices, legal rules, medical information, and statistics. Ask the model to list its assumptions, and verify important claims against primary sources such as official government pages, company documentation, or published research.

Which plan should you choose?

OpenAI offers a free tier and several paid tiers. The free tier lets you try the core chat experience with limits on usage and on some features. Paid tiers add higher usage allowances, access to more capable models, and extra tools. The exact names, prices, and included features have changed several times, so compare the current plans on OpenAI's pricing page rather than relying on any third-party summary, including this one.

A simple way to decide is to think about how often you will use it. If you only need help a few times a month, the free tier is often enough. If you use it daily for writing, research, or coding, a paid plan may save time because you hit fewer limits. If you are a business, look at team and enterprise options, which include admin controls and data-handling terms that a personal account does not.

For India-based users, pricing may be shown in rupees or in dollars depending on your payment method and region. Check the price shown at checkout, watch for taxes, and confirm whether the plan renews automatically.

What about the API?

The OpenAI API is for developers. You create an API key in the developer dashboard, send requests from your own code, and pay based on usage. It is useful if you want to add text generation, summarisation, classification, or chat features to a website or app. It is not the same as a ChatGPT subscription, and a subscription does not give you API credits.

If you are not a developer, you can ignore the API for now. If you are, read the official documentation for authentication, rate limits, and pricing, and keep your key out of client-side code and public repositories. Store it in environment variables on your server.

Video generation: an important update

Many people searching for OpenAI video tools were looking for Sora. OpenAI has announced that the Sora consumer app and web experience were discontinued, and that the Sora API is being retired on a later date. Reports from March 2026 describe the app closing in late April 2026 and the API following in late September 2026. Because these dates come from news coverage and company statements, check OpenAI's official help center for the current status and export instructions before you rely on any saved Sora content.

If you still need AI video, compare current tools on their own official sites. Our guide to free AI video tools covers several options and explains how to judge free plans, watermarks, and commercial rights.

Privacy and safety basics

Before you paste anything into an AI chatbot, ask yourself whether you would be comfortable if that text were stored or reviewed. Do not share passwords, bank details, government ID numbers, health records, or confidential client data unless your organisation has approved the tool for that purpose. Use the data-control settings in your account, and turn off chat history or training options if you prefer.

Also be careful with outputs. Check names, figures, quotes, and links before publishing. Language models sometimes invent citations, so never assume a reference exists just because the text looks authoritative.

Practical tips for everyday use

• Start each new task in a fresh chat so old context does not confuse the answer.
• Paste the source text rather than describing it, when accuracy matters.
• Ask for a short answer first, then request more detail on the parts you need.
• Keep a document of prompts that work well for your job.
• Compare two versions of an answer side by side before choosing one.
• Use the model for drafting and structuring, and add your own expertise for the final version.

Frequently asked questions

Is ChatGPT free to use? There is a free tier with usage limits. Check OpenAI's official pricing page for the current allowances, since they change.

Is OpenAI the same as ChatGPT? No. OpenAI is the company. ChatGPT is one of its products, and the API is another.

Can I still use Sora? OpenAI has announced that the Sora app and API are being discontinued. Check the official help center for the latest dates and export options.

Do I need a paid plan to upload files? File and image features vary by plan and by region. Confirm in the app's settings or on the official help pages.

Is it safe to use for work? It can be, if you follow your organisation's policy, avoid sharing sensitive data, and verify outputs. Business plans usually offer stronger data controls than personal accounts.

Why did the answer seem wrong? Models can make mistakes or fill gaps with plausible but incorrect details. Ask for sources, check them, and correct the prompt with more context.

Conclusion

Using OpenAI well is mostly about clear prompts, careful checking, and choosing the right plan for how often you need it. Start with the free ChatGPT experience, practise with a few real tasks, and move to a paid plan only if the limits get in your way. Keep an eye on official announcements, especially around Sora, since product availability can change quickly.