Learning outcomes
- Explain how to identify the sidebar, composer, tools, chat controls and account menu.
- Complete the guided activity safely.
- Check that you can move around ChatGPT confidently.
Getting Started
The ChatGPT Interface
Learn to identify the sidebar, composer, tools, chat controls and account menu and move around ChatGPT confidently in this beginner-friendly ChatGPT lesson.
Before you begin
Use the correct ChatGPT account or approved workspace. Do not enter passwords, recovery codes or private business information into practice chats.
Step-by-step instructions
- Open ChatGPT on the web, desktop or mobile device available to you and confirm you are using the intended account or workspace.
- Start a practice chat and locate its controls.
- Pause and check privacy, permissions, source material, feature availability and any instruction that affects the task.
- Review the result carefully and confirm that you can move around ChatGPT confidently.
- Save only the useful, verified output and record one improvement for your next prompt.
Ian's practical tip: Start with fictional or non-sensitive information. Treat the first response as a draft, then verify facts, sources, calculations and permissions before using it.
Practical activity
Start a practice chat and locate its controls. Your expected result is to move around ChatGPT confidently.