OpenAI merges ChatGPT's chat and Work tabs into one screen

One place for thinking and doing

The ChatGPT desktop app has had a reputation for being a bit confusing. On the left side there are two main areas — ChatGPT and Codex — and inside the ChatGPT section, users had to toggle between a Chat tab and a Work tab. Some people would start an idea in Chat, then click over to Work to attach files and launch tools, and end up losing track of where their project was ¹.

OpenAI is now closing that gap. In an email sent to users, the company confirmed it is merging the Chat and Work tabs into a single flow ¹. The change will first roll out to a small group of users who can test it and give feedback before the wider release happens .

¹ "This will allow you to take an idea from the exploration stage all the way through to completion with ChatGPT handling the work, without ever leaving the platform." In an email, the company explained that users can upload their files and connect their plugins, then task ChatGPT with building websites, creating presentations, or carrying out web-based actions — all while the user reviews and directs what it produces .

Importantly, Codex is not being folded in. It remains a separate experience inside the desktop app ¹.

Token limits will now be shared

There is one change that could affect how people use the app. Moving forward, ChatGPT and Codex will share a single combined pool of tokens rather than drawing from separate allowances ¹. OpenAI says most users will not notice a difference, but people who use both features heavily — especially with higher-tier models — may find themselves needing to wait for their usage reset more often than before .

OpenAI's change takes a similar direction.

What this means for users

Right now, the merge is being tested with a select group of users before a broader rollout. That means most ChatGPT desktop users will still see the old layout for the immediate future ¹. When the change reaches everyone, people should expect fewer clicks to go from a casual conversation to building something with files, plugins and web tools — without leaving the same window.

This story reports on a product update for information only. It is not advice or encouragement to do any of it.

Corrections and updates

• Corrected on 2 November 2026. An earlier version of this story included details its sources do not support. They have been corrected or removed.

Key facts

• OpenAI is merging Chat and Work tabs in the ChatGPT desktop app
• The change is first being tested with select users for feedback before a wider rollout
• ChatGPT and Codex will share the same token allowance pool going forward
• Most users will not notice an impact, but heavy users may need to wait for resets more often
• Anthropic made a similar merge with Claude in September

Sources

1. OpenAI is finally merging ChatGPT's chat and Work tabs | TechCrunch — techcrunch.com