OpenAI is finally merging ChatGPT’s chat and Work tabs

In Brief

Posted:

5:57 AM PST · November 2, 2026

The ChatGPT desktop app can be a confusing piece of software, given that there are ChatGPT and Codex sections, and within the former, there are Chat and Work tabs. With so many options, it’s sometimes easy to forget where you are working and where exactly your project is.

In an apparent effort to address this, OpenAI is now gearing up to merge the Chat and Work tabs within the ChatGPT experience, according to an email sent to users. OpenAI said that initially, this experience will be available to select users for feedback before it is rolled out widely.

“This will enable you to move from exploring an idea to having ChatGPT carry it through, all in one place. You can bring in your files and plugins and ask ChatGPT to build a website, create a presentation, or do things for you on the web, while reviewing and guiding its work. Codex will remain a separate experience in the ChatGPT desktop app,” the email said.

OpenAI also said with this transition, both ChatGPT and Codex will draw tokens from the same allowance pool. It said this change won’t impact most users, but based on usage and model, some folks might need to wait for resets more frequently.

Rival Anthropic merged Claude’s chat and Cowork functions into one screen in September.

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