OpenAI is finally merging ChatGPT work tabs
· MaJe Research Team · 4 min read
Key takeaway
OpenAI is uniting its chat and project views into one screen on the desktop app, sharing token limits between ChatGPT and Codex.
- OpenAI combines separate desktop tabs into one space.
- Users can build sites and documents in one chat.
- Codex stays separate but shares the same token pool.
- Rollout begins with select users before reaching everyone.
On November 2, 2026, OpenAI revealed it is merging ChatGPT work tabs with standard conversations into one single window. The desktop app previously split chats and tasks across multiple tabs, which made users lose track of ongoing projects. This update brings files, web tasks, and brainstorming together into a single workflow.
Why is OpenAI changing ChatGPT work tabs?
OpenAI built its ChatGPT desktop app with two main sections: ChatGPT and Codex. Inside the ChatGPT section, the interface currently splits into two distinct tabs labeled Chat and Work. Having multiple tabs can confuse users, since it is easy to lose track of where you are working or where your active project sits.
To clear up this confusion, OpenAI announced an update in an email sent to users. OpenAI is merging the Chat and Work tabs into one unified desktop experience across the app. This removes the barrier between simple back and forth chatting and running larger projects.
In the email, OpenAI explained that the change lets you explore an idea and have ChatGPT carry it through in one place. You will be able to bring your files and plugins directly into the conversation. From there, you can ask ChatGPT to build a website, put together a presentation, or complete tasks across the web while you guide and review its actions.
Codex is not part of this merge and will remain a separate experience in the desktop app. Both ChatGPT and Codex will draw tokens from the same shared pool, which means some people may need to wait for resets more frequently if they run demanding models.
What happens to ChatGPT chat vs work tabs?
Before this update, the ChatGPT desktop app felt split up. Having separate Chat and Work tabs inside the app made it easy to lose track of where your project was. Combining these features into one view fixes that confusion.
Now, you can explore an idea and have ChatGPT carry it out in one place. You do not need to switch tabs to turn thoughts into actions. You can bring in your files and plugins, then ask ChatGPT to build a website, make a presentation, or do tasks on the web while you review and guide its work.
There is also a change to how system limits work. ChatGPT and Codex will now draw tokens from the same shared allowance pool. OpenAI says this will not impact most users. Still, depending on your usage and chosen model, you might hit your cap and need to wait for resets more frequently.
This shift matches what other AI makers are doing. Anthropic made a similar change back in September when it merged Claude’s chat and Cowork features into a single screen.
How to try chatgpt work tabs today
-
Open the ChatGPT desktop application on your computer. OpenAI built this interface update specifically for the desktop software, where users previously had to navigate between ChatGPT, Codex, Chat, and Work tabs. Keeping your app current ensures you can see layout updates when they arrive.
-
Check your registered email account to see if OpenAI selected you for the test group. OpenAI sent an email to users stating that the combined experience is available to select users first to gather feedback before a wider rollout. Searching your inbox for an announcement from OpenAI will confirm if your account was included.
-
Test attaching files and plugins directly into conversations without switching sections. The merged screen lets you explore an idea and finish a project in one continuous view. You can bring in files, use plugins, and direct ChatGPT to build a website, generate a presentation, or handle web tasks while reviewing its progress.
-
Keep using Codex as a separate workspace inside the app. OpenAI confirmed that Codex will stay a distinct experience in the ChatGPT desktop app. You do not need to alter your Codex workflow, though its resource usage connects to your main account.
-
Monitor token reset times if you regularly use both ChatGPT and Codex. Under this update, both ChatGPT and Codex draw tokens from the exact same allowance pool. OpenAI noted this will not impact most people, but some users may encounter usage limit resets more frequently depending on their model choices and overall activity.
Key takeaways
- OpenAI is combining the Chat and Work tabs into one unified desktop screen. This change means you can move from testing an idea to creating websites or presentations in one window without losing track of your files.
- Codex stays in its own separate section inside the desktop app. The coding tool will not mix into your main chat area.
- Both ChatGPT and Codex will draw usage from a single token allowance pool. Depending on your daily usage and chosen model, you might hit limit resets more frequently.
- Select users get early access to test the updated screen and provide feedback before OpenAI rolls out the change to all users.
Found this useful? A new find like this goes up on the MaJe blog every day.
Sources
The key facts in this post were taken from these sources:
Frequently asked questions
Why did OpenAI combine the ChatGPT chat and work tabs?
The ChatGPT desktop app had separate tabs that made it easy to forget where a project was located. OpenAI combined them so people can explore ideas and execute tasks in one place without switching views.
What is the difference in ChatGPT chat vs work tabs?
The old setup divided casual discussions from structured project actions in separate desktop tabs. The new update removes this split, letting you attach files and create web projects in standard conversations.
Will OpenAI keep Codex separate?
Yes, Codex will remain a separate experience inside the ChatGPT desktop app. However, both ChatGPT and Codex will now draw usage from the same shared token allowance pool.
Who gets access to the new ChatGPT work tabs setup first?
OpenAI announced in an email that the combined experience rolls out initially to select users for feedback. After this initial review period, OpenAI plans to release the update widely to everyone.
Curious what else you might be missing? Next up: How claude personal finance tracks your money