MacGPT

MacGPT is a tool that allows users to access and interact with ChatGPT directly from their Mac and menubar. It provides multiple ways to en...

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What is MacGPT?

MacGPT is a lightweight, native macOS application that brings ChatGPT directly into your Mac's menu bar, providing fast and seamless access to AI assistance without needing to switch to a browser. The app loads the ChatGPT interface in a native window or from the menu bar, allowing users to log in with their OpenAI credentials and start conversations instantly by clicking the menu bar icon.

Key features include Global access, which pops up a text field anywhere on your screen for ChatGPT access from anywhere; Inline mode, which brings ChatGPT directly into your text fields so you can type a trigger phrase and prompt for ChatGPT to do the typing; Menu bar access for quick ChatGPT launch; Easy Copying to transcribe entire conversations in readable format; and Conversation Mode for voice interactions where you can talk back and forth with ChatGPT without touching your keyboard. The app supports both the ChatGPT web interface and native API usage.

MacGPT is designed for macOS users who want quick access to ChatGPT for research, personal use, streamlining communication, or any task requiring AI assistance. It supports GPT-4o and GPT-4 Vision with API usage, and requires macOS Monterey (12.0) or newer. The app is used by more than 300,000 people and is only 2MB in size because it's written efficiently.

MacGPT pricing

Pricing model: Free

MacGPT is offered free of charge with the developer accepting voluntary support. There is a $20 upgrade option that provides prioritized processing, quicker access, and early access to new features. The free tier includes access to the ChatGPT website through the native app or menu bar without paying anything extra. To use the native API mode, you need your own OpenAI API key and must connect a credit card to your OpenAI account. GPT-4 API access requires signing up for a waiting list through the OpenAI website.

MacGPT pros

  • Menu bar access for instant ChatGPT launch
  • Global text field pops up anywhere on screen
  • Inline mode integrates ChatGPT into text fields
  • Conversation Mode for voice back-and-forth talks
  • Easy copying of entire conversation transcripts
  • Supports both web interface and native API
  • Lightweight app only 2MB in size
  • Works with your own OpenAI API key
  • Supports GPT-4o and GPT-4 Vision with API
  • Keyboard shortcut assignable via gear icon
  • No extra cost beyond OpenAI credentials
  • Used by over 300,000 people
  • Native macOS app not browser-based
  • Fast access without moving mouse to browser
  • Also available as GeePeeTee for iPhone

MacGPT cons

  • Only supports macOS Monterey and Ventura
  • Inline feature doesn't work in some apps like Notion
  • Inline feature doesn't work in Sublime Text
  • Inline feature doesn't work in WhatsApp
  • GPT-4 API requires waiting list sign-up
  • GPT-4 API only available after waiting list
  • No control over OpenAI blocking proxy servers
  • Native API mode requires connecting credit card

Frequently asked questions about MacGPT

Can I use GPT Plus features with MacGPT?

Yes you can. Just login with your OpenAI credentials and you should be able to access the GPT Plus features directly through the app.

How do I use MacGPT with the ChatGPT API?

You can use MacGPT through the ChatGPT API for a nicer and faster experience. To use the native mode you will need to get your own OpenAI API key and connect a credit card to it.

Why does Inline not work in some apps?

The MacGPT Inline feature does not work in some apps including Sublime Text, Notion, and WhatsApp for example. The developer is aware of this issue and is looking into ways to solve it.

When will GPT-4 API be available?

Currently the GPT-4 API is only available through the API after signing up for a waiting list. You need to sign up through the OpenAI website and you should have access in a few days.

What macOS versions does MacGPT support?

MacGPT is only supported on macOS Monterey and Ventura because it uses some of the latest APIs that are not available on older macOS versions.

Why does OpenAI block some connections?

MacGPT connects directly to the OpenAI servers so the developer can't control what they do in terms of blocking proxy servers.

Is there an iPhone version of MacGPT?

Yes, MacGPT is also available on iPhone as GeePeeTee. It's free and allows you to talk to ChatGPT with fast conversations, use your own API key, and create multiple conversations with different prompts.

How do I activate MacGPT without using the mouse?

You can assign a keyboard shortcut by clicking the gear icon in MacGPT, which allows you to activate the app without moving your mouse.

Does MacGPT cost anything to use?

MacGPT is offered free of charge. You can access the ChatGPT website through the native app or menu bar without paying anything extra. The developer accepts voluntary support, and there's a $20 upgrade option for priority features.

What is Conversation Mode in MacGPT?

Conversation Mode lets you talk to ChatGPT without touching your keyboard. You can talk back and forth with ChatGPT using voice interactions instead of typing.

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