ChatGPT Work can create or edit documents, spreadsheets, presentations, reports, and analyses. Start with instructions, attach source material, or ask ChatGPT to match an existing file, master deck, or reusable template.
Availability depends on your plan, workspace settings, file type, and surface. ChatGPT Work supports native Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides when the relevant Google Workspace app is enabled. The ChatGPT desktop app also supports Microsoft Excel through the ChatGPT for Excel add-in. PowerPoint is not included in this Work desktop flow at launch.
Create a file
Open Work and describe the file you want and how you will use it.
Attach the source material ChatGPT should use.
Name the output format and where ChatGPT should create the file.
Say what must stay unchanged, such as formulas, layout, tone, branding, slide order, or table structure.
Review the file and ask for changes before sharing or relying on it.
For a spreadsheet, name the sheets, columns, formulas, and charts that matter. For a presentation, name the sections, slide types, and visual checks you expect.
Match a reference file
A reference file gives ChatGPT an example for the current task. Tell ChatGPT what to match and what to replace.
For example: “Use this presentation’s master slides and section order, but replace the content with the attached customer research.”
Reuse a template
Save a format you use regularly and reuse it for new documents, spreadsheets, and presentations.
A template combines a reference file with reusable instructions. Use one to keep recurring work—such as project briefs, weekly reports, or financial models—consistent without explaining the format each time.
A reference file is enough for a one-off request. Create a template when you want to repeat the same workflow.
Availability depends on your plan, workspace settings, and whether you’re using Work on the web or Codex in the ChatGPT desktop app.
Create a template
Start with a Word document (.docx), Excel workbook (.xlsx), PowerPoint presentation (.pptx), or a link to a Google Doc, Sheet, or Slides presentation.
For a Google Workspace reference, connect Google Drive with an account that can open the file. Creating a template doesn’t change the original Google file; the template keeps a link to it for future use.
In Work on the web or Codex in the ChatGPT desktop app, select @Template-Creator in the composer.
Attach one reference file or add its Google Workspace link.
Describe what should stay the same, what should change, and what information you’ll provide for each new file.
Send the request. If an Install button appears with the finished template, select it.
For example, ask ChatGPT to keep a project brief’s headings, table structure, and tone, then use new project notes to fill in the content.
On the web, you can also open Template Creator from Library → New → View templates → Create template.
Use a template
On the web or in Codex in the ChatGPT desktop app, select @Documents, @Spreadsheets, or @Presentations in the composer to open the Templates gallery.
Choose a template. On the web, select Use template to add it to your prompt.
Describe the file you want and provide the source material for this task.
Review the prompt and send it. Choosing a template doesn’t start the task automatically.
On the web, you can also find your templates in Library.
Templates created on the web and templates saved locally by Codex are separate. They don’t automatically sync between the two.
Check the completed file’s content, layout, formulas, and charts before sharing or relying on it. Ask ChatGPT for changes if the result needs adjusting.
Before sharing a new Google Workspace file created from a template, open it in Google Workspace and check its location and sharing settings.
Share a template with your team
Templates you create are personal. To make one available in your workspace, package it as a plugin and ask a workspace admin to publish it for the appropriate roles. Teammates with access can then install the plugin and use the template. See Publish a plugin to your workspace for the steps.
On desktop, you can also share templates as ZIP files. Check the included reference material before sharing, especially if it contains internal information or sample data.
Teammates need their own access to any linked files or connected services the template requires. Sharing the template doesn’t change the permissions on its Google Workspace reference.
Use Work with Google Workspace
Connect the relevant Google Workspace app in ChatGPT.
Open Work and ask ChatGPT to create or edit a Google Doc, Sheet, or Slide.
Choose the account or file when ChatGPT asks, then approve the action.
Review the file in Google Workspace and ask ChatGPT for any follow-up changes.
Workspace administrators control which apps and actions are available. See Apps in ChatGPT for more information.
Use Work with Microsoft Excel
ChatGPT Work can create or edit spreadsheet files. To inspect and update an open Microsoft Excel workbook directly, use Codex in the ChatGPT desktop app with the ChatGPT for Excel add-in.
Install ChatGPT for Excel and sign in to the add-in, then open an existing workbook or start a new one. In the ChatGPT desktop app, select Codex and mention @Microsoft Excel, or ask Codex to work with the open workbook.
Review formulas, source data, and workbook changes before saving or sharing. Codex may not use direct Excel control for every spreadsheet request.
For installation steps, availability, and current limitations, see ChatGPT for Excel and Google Sheets.
Preview and refine a file
In the desktop app, open supported documents, spreadsheets, presentations, and PDFs from the sidebar.
Select the part you want to change and describe the result you expect.
For example, highlight a claim and ask for its source. Select a chart and ask for a clearer label, or mark a slide that needs a different layout.
Find files in Library
Files created in cloud Work may be saved to Library where available. Local desktop outputs may remain in local projects or folders and do not automatically appear on web or mobile. File size and storage limits still apply.
FAQ
Do I need to provide a template?
No. ChatGPT can create a file from your instructions. Add a reference file or template when the result needs to follow an existing structure, brand, or workflow.
What is the difference between a reference file and a template?
A reference file is an example for one request. A template combines an example file, instructions, and an expected output so you can reuse the workflow.
Can ChatGPT create native Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides?
Where supported, ChatGPT can create or edit native Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides when the relevant Google Workspace app is enabled and connected. Available actions vary by file type, plan, and workspace settings.
Are created files saved automatically?
Cloud-created files may be saved to Library where available. Local desktop outputs may remain in local projects or folders. Files created in Temporary Chat are not saved to Library.