ChatGPTTool Switching in Composer
ChatGPT allows users to select and activate different AI capabilities like Code Interpreter, DALL·E, and Web Search directly from the composer interface.
Empty composer with starter pills below the bar
What's happening
ChatGPT implements tool switching through a Plus icon on the left side of the composer that opens a dropdown menu. Users can select tools like Image which show contextual templates, or choose from different modes (Think, Research, Study) that adapt the AI's behavior. Active tools are displayed as chips inside the input bar.
Patterns
Plus icon opens tool selection menu
Contextual templates shown when specific tools like Image are selected
Mode selection with Think, Research, and Study modes, each with contextual prompts
UX Insights
- •Tool selection is discoverable but not immediately obvious
- •Multiple tools can be active simultaneously
- •Visual feedback shows which tools will be used
- •Tools can be removed individually via chip X button
- •Contextual templates appear when specific tools are selected
- •Mode selection (Think, Research, Study) adapts AI behavior with contextual prompts
Design Decisions
The Plus icon approach keeps the composer clean but requires users to discover the feature. The chip-based active tool display provides clear feedback about what capabilities are enabled.
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