Quick answer: Use Chat for questions and short drafts, ChatGPT Work for a finished file or multi-step outcome, and Codex when the task centers on code, technical files, or repeatable automation.

You do not need the most powerful tool for every task. Start with the outcome you need, then choose the simplest tool that can complete it.

Choose by outcome

• Use Chat for a useful answer

  • Explain a concept or unfamiliar term.
  • Brainstorm possibilities.
  • Draft or revise a short email, paragraph, or outline.
  • Ask follow-up questions while you think through an issue.

  Example: “Rewrite this announcement so it is warm, concise, and clear to families.”

• Use Work for a reviewable deliverable

  • Create or revise a document, spreadsheet, presentation, or PDF.
  • Combine information from several approved sources.
  • Complete a multi-step research or administrative task.
  • Continue working while you review progress and redirect it.

  Example: “Use these meeting notes and the attached template to create a two-page project brief. Put decisions and next steps first.”

• Use Codex for technical work

  • Understand, edit, or test code.
  • Work across a folder of technical files.
  • Diagnose errors and run repeatable checks.
  • Build scripts or small tools with a reviewable change history.

  Example: “Inspect this project, explain why the test fails, implement the smallest safe fix, and rerun the relevant tests.”

A 20-second decision

1. If you only need an answer or short draft, choose Chat.
2. If you need a finished artifact or a task completed across several steps, choose Work.
3. If the task primarily involves code, a repository, command-line work, or technical automation, choose Codex.

Choose your next step

For SBS faculty and staff: Start with everyday skills. Terra/Medium/Standard is a practical default; use Luna/Low for simple mechanical work. Check the selected model before sending.

Everyday power-user track

1. Choose the right model, effort, and speed — avoid spending your allowance on more capability than the task needs.
2. Understand five-hour and weekly limits — check resets and plan the next task.
3. Organize recurring work with Projects — keep useful sources and instructions together.
4. Use connected apps with a clear source boundary — name exactly where to look and require evidence links.
5. Analyze a spreadsheet with reviewable checks — preserve raw data and verify joins, totals, and conclusions.

Optional technical track

For employees working with scripts, code, websites, or configuration. You do not need this track to use ChatGPT effectively for everyday work.

1. Get started with Codex safely — choose a scoped workspace and appropriate permissions.
2. Turn a scoped task into a reviewed, tested change — inspect changes and check the evidence.
3. Choose a task prompt, AGENTS.md, or a reusable skill — make proven workflows reusable without adding unnecessary complexity.

Keep the foundations handy

Prompting · Faculty examples · Staff examples · Reviewing results

Official guidance

See OpenAI’s Get started with ChatGPT Work and Prompting guides.