OpenAI expands Projects feature to free ChatGPT users with file uploads and customisation options

OpenAI has unveiled an exciting update: the Projects feature, once exclusive to paid subscribers, is now accessible to free users of ChatGPT. This new functionality enables users to categorize their conversations by specific topics, set personalized instructions for AI responses, and manage which information and files the AI can access. Projects serve as organized folders for discussions, enhancing usability for those who frequently utilize ChatGPT. In this update, OpenAI has also increased the limits on file uploads. Free users can now attach up to five files per project, while Plus subscribers can upload 25 files, and Pro subscribers have a limit of 40. Additionally, all users can customize the color and icon of each project, making navigation more intuitive. OpenAI highlighted some key enhancements: larger file upload capacities (5 for Free, 25 for Plus, and 40 for Pro/Business/Enterprise), options for color and icon selection for personalized organization, and memory controls specific to each project for tailored context management. This feature is now available for both web and Android users, with iOS users set to receive it in the coming days. This development aligns with OpenAI's ongoing strategy of democratizing access to features that were once behind a paywall. Tools like Deep Research and ChatGPT Voice have transitioned from paid exclusives to features available for all users. Moreover, GPT-5 has been introduced to free users, albeit with more restricted usage compared to those with subscriptions.