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.
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ChatGPT's minimalist composer
What's happening
ChatGPT implements tool switching through a Plus icon in the composer that opens a dropdown menu with hierarchical navigation. 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 above the input field.
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.
More from the gallery
ClaudeTool Switching in Composer
Claude allows users to select and activate different AI capabilities like Code Interpreter, Web Search, and file analysis directly from the composer interface.
Google GeminiTool Switching in Composer
Gemini allows users to select and activate different AI capabilities and extensions like Google Workspace, YouTube, and Maps directly from the composer interface.
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GrokTool Switching in Composer
Grok displays active tools as dismissible chips above the composer, allowing users to activate capabilities like DeepSearch and see them clearly indicated with the ability to remove them with an X button.
PerplexityTool Switching in Composer
Perplexity allows users to select and activate different AI capabilities and modes directly from the composer interface.
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