OpenAI has officially made its ChatGPT Projects feature available to free users, along with new customization and memory options.
Quick Summary – TLDR:
- ChatGPT Projects, previously for paid users only, is now available to free users
- Free users can upload up to five files, customize project icons and colors
- Projects include memory, keeping all chats and files organized under one workspace
- Available now on web and Android, with iOS rollout coming soon
What Happened?
OpenAI is expanding access to its Projects feature in ChatGPT, opening it up to free-tier users for the first time. Alongside this broader release, OpenAI also introduced several improvements, including expanded file uploads and workspace customization options. The update is already live on web and Android, with an iOS release expected in the coming days.
Projects in ChatGPT are now available to Free users.
— OpenAI (@OpenAI) September 3, 2025
In addition, we’ve added:
– Larger file uploads per project (up to 5 for Free, 25 for Plus, 40 for Pro/Business/Enterprise)
– Option to select colors and icons for more customization
– Project-only memory controls for more… pic.twitter.com/GGygJuBify
ChatGPT Projects Now Open to Everyone
Previously reserved for Plus and Pro subscribers, ChatGPT Projects now give free users a powerful way to organize long-term work with the AI. At its core, Projects acts like a digital workspace that brings together conversations, reference files, and instructions under one centralized hub. It allows ChatGPT to stay contextually aware of the task at hand without jumping between scattered chats.
Key Features Now Available to Free Users:
- Upload up to 5 files to each project
- Assign custom icons and color themes for easy identification
- Enable project-specific memory controls, letting ChatGPT remember details across multiple sessions
These features were previously limited to paid plans. With the update, Plus users can upload 25 files and Pro or Enterprise users can upload up to 40 files per project.
More Than Just Folders
While some might see Projects as glorified folders, their utility goes far beyond simple organization. OpenAI has included a built-in memory system within each Project. This means ChatGPT can retain important context, reference files, and follow ongoing instructions, which is particularly useful for recurring tasks like weekly reports, ongoing research, or drafting content over time.
Another major advantage is cross-platform functionality. Users can start a project on their Android phone and seamlessly continue the conversation on the web, or vice versa. iOS users will receive the feature in an update arriving soon.
OpenAI’s Strategy: Freemium With a Purpose
This rollout continues a clear pattern for OpenAI. The company has made a habit of initially reserving premium features for paying users and then gradually expanding them to the free tier. Past examples include ChatGPT Voice and Deep Research tools, which started as paid-only but were eventually opened up.
Even GPT-5, OpenAI’s newest model, was made available to free users at launch, albeit with more usage restrictions than paying users. This approach not only rewards subscribers with early access but gives free users enough utility to consider upgrading.
SQ Magazine Takeaway
I love this move by OpenAI. Giving free users access to Projects is a smart and generous upgrade, especially for those of us juggling multiple ideas or long-term writing tasks. It’s no longer just about chatting with AI but working with it efficiently. The built-in memory, customizations, and file support make this feel like a real productivity tool, not just a chatbot. This update makes the free ChatGPT experience feel a lot more premium.
