Most people use ChatGPT like it’s Google: type, copy, paste, repeat. Hours lost re-typing, re-reading, re-searching, all because they never click one small button.
That button is the little “+” next to your message box. Almost nobody touches it, but behind it are nine shortcuts that turn ChatGPT from a Q&A box into a real assistant.
Today’s ConfigurAI is a special edition, inspired by Emily, part of our ConfigurAI Tribe. She reminded me that most people use ChatGPT daily without realising how much power is hidden right under their noses. So this week, I’m walking you through that hidden menu step by step. Plain English. Zero jargon. One tiny test for each button so you can see the difference by Friday.
Your ChatGPT menu explained, step by step
How to open this menu
In a chat, click the little “+” button next to the message box.
You will see options like Add photos & files, Deep research, Create image, Agent mode, Study and learn, and More.
Tip: You can use these before or after you type a message.
1. Add photos & files
What it is: Upload a picture, PDF, Word doc, PowerPoint, or spreadsheet so ChatGPT can read it and help.
Use when: You have a long document you do not want to read, a messy spreadsheet you want summarised, or a photo you want described or improved.
How to do it
Click Add photos & files.
Choose a file from your computer or phone.
Type one clear instruction.
Try this now
“Summarise this PDF in 5 bullet points I can paste into an email.”
“Find mistakes or risks in this contract and explain them in plain English.”
“Turn this spreadsheet into a simple table showing the total by month.”
Limits to remember
If the PDF is scanned or blurry, say, “If text is unreadable, ask me to re-upload.”
For confidential files, avoid uploading unless you are comfortable. Delete files from the chat if needed.
2. Deep research
What it is: A slower, more thorough mode. ChatGPT takes more time to check multiple sources and produce a structured, cited summary.
Use when: You need a clearer answer than a quick reply. Good for learning a topic, comparing options, or getting a mini-brief.
How to do it
Click Deep research.
Ask for a specific outcome.
Try this now
“Give me a one-page brief on ‘habit stacking’. Include 3 reputable sources and 3 practical actions.”
“Compare three beginner email tools for a small UK business. Give price, pros, cons, and a simple recommendation.”
Limits to remember
It still may miss things. Ask for sources and a short “what we don’t know yet” section.
3. Create an image
What it is: Generate an image from a description.
Use when: You need a quick social graphic, icon ideas, a sketch for a slide, or a visual concept to brief a designer.
How to do it
Click Create image.
Describe what you want in one or two sentences.
Try this now
“Create a simple square graphic: headline ‘One button. One win.’ Clean modern style.”
“Design a minimalist checklist icon with a tick inside a circle.”
Limits to remember
It will not copy a brand logo exactly. If you need brand colours, state hex codes.
4. Agent mode
What it is: Ask ChatGPT to complete a goal in steps. It can plan, gather info with allowed tools, and produce a finished output without you micromanaging.
Use when: You want a result, not just an answer. Reports, comparisons, draft emails, checklists, and simple tables.
How to do it
Click Agent mode.
Give a goal and the finish line.
Try this now
“Goal: Create a 5-step onboarding checklist for a new client. Finish line: a one-page checklist I can paste into Notion.”
“Goal: Draft a polite payment-chase email. Finish line: a ready-to-send message under 120 words.”
Limits to remember
If the result drifts, say “Stop. Show me your plan in bullet points,” then correct it.
5. Study and learn
What it is: Teach ChatGPT with a document or topic, then let it explain, quiz you, or create flashcards.
Use when: You need to learn a policy, a manual, a chapter, or prep for a meeting.
How to do it
Click Study and learn.
Upload a PDF or paste text.
Say how you want to learn.
Try this now
“Teach me the key points like I am a beginner. Then give me 5 quiz questions.”
“Create 10 flashcards from this document.”
Limits to remember
Tell it your preferred level: “no jargon” or “manager summary only”.
6. More → Web search
What it is: Let's ChatGPT look up current information online.
Use when: You need up-to-date facts, news, prices, or official pages.
How to do it
Click More, turn on Web search.
Ask a specific question and request links.
Try this now
“Find the official page for Beehiiv pricing and summarise tiers in a table with links.”
“What changed in UK VAT thresholds in the last 12 months? Give sources.”
Limits to remember
Always ask for links and a last-updated date.
7. More → Canva
What it is: Create designs directly via Canva from inside ChatGPT.
Use when: You want a quick social post, slide, or flyer without leaving the chat.
How to do it
Click More → Canva and connect your Canva account.
Say what you want and your brand colours or vibe.
Try this now
“Create a LinkedIn post image: title ‘Stop repeating yourself in ChatGPT’. Clean, black and white with one accent colour.”
“Make a simple A4 checklist with 6 items and space to tick.”
Limits to remember
You can open the design in Canva to fine-tune fonts, spacing, and the brand kit.
8. More → Connect Google Drive, OneDrive, or SharePoint
What it is: Pull files from your cloud storage without downloading each one.
Use when: You have lots of files to summarise or compare.
How to do it
Click More → Connect Google Drive (or OneDrive or SharePoint) and approve access.
Pick a file or folder when ChatGPT asks.
Give a clear task.
Try this now
“From this folder, summarise the last three client reports into a single page with headings.”
“Create a table showing each file name, date, and one-sentence takeaway.”
Limits to remember
Only connect accounts you trust. Disconnect in your account settings if you change your mind.
That’s the hidden menu, eight buttons most people ignore. You don’t need to master them all. Just pick one and try the test.
By Friday, you’ll either still be typing into ChatGPT like it’s 2022, or you’ll finally have an assistant that saves you hours. The difference is one click.
Thanks for reading,
See you next Wednesday with more ways to cut the busywork and get your time back.
Orgesa Meli
P.S. It would mean a lot if you forward this to someone who’d benefit. I’m building a community of people who want to work smarter with AI, not just a list of names. Subscribe to my community here.
