- OpenAI Dots desktop gives your dot a dedicated panel below Chats in the ChatGPT desktop app
- Own cloud computer: Your dot works in its own browser, terminal, and file system
- Proactive agent: It monitors Gmail, Calendar, and Slack, then nudges you before deadlines
- Availability: Rolling out to Pro and Business users in the US and Canada first
- One chat thread: All activity lives in a single conversation, with multiple dots planned
What Is OpenAI Dots Desktop?
OpenAI Dots desktop is the desktop-app experience of Dots, the personal agent OpenAI launched at DevDay 2026. Instead of giving ChatGPT one-off tasks, you hand your dot an ongoing responsibility — managing bills, prepping meetings, tracking purchases — and it keeps working even when your laptop is closed.
In the desktop app, your dot appears directly below the Chats list. Opening it shows a messenger-style conversation where the dot introduces itself, requests access to your Google Calendar and Gmail, and begins surfacing upcoming events and deadlines automatically.
Video Highlights:
- Full walkthrough of the Dots setup on iOS and desktop
- Live demo of the dot's own computer, browser, and terminal
- Customization: names, colors, avatars, and Codex pets
- Use cases for everyday life, work, and business owners
Dots represent stage three of AI usage: not just chat (stage one) or guided task execution like Codex (stage two), but a persistent agent that takes initiative instead of waiting for your next prompt.
Where Dots Fit in the ChatGPT Universe
The desktop dot differs from every other ChatGPT feature because it combines three capabilities that previously lived separately.
| Capability | How It Works | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Own computer | Cloud-based browser, terminal, and files | Works independently of your machine |
| ChatGPT memory | Knows your tone, preferences, priorities | Responds like a long-term teammate |
| Initiative | Reads Gmail/Slack, flags urgent items | Nudges you instead of waiting |
Task versus responsibility is the core distinction. A task finishes; a responsibility is ongoing and end-to-end. You assign a dot a responsibility — like "keep my subscriptions organized" — the same way you'd onboard a new hire.
Stage 1: Chat
- Ask questions, get answers
- Great for ideas
- You still do the work
Stage 2: Codex / Work
- Creates docs, slides, code
- Needs step-by-step guidance
- Waits for you constantly
Stage 3: Dots
- Owns a responsibility
- Persistent and proactive
- Comes back to you
Desktop Setup: Step-by-Step
Setting up your dot on the desktop app takes only a few minutes. Follow this sequence for the smoothest start.
Open the Dots Panel
Launch the ChatGPT desktop app and click your dot, located directly below Chats. Allow roughly 30 seconds for the initial loading screen.
Name and Personalize
Click the pencil icon in the right-hand panel. Give your dot a nickname, choose a color, and select an avatar. Codex pets can also be linked here.
Connect Gmail and Calendar
Grant access so your dot sees incoming emails and upcoming events. It states it won't send or change anything unless you ask.
Claim the Dot's Email Address
Your dot gets its own chatgpt.email address you can CC from any inbox. Claim your preferred name quickly — availability is limited.
Add Slack and Set Goals
Connect Slack, then assign ongoing responsibilities like "prep me for every meeting" or "track flight prices." Respond to its updates to stay in control.
The dot's dedicated email address is claimed on a first-come basis. Secure your name immediately after setup — desirable addresses disappear fast.
The Dot's Own Computer
The most distinctive desktop feature is the dot's computer — a cloud workspace you can observe or take over. It includes a browser, a terminal for coded work, shared folders, and a full activity log.
| Tab | Function | User Control |
|---|---|---|
| Browser | Opens and researches websites | Watch or open URLs yourself |
| Terminal | Runs code your dot writes | Viewable workspace |
| Files | Shared scratch and created documents | Full access |
| Detail | JSON log of all conversations | Audit trail |
Your dot can also open your own system when granted access, blurring the line between its cloud workspace and your machine. Control can be handed back and forth — the dot literally says "watch me work or take control when you need to."
Everything currently happens in one chat thread. OpenAI confirms multiple dots and separate conversations are coming, but for now all activity — tasks, calls, updates — lives in a single conversation.
Use Cases Worth Trying First
These responsibilities show off the dot's proactive strength across daily life and work.
| Use Case | What the Dot Does | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription tracker | Maintains one list of bills, renewals, insurance | Everyone |
| Travel manager | Collects flight, hotel, cab details per trip | Frequent travelers |
| Purchase researcher | Compares options, watches festive offers | Big purchases |
| Meeting prep | Reads email/Slack nightly, preps notes and research | Working professionals |
| Ongoing reporting | Delivers updates every Monday | Business owners |
First-Week Setup Goals:
- Connect Gmail, Calendar, and Slack
- Claim the dot's email address
- Customize name, color, and avatar
- Assign one ongoing responsibility
- Review the dot's computer tabs
Treat your dot like a new teammate: give clear end goals, then respond to its check-ins. The more it knows about what "done well" means to you, the better its initiative becomes.
Availability and Pricing
| Plan | Access | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Pro | Yes, US/Canada first | Broader rollout planned |
| Business | Yes, US/Canada first | Same regional rollout |
| Enterprise | Admin opt-in | Workspace must be enabled |
| Free | Not at launch | No free tier announced |
Dots usage is free against your plan allowance only for the first month after launch for eligible users. Afterward, expect separate charging, and note that usage will not be unlimited.
Calls to your dot can only be initiated from within the ChatGPT app — the dot does not have its own phone number, despite having its own email address.
FAQ
Q: Where do I find OpenAI Dots desktop?
Open the ChatGPT desktop app and look directly below your Chats list. Clicking your dot opens the main conversation panel where setup and all activity take place.
Q: Can my dot use Codex and my files?
Yes. Your dot can leverage connected tools and, with your permission, access your system. It also has its own cloud computer with a browser and terminal where it performs most work.
Q: Can I create multiple dots?
Currently you can only create one dot. OpenAI has confirmed that additional dots — for example, one per responsibility area — are planned for a future release.
Q: How is a dot different from a scheduled task?
A scheduled task is one-time and static. A dot holds an ongoing responsibility, interacts with you, adapts to feedback, and proactively nudges you about deadlines and important emails.