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How to use ChatGPT in Arc Browser on MacOS
Arc Browser has become my default -- at least on MacOS. (Hello, Browser Company: Please port this app to Linux.) Anyone who's already started using this browser knows that the company behind it is quick to release new features to keep up with -- and, in some cases, surpass -- the competition.
One such feature is ChatGPT integration. Unlike many other browsers that have incorporated their own take on AI, Arc Browser opts for an already-established AI. However, unlike other browsers, Arc's AI integration isn't quite as obvious. That's OK, however, because once you know how to use it, it's fairly straightforward.
Also: 5 ways Arc browser makes browsing the web fun again
Let me show you how to use ChatGPT in Arc Browser.
First, a cautionary note: When using the Arc Max features (the AI-centric features on Arc Browser), the browser does send data to third parties. For example, when using Ask On Page, the partner is Anthropic. For all other features, the data goes to OpenAI. If you're not OK with that, I would not advise enabling Arc Max.
How to use ChatGPT in Arc Browser on MacOS
What you'll need: The only thing you'll need for this is an updated version of Arc Browser on MacOS (Arc Max is not yet available for Windows -- or Linux (see above request). One thing to note: If you want to be able to save your ChatGPT chats, you'll need to sign into OpenAI on Arc Browser before you start using ChatGPT.
1. Open Arc Max Settings
Open Arc Browser and use the Command+T keyboard shortcut. When the command bar opens, type "Max" and hit Enter. This will open the Arc Max Settings pop-up.
Accessing the Arc Max Settings pop-up is done through the command bar.
Also: How to use ChatGPT (and how to access GPT-4o)
2. Enable ChatGPT
In the Arc Max Settings pop-up, click the button labeled Turn On Max. Once you've clicked that, it will change to Turn On All. By clicking that button, you'll enable all of the Max features. If you don't want to do that, scroll to the bottom of the window, where you'll find the ChatGPT option. Toggle the On/Off slider for ChatGPT until it's in the On position. Once you've done that, you can close the Arc Max Settings pop-up.
If you only want to enable ChatGPT in Arc Browser, here's where you do it.
3. Open the Command pop-up again
Here's where things can get a bit confusing. You won't find a ChatGPT button that opens a side panel for queries. Instead, here's how to proceed. Once again, use the Command+T key combination to open the Command pop-up.
4. Open the ChatGPT prompt
Type ChatGPT (it's not case-sensitive). Once you've done that, hit Tab on your keyboard. This will change the Command bar to the ChatGPT prompt.
You now have access to ChatGPT queries.
You can now type your ChatGPT query, which will open a new Arc Browser tab with the response.
Also: I replaced Google Search with Opera's Aria AI and I don't miss the former one bit
No, it's not nearly as easy as, say, Opera's Aria AI solution, but Arc Browser does make using ChatGPT fairly easy. Hopefully, this feature will arrive on the Windows version soon (and, ahem, a Linux port?). If you're an Arc Browser user and a fan of AI, you'll enjoy this ChatGPT integration.