Do you know when to use ChatGPT, a Custom GPT, or the OpenAI API?

ChatGPT, custom GPTs, and the OpenAI API all use OpenAI models, but they are best suited to different scenarios.

ChatGPT

Use ChatGPT when a person wants to interact with AI directly.

Good examples:

• Drafting or rewriting an email
• Explaining a concept
• Brainstorming ideas
• Summarizing a document
• Asking follow-up questions
• Getting help with a once-off task

✅ Best for human-in-the-loop work.

Custom GPT

Use a custom GPT when you want a repeatable assistant inside ChatGPT with specific instructions, knowledge, tools, or actions.

Good examples:

• An internal SSW Rules assistant
• A sales proposal helper
• A support triage assistant
• A reusable assistant trained on uploaded reference files
• A team-specific helper with a consistent tone and process

✅ Best for repeatable team workflows where people still interact through ChatGPT.

OpenAI API / GPT models

Use the OpenAI API when you need automation, product integration, or system-to-system workflows.

Good examples:

• Summarizing pages automatically
• Turning a URL into a draft SSW Rule
• Rewriting email content for different audiences
• Building AI features into an app
• Running AI as part of a backend workflow
• Connecting AI to your own database, services, or business logic

✅ Best for production systems, automation, and programmatic integration.