ChatGPT Desktop App Integration Launch — Linux Support and 3 Workspace Usage Tips

ChatGPT, which we always used in a single browser tab, has finally moved entirely into our computers. The official desktop app has been released, combining general chat, document work, and terminal control for developers into one. Notably, the much-anticipated Linux preview version has also been unveiled. I will clearly break down the key features of the three new workspaces and how you can import your existing AI settings to use them in your daily work immediately.

Chat, Work, Codex — Your Workflow Transformed into Three Workspaces

The revamped desktop app offers three distinct workspaces based on your needs: Chat for casual inquiries and quick answers, Work for agent-driven tasks like writing documents or spreadsheets, and Codex for developers to run local terminal commands and edit code.

The great news here is that usage limits for the Chat and Work workspaces are calculated separately.

Think of it like having separate electricity and water meters for your home. Even if you use up your water supply, your lights stay on without any issues. Even if you exhaust your limit through intensive agent tasks in Work or Codex, you can still continue your everyday conversations without any interruption. This means you don't have to worry about your entire workflow being cut off mid-task due to hitting a usage limit.

Importing Your Existing Claude Code and Cursor Settings

Even if you want to try a new tool, it can be intimidating if it means reconfiguring everything from scratch. This ChatGPT desktop app features a smart environment import function, allowing users who previously relied on Claude Code or Cursor to easily consider making the switch.

There are two ways to import: simply perform a few clicks in the app settings, or type the /import command in the terminal screen within the Codex workspace.

When you run the import, it copies over everything you've painstakingly set up, including system instructions, personal settings, custom skills, workspace configurations, and even up to 50 of your most recent conversations.

The most reassuring part is that this process works as a simple 'copy.' It doesn't touch the original files of your functional Claude Code or Cursor environment, so you can test the new features with peace of mind without worrying about breaking or messing up your original development environment.

WebMCP Site Tools for Direct Interaction with Web Browsers

If I had to pick the most interesting technology in the new ChatGPT desktop app, it would definitely be the 'Site Tools' based on the Web Model Context Protocol (WebMCP). Simply put, it's a new standard that allows the built-in browser within the desktop app to securely communicate directly with the web page currently open.

Previously, for an AI to search materials or use functions from a specific website, you had to develop complex APIs or go through cumbersome integration approval processes. Now, however, the ChatGPT agent can instantly find and execute useful actions prepared by the website developer right within the browser.

All it takes is for the website to register the tool in a simple code format as shown below.

// WebMCP를 활용해 웹사이트가 AI에게 제공할 도구를 등록하는 예시
document.modelContext.registerTool({
  name: "search_docs",
  description: "공식 문서에서 필요한 정보를 빠르게 검색합니다.",
  parameters: {
    query: { type: "string" }
  }
});

Now, without complicated logins or external integrations, you can immediately find documents or run necessary functions within the currently open web page. Experience the convenience of having your open browser tab become a reliable AI assistant helping you out.

Before Installing the Linux Preview, Please Check This!

The Linux preview version released on August 11 is distributed as a .deb package for Debian and Ubuntu families, and a .rpm package for Fedora families. It thoroughly supports not only 64-bit systems but also ARM64 architectures.

However, since it contains the Codex workspace that executes terminal commands directly on your PC, you need to check your security settings in advance to use it safely. The app uses Bubblewrap, a sandbox technology that protects the system, for a secure local environment execution.

Developers using environments like Ubuntu 24.04 should take note of this: if you have already set up AppArmor security profiles while installing the Claude desktop app, these settings might conflict with Bubblewrap permissions, causing execution errors. It is recommended to check for potential conflicts between security profiles before installation.

Also, since this is the first preview version, the 'computer use' feature, where AI directly controls the entire screen, has been excluded from this Linux release. The screen display might not be perfectly smooth in a Wayland graphical environment, so I recommend checking these limitations before testing it out.

Setting Up Your Perfect AI Workspace

As ChatGPT, previously confined to browser tabs, connects directly to your computer, it has evolved from a simple conversation partner into a reliable work partner. It is extremely convenient to easily import existing development tool settings with just a few mouse clicks or a single command to get started right away.

If you do a lot of document work or use a Linux environment, take this opportunity to set up your own customized AI workspace!