Writing down notes using a pen and paper scratches an itch that typing text doesn't. Studies have shown that physically jotting down notes is a better way to retain information. However, by writing stuff down, you miss out on the perks of digital notes. ChatGPT helps you get the best of both worlds.
When OpenAI supercharged the free version of ChatGPT with GPT-4o in May 2024, users gained the ability to upload files, including images and documents, and interact with images in multiple ways, such as extracting text.
Also: How to use ChatGPT to analyze PDFs for free
This feature means you can upload handwritten documents, from sticky notes to meeting and class notes to packing lists, and convert them into text. Then, you can use that text to create new content by copying and pasting it into presentations, emails, outlines, essays, Quizlets, and more.
Sounds too good to be true? I thought the same, but after testing the tool, I can assure you that it works efficiently and quickly. Getting started is simple, and you will not want to stop once you start.
How to use ChatGPT to digitize your handwritten notes
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If you add the picture with no text prompt, ChatGPT will most often automatically extract the text and present it to you, typed out. To ensure the chatbot knows what to do, I recommend adding a simple text prompt like, "Can you extract the text from this image?" and then hitting enter.
FAQs
Is GPT-4o free to use?
Yes. In May, OpenAI supercharged the free version of ChatGPT by upgrading its model from GPT-3.5 to GPT-4o. The LLM upgrade gave the free version of ChatGPT many perks typically reserved for ChatGPT Plus members. ChatGPT Plus' remaining advantage is that when GPT-4o is at capacity, subscribers will retain priority access, while free users are downgraded to GPT-3.5.
How much is ChatGPT Plus?
ChatGPT Plus is currently priced at $20/month. Some perks of the membership include priority access to GPT-4o, a greater message limit, an enhanced data analysis experience, and access to DALL-E 3 image generation.
What else can I do with GPT-4o?
The GPT-4o upgrade gave the free version of ChatGPT many features typically reserved for ChatGPT Plus subscribers, including accessing GPT-4 level intelligence, uploading images, PDFs, and other files, analyzing data, creating charts, and using GPTs.
What is the best GPT-4o feature?
The best GPT-4o feature depends on your everyday needs. For me, the most underrated feature is being able to digitize your notes because it solves a real-world issue. I have not found any other tool to be as accurate.