If you frequently use ChatGPT to compose emails, you're probably familiar with the fairly common process: ask the AI to write the content, copy the generated email, and then transfer it to Gmail or Outlook to send. While not overly complicated, this conversion step still disrupts the user experience.
Recently, OpenAI introduced a new feature that completely eliminates that step. Users can now send emails directly from ChatGPT on the web platform without leaving the conversation. The entire process, from composing and editing to sending the email, is done within a single chat window.
How does the direct email sending feature in ChatGPT work?
The new feature is built upon Writing Blocks – a writing format that OpenAI introduced late last year.
Previously, when ChatGPT was asked to write an email, the system would typically return the content as a plain text snippet within the chat window. With Writing Blocks, emails are displayed in a separate editing area with an interface that closely resembles a real email editor.
This makes it easier for users to review content, edit individual sections, and manage versions better, instead of having to work directly within the conversation thread.
The latest feature has taken this experience a step further. Once the content is complete, users can send emails directly from the Writing Block without having to copy it to another email application.
How to compose and send emails directly from ChatGPT
The process is relatively simple. First, open ChatGPT in your web browser and ask the AI to compose an email as usual. For example:
" Write an email requesting a day off next week. "
or:
" Compose an email to send to the client to confirm the meeting schedule ."
ChatGPT will generate content in the form of Writing Blocks instead of a regular chat message.
Once the email appears, you can edit it directly in the text editor. If you want to change a specific section, simply highlight that content and ask ChatGPT to edit it. The AI will provide suggestions, which you can accept or reject piece by piece.
Additionally, users can still manually enter and edit text, just like in a traditional email editor.
Once the content is complete, a new email send button will allow you to send the email directly to the recipient without opening Gmail or Outlook. The entire process, from writing and editing to sending the email, takes place within the same conversation.
What are the benefits of using Writing Blocks?
The biggest strength of Writing Blocks is that it helps ChatGPT become a more complete working environment instead of just a text generation tool.
Instead of constantly copying content between different applications, users can perform all operations in a single place.
This is especially useful for people who frequently handle emails, such as:
- Office staff
- Sales staff
- Customer service department
- Freelancer
- Or managers
Reducing intermediate steps saves time and minimizes errors during the content copying process.
Should you send emails via ChatGPT?
Although the new feature offers many benefits, OpenAI is also facing some controversy related to data privacy.
A recent lawsuit in California alleges that OpenAI shared prompts, conversational content, and certain user-identifying information with Google and Meta tracking tools without the users' full consent.
The lawsuit is still under review and no final conclusion has been reached. However, it serves as a reminder that users should think twice before entering highly sensitive or confidential information into AI platforms.
For emails containing financial data, customer information, or critical internal documents, checking the organization's privacy policies and regulations remains essential before using AI for processing.
Other new features of ChatGPT
The direct email feature is just one part of OpenAI's recent series of updates. The company is continuing to expand ChatGPT's memory capabilities. The system can learn from conversation history, remember more information about users, and use that information to personalize future conversations.
In addition, the ChatGPT tool for Excel and Google Sheets has officially left the beta phase and been released globally.
This feature allows users to create spreadsheets, clean data, build formulas, and process workbooks using natural language without needing to be proficient in Excel or Google Sheets.
The continuous updates show that OpenAI is gradually transforming ChatGPT from an AI chatbot into a comprehensive work support platform, where users can not only ask questions but also perform many practical tasks directly within the chat interface.
The ability to send emails directly from ChatGPT is a small upgrade but provides a significantly more seamless user experience. Instead of having to switch back and forth between ChatGPT and email applications, users can now complete the entire communication process within a single chat window.
For those who frequently use AI to write emails, this new feature can save time and significantly simplify their daily workflow.
With OpenAI continuously adding tools to support productivity, this is also a sign that ChatGPT is increasingly moving closer to the role of a comprehensive digital assistant rather than just a chatbot that answers questions.