Agent mode: What the new ChatGPT mode really can do

The agent mode There is a new feature in ChatGPT that is currently getting a lot of attention — not least because it should make working with AI even more intuitive and powerful. But what is really behind it? What can agent mode do, what are its limits and how can it be used effectively in practice?

In this article, we show what agent mode is, how it works and in which scenarios it offers real added value. Clear, understandable and without hype.

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What is agent mode in ChatGPT?

The agent mode (english: Agent Mode) is an experimental feature in ChatGPT that makes it possible to do so-called AI agents to equip them with individual skills and task profiles. In contrast to traditional chat usage, AI acts here targeted, task-related and with extended autonomy.

In essence, it is about turning a “conversation partner” into a digital Assistants with action skills to make. For example, an agent can:

• use tools or plugins independently
• Plan and execute steps
• Prioritize tasks
• retain information across multiple actions

The goal: An AI that not only reacts, but also thinks, plans and acts independently — within a defined framework.

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Benefits of agent mode: When is it worth using?

Agent mode offers some clear advantages, especially for more complex use cases or work processes that require multiple steps. It is particularly useful for:

• Automated workflows: An agent can process task chains, such as searching for, analyzing, and structuring information.
• Recurring processes: For example, for daily reports, market research or email analyses.
• Tool usage: When external tools such as browsing, code interpreters, or custom APIs are integrated.
• Long-term tasks: The agent can “think” and work consistently over longer contexts.
• Role-based behavior: For example, act as a project manager, analyst, or content editor.

This makes ChatGPT more than just a text generator — it becomes an interactive assistance platform.

How does agent mode work technically? (Explained simply)

The technical basis of agent mode is a combination of:

• Memory (long-term memory): The agent can remember previous conversations and tasks.
• Tool usage: Access to advanced features such as browsing, data analytics, or custom APIs.
• Custom instructions & role profiles: The agent can be hired individually — with goals, limits and expertise.
• Planning logic: The AI can suggest, prioritize and iteratively process its own steps.

Example: If you set an agent up with the task “Generate a weekly trend report on tech news,” they'll schedule the research, pull up the sources, create a summary, and deliver the report to you — automatically.

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Typical agent mode use cases

Agent mode opens up numerous application options — especially in areas where automation and information processing play a major role. Here are a few realistic deployment scenarios:

• Marketing & content:
  — Agent regularly writes blog article drafts based on SEO keywords
  — undertakes content research or editorial planning
• Economics & analysis:
  — Agent analyses price movements or market trends on a daily basis
  — creates competition comparisons or SWOT analyses
• Project Management:
  — performs status checks, prioritizes tasks, creates to-dos
• Education & coaching:
  — acts as a learning assistant, structures content, asks quiz questions or explains connections
• Customer Support (internal):
  — answers recurring internal questions automatically
  — suggests solution paths or FAQ answers

Such agents can be configured as permanently active assistants — depending on the platform, with access to APIs, databases, or in-house knowledge.

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Agent mode limits: What it is not (yet) suitable for

Despite many potentials, agent mode is not an all-purpose solution. Anyone who wants to use it should also be aware of the current limits:

• Not full autonomy: The agent does not decide on his goals independently — control remains with the user.
• Limited context: Despite memory, the scope of context is technically limited — especially for long, complex tasks.
• Data access depends on setup: Without plugin access or API connection, the range of action remains limited.
• No security for sensitive data: Personal, legal, or confidential information should not be processed without risk analysis.
• In need of observation: The agent can make misinterpretations, especially when it comes to ambiguous or poorly defined tasks.

Agent mode is therefore a powerful tool — but not a substitute for expertise, critical thinking, or human control.

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How do I activate and use agent mode?

Agent mode is currently in place (as of September 2025) only in the ChatGPT Pro version with GPT-4o available.

This is how you use it:

1. Log in to ChatGPT (web or app)
2. In the menu on the left, click on “Discover GPTs”
3. Create your own agents (“Create a GPT”)
4. With a guided mask, you can:
   — Objective
   — Name and behavior
   — System messages
   — Tool accesses (e.g. browser, code interpreter)
   define.

Alternatively, existing GPTs can also be searched and used. Each agent behaves like a specialized entity — with its own personality and task logic.

Best practices for using agents

The following recommendations help agents not only “run” but really support them productively:

• Clearly defined tasks: Agents need specific goals in order to act meaningfully
• Regular monitoring: A review is essential, especially when it comes to automated processes
• Test step by step: Start small, then expand areas of application
• Set limits: Agents should not be able to interfere with safety-related systems
• Maintain context: The more informed the agent is, the more precisely he works

A well-configured agent can save real working time over time — provided that you invest something in the set-up initially.

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Conclusion: Agent mode as the next level of AI usage

The agent mode ChatGPT is a logical next step in the development of intelligent AI systems: away from mere answers, towards planning, executing assistants.

For many companies, self-employed people and knowledge workers, agent mode can be a valuable tool — provided that it is properly configured and used responsibly.

Die KI Company helps you not only understand agent mode, but also to use it productively — whether to automate internal processes, for data analyses or to support knowledge management.

👉 Talk to us without obligation — we provide you with practical and individual advice on AI integration in your company.

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Common questions about agent mode

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What is agent mode in ChatGPT?‍

The agent mode makes it possible to create specialized AI agents who can plan tasks independently and work with tools.

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Who can use agent mode?‍

It is currently only available to Pro users of ChatGPT with GPT-4o.

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What tools can an agent use?‍

Depending on approval: browser access, code interpreter, data analyses, plug-ins and API interfaces.

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Is agent mode secure?‍

It can be used safely — if you define clear tasks, avoid sensitive data and check the results.

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How many agents can I create?‍

Theoretically unlimited — the limit usually lies in your own organization and clarity.

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