Comparison · custom GPT replacements
Custom GPT vs Project vs plugin.
Last updated · By Chris Tabb, founder · Sources checked November 13, 2026
§ 01
Side by side
| Custom GPT (retiring) | Plugin | Project | Workspace agent | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Status | Retires Dec 11, 2026 | OpenAI’s migration path | Suggested alternative | Separate product |
| Instructions | Yes | As a skill | In Project settings | Yes |
| Files | Knowledge files | Reference files | Project files | Yes |
| Apps and tools | Actions and apps | Apps; custom MCP for rebuilt actions | No apps | Apps and custom MCP servers |
| Sharing | Link, workspace, or public | Starts private; Share Plugin, or publish to workspace | Your project | Private, link, or directory |
| Runs on a schedule or trigger | No | No | No | Yes: schedules, Slack, API |
| Plans | All plans (until retirement) | Where plugins are available | Plans with Projects | Business and Enterprise |
§ 02
Which one should your GPT become?
- Other people use it, and it follows a set process: make it a plugin with Migrate to plugin.
- Only you use it, for writing, research, or planning: move it to a Project.
- It should run by itself on a schedule, from Slack, or from another system: rebuild it as a workspace agent.
- Nobody has opened it in months: retire it and tell its users.
Our honest take
Most company GPTs should be plugins. Projects are for personal habits, not shared tools.
§ 03
How to move a GPT to each
- Plugin: My GPTs → Migrate to plugin. Full steps in how to migrate custom GPTs.
- Project: New project in the sidebar → paste instructions in Project settings → upload files → start a new chat.
- Workspace agent: build it fresh in the workspace; see workspace agents and MCP.
§ FAQ
Questions we hear
Should I use a Project or a plugin instead of my custom GPT?
Use a plugin if other people use the GPT or it connects to tools; that is OpenAI’s migration path. Use a Project if you used the GPT for your own ongoing work and only need instructions and files kept together.
Is a workspace agent the replacement for custom GPTs?
Not directly. OpenAI migrates custom GPTs to plugins. Workspace agents are a separate Business and Enterprise product for scheduled, shared, or triggered work, and some GPTs fit better rebuilt as one.
Do custom actions carry over to a plugin or Project?
No. Custom actions don’t transfer to either. Rebuild them on a supported app or a custom MCP server.
Keep reading
Sources · checked November 13, 2026
- OpenAI Help Center: Custom GPT retirement and migration FAQ
- ChatGPT Learn: Moving your custom GPT workflows to plugins
- OpenAI Help Center: ChatGPT workspace agents for Enterprise and Business
OpenAI figures are OpenAI’s, quoted as published on the date checked. Appearly is not affiliated with OpenAI. ChatGPT is a trademark of OpenAI.