ChatGPT Skills feature emerges before full launch

OpenAI apparently released a new “Skills” feature in ChatGPT earlier than planned. A user spotted an interface change allowing the creation and installation of a test skill during a session. This revelation highlights ongoing developments in enhancing ChatGPT’s capabilities with modular tools.

The feature surfaced when ChatGPT generated a “Sandbox Test Skill.” This simple tool prints runtime information, such as Python version and current working directory, and creates a text file to verify basic operations.

It serves as a diagnostic to confirm that skills can be built, bundled with scripts, executed, and handle file input/output in the environment. An “Install” button appeared, suggesting users can add such skills to their library for reuse in Codex, OpenAI’s coding-focused platform.

This partial rollout aligns with prior indications of upcoming enhancements. In late 2025, reports noted that skills, under the codename “hazelnuts,” would integrate into ChatGPT as slash commands. Users could access a skills editor and convert custom GPTs into reusable skills, streamlining workflows. These additions aim to make ChatGPT more versatile, allowing it to perform specialized tasks beyond standard responses.

Earlier this month, OpenAI launched the Codex app, which supports interactive collaboration on coding and other projects. Shortly after, GPT-5.3-Codex debuted as an agentic model that handles extended tasks autonomously. It integrates skills for web development, enabling the creation of complex applications like games or websites from prompts.

The model also manages full software lifecycles, including debugging, deployment, and data analysis. Performance benchmarks show improvements in areas like terminal operations and computer-use tasks.

Skills represent a step toward agentic AI, where ChatGPT acts like a collaborator. For instance, GPT-5.3-Codex can iterate on projects over days, responding to feedback in real time while retaining context.

This feature reduces the need for repeated instructions and boosts efficiency in professional settings. It also expands beyond coding to include custom skills for tasks like producing presentations or conducting research.

X user Max Weinbach shared this news on X, showing the skill pop-up in a ChatGPT session labeled “5.2 Thinking.” This suggests a testing phase before full integration.

As OpenAI refines these tools, skills could transform ChatGPT into a more powerful platform. They enable modular extensions, similar to past plugins, but with deeper execution capabilities. Users in paid plans access these via the app, CLI, or IDE extensions. Future updates may include API support, broadening adoption in development, and knowledge work.

Besides this partial release, OpenAI hasn’t rolled out the full version of the ChatGPT skills feature.