← Back to Blog
Exploring ChatGPT Branches: A Smarter Way to Manage Conversations

Exploring ChatGPT Branches: A Smarter Way to Manage Conversations

OpenAI just rolled out a powerful new feature in ChatGPT called “Branches” — and it completely changes how you work with long, evolving chats. This guide breaks down how branching works and why it’s so useful when exploring different ideas or creative directions.

What's new: Branches in ChatGPT

In September 2025, OpenAI added a feature called “Branches” to ChatGPT — making it easier than ever to explore multiple ideas in a single conversation. Think of it like a creative fork in the road. When you get a response from ChatGPT and want to explore a different path without losing your current progress, you can now create a branch and continue down a new direction — without starting from scratch.

Why it matters: Until now, users often duplicated chats or lost context when experimenting with alternative approaches (like rewriting headlines, adjusting tone, or changing code). With Branches, you can now generate, compare, and test multiple directions inside the same conversation.

Branches bring the kind of version control creatives and coders love — but with the simplicity of a button click.

How it works — the basics

Branches let you create parallel versions of a chat starting from any specific message. When you hover over a message, you’ll see an option to “Branch.” Click it, and a new thread begins from that point — preserving everything before it, while allowing you to explore something new after it.

The original thread remains unchanged, and you can switch between branches at any time. This is especially useful when you’re iterating on text, prompts, design ideas, or strategic decisions — and want to compare outcomes.

Under the hood, each branch is treated as a versioned sub-path of your conversation. You can rename branches, duplicate them, or delete them when you’re done. It’s fluid, fast, and seamlessly integrated into ChatGPT’s chat interface.

How to try it — step-by-step

You don’t need a plugin or extension — the feature is already built into ChatGPT (as of September 2025). Here’s how to use it:

Step-by-Step Process

  1. Start any chat — Ask a question, generate content, or brainstorm an idea like you normally would.
  2. Hover over a message — You’ll see a small “⋮” (three-dot) menu appear on the right side.
  3. Click “Branch” — This creates a new thread starting from that point in the conversation.
  4. Explore freely — In the new branch, ask different questions, change directions, or tweak your goals.
  5. Switch views — Use the sidebar to toggle between branches and compare outcomes side-by-side.

The interface is minimal and intuitive. Branches don’t overwrite anything — they expand your creative space.

Best use cases

Branches are useful for anyone exploring variations, iterations, or alternatives. Here are some ways to use them effectively:

  • Creative Writing
    Try alternate endings, rewrite scenes in different styles, or change narrative voices — without deleting previous versions.
  • Marketing & Copywriting
    Test different tones, value propositions, or hooks for the same product or landing page copy.
  • Design Brainstorms
    Generate alternate design concepts, color palettes, or UX ideas from the same prompt base.
  • Code Exploration
    Branch off a script and try a different algorithm, logic flow, or framework without losing your original code.
  • Business Strategy
    Simulate what-if scenarios, such as pricing models, customer journeys, or partnership angles.

Quick tips for better results

  • Use branches early. The earlier you branch, the more you preserve clean starting points for experimentation.
  • Rename your branches. Give each one a clear title (e.g. “humorous version” or “technical rewrite”) to stay organized.
  • Compare results side-by-side. Switch between branches to evaluate which version works best — for writing, prompts, or decisions.
  • Don’t be afraid to go wild. Use branches to try radically different approaches. There’s no risk, and you can always delete branches later.
  • Use branches for client work. Share different directions with your team or client, all from one chat history.

Privacy, data & safety

Branches follow the same data handling and safety policies as regular ChatGPT chats. Here’s what that means:

  • Each branch is private to your account unless you choose to share it.
  • Chat history is retained and synced across devices, so you can revisit your branches at any time.
  • Data isn’t shared with other users unless explicitly exported or copied.

For enterprise users, branches are fully compliant with OpenAI’s privacy protocols, and content within branches is not used to train future models unless you opt in.

Just like before, always use discretion when handling sensitive data — and consider branching for creative, professional, or experimental use cases.

Final Thoughts?

Branches turn ChatGPT into a creative playground where you never lose progress. Whether you're refining text, exploring strategies, or just curious what else is possible — now you can branch, compare, and iterate smarter than ever.