Direct answer
The official DALL·E GPT has retired from ChatGPT. OpenAI announced August 30, 2026 as the retirement date, and its current help page confirms that the retirement has happened. Use ChatGPT Images to create or edit images. User-created GPTs with Image Generation enabled are unaffected. OpenAI release notes
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What retired? | The official DALL·E GPT in ChatGPT |
| Replacement | ChatGPT Images |
| Custom image GPTs | Unaffected by this retirement |
| Old images | Download any accessible copies you need |
| API changes | Not announced by this ChatGPT retirement notice |
Can I recover my old images?
Open old DALL·E conversations and download any images still available there. OpenAI recommended saving images before the retirement, but its notice does not specify what remains accessible in every old conversation or promise a recovery process. Do not assume that every old DALL·E image has moved into the Images library.
How to Search ChatGPT Chats, Projects, Files, and Images explains how to find an older conversation. Keep a downloaded copy of any image you need outside ChatGPT.
How to create and edit images now
- Open ChatGPT and ask it to create an image, or open Images.
- For an edit, upload an image or open one already in the conversation.
- Describe the change. Select an area only if the edit needs to target it.
- Download the result from the image controls.
ChatGPT Images works on web, iOS, and Android. The selection tool is not a precise mask: an edit can extend beyond the highlighted area. Check the complete result before using it. Images in ChatGPT
Does my plan include it?
OpenAI lists ChatGPT Images 2.0 on all tiers. Images with thinking is available on Plus, Pro, and Business, with Enterprise and Edu listed as coming soon in the current help page. Availability does not imply unlimited generation; see AI Tool Pricing and Usage Limits.
For a custom GPT, check that Image Generation is enabled in its capabilities. The official DALL·E GPT retirement does not remove image generation from user-created GPTs.
Official sources
- OpenAI’s ChatGPT release notes: July 31 announcement, August 30 retirement date, image-saving recommendation, and custom-GPT exception.
- Images in ChatGPT: confirms retirement and describes the replacement, supported platforms, plans, and editing controls.
FAQ
Is the official DALL·E GPT still available?
No. OpenAI’s current help page confirms that it has retired. Use ChatGPT Images instead.
Can I still make images in ChatGPT?
Yes. You can create images and edit uploaded or generated images with ChatGPT Images.
Were all my old DALL·E images deleted?
OpenAI’s retirement notice does not say that every old image was deleted. Check your original conversations for accessible images; the notice does not guarantee recovery.
Are custom GPTs with image generation affected?
No. OpenAI says user-created GPTs with image generation enabled are unaffected by this retirement.
Is this an OpenAI API retirement?
This notice concerns the official GPT inside ChatGPT. It does not announce an API change.
Do I need to use the image selection tool?
No. You can describe an edit directly. Selection helps indicate an area, but edits may extend beyond it.