How to Add ChatGPT to WordPress (Free Guide 2025)

Want to use ChatGPT, Claude, or other AI models directly inside your WordPress dashboard? You're in the right place.

In this guide, I'll show you how to add AI chat capabilities to WordPress in under 5 minutes—without monthly subscriptions, without sending your data to third parties, and with full control over which AI models you use.

Why Add AI to WordPress?

If you're running a WordPress site, you're probably already using AI tools like ChatGPT or Claude. But switching between browser tabs gets old fast.

Here's why having AI directly in WordPress makes sense:

The problem? Most AI tools are SaaS products that charge per seat, store your data on their servers, and lock you into one provider.

There's a better way.

Method 1: ChatProjects Plugin (Recommended)

ChatProjects is a WordPress plugin that brings AI chat directly into your dashboard. Here's what makes it different:

• Use your own API keys – Pay AI providers directly (often cheaper than subscriptions)
• Multiple AI providers – Switch between GPT-4, Claude, Gemini, DeepSeek, and 100+ models via OpenRouter
• Your data stays local – Conversations stored in your WordPress database, not external servers
• Document AI – Upload PDFs and files, then ask questions about them

Step 1: Download and Install

1. Go to chatprojects.com/free
2. Download the free plugin ZIP file
3. In WordPress, go to Plugins → Add New → Upload Plugin
4. Upload the ZIP and click Install Now
5. Click Activate

Step 2: Get Your API Keys

ChatProjects works with multiple AI providers. You only need one to get started.

Step 3: Configure ChatProjects

1. In WordPress, go to ChatProjects → Settings
2. Click on the provider you want to use (OpenAI, Anthropic, etc.)
3. Paste your API key
4. Click Save

Your API key is encrypted using AES-256-CBC before being stored in your database. It never leaves your server.

Step 4: Start Chatting

1. Go to ChatProjects in your WordPress menu
2. Click New Chat
3. Type your message and hit Enter

That's it. You're now chatting with AI inside WordPress.

Method 2: Other Options

There are other WordPress AI plugins available. Here's a quick comparison:

AI Engine is a solid alternative if you only need OpenAI. However, it lacks document AI capabilities and multi-provider support.

For most users, ChatProjects offers the best combination of features, flexibility, and value—especially if you want to chat with documents or compare different AI models.

Setting Up Your First AI Project

ChatProjects organizes conversations into "Projects." Think of a project as a workspace with its own context and instructions.

Create a Project

1. Go to ChatProjects → Projects
2. Click New Project
3. Give it a name (e.g., "Content Writing" or "Code Assistant")
4. Add custom instructions (optional but powerful)

Custom Instructions Examples

You are a content writer for a WordPress blog about [your topic].
Write in a conversational, helpful tone.
Use short paragraphs and bullet points.
Always include actionable takeaways.

You are a senior WordPress developer.
When providing code, use modern PHP practices.
Explain your reasoning.
Always consider security implications.

You are an assistant for [Company Name].
Be concise and professional.
When referencing policies, cite the specific document.
If unsure, say so rather than guessing.

Custom instructions are sent with every message in that project, so the AI always has the right context.

Advanced: Chat with Your Documents

This is where ChatProjects really shines.

Document AI (also called RAG—Retrieval-Augmented Generation) lets you upload files and ask questions about them. The AI actually reads and understands your documents, not just keyword matching.

How to Use Document AI

1. Create or open a project
2. Click the Upload button
3. Select your file (PDF, Word, Excel, code files—up to 512MB)
4. Wait for processing (usually seconds)
5. Ask questions about your document

Example Use Cases

The AI searches through your documents semantically—it understands meaning, not just keywords. So asking "vacation policy" will find relevant content even if the document uses "PTO" or "time off."

Pro Features (Optional Upgrade)

The free version of ChatProjects covers most use cases. But if you need more, Pro ($120/year) adds:

• Unlimited projects (free limited to 5)
• AI image generation – Create and edit images with Gemini or DALL-E
• Side-by-side model comparison – Compare Claude vs GPT in real-time
• Audio transcription – Convert recordings to text with Whisper
• White-label branding – Remove ChatProjects branding for client sites
• Export chats – Download conversations as Markdown, JSON, or HTML

If you're an agency or power user, Pro pays for itself quickly. But start with free—it's genuinely useful on its own.

Troubleshooting

Conclusion

Adding AI to WordPress takes 5 minutes with ChatProjects:

1. Download from chatprojects.com/free
2. Install and activate
3. Add your API key
4. Start chatting

You get GPT-4, Claude, Gemini, and 100+ other models—all in your WordPress dashboard, using your own API keys, with your data staying on your server.

No monthly per-seat fees. No data leaving your control. Just AI that works where you work.