In short. Completed ChatGPT deep research reports can be downloaded in Markdown, Word, or PDF.
Definition: A ChatGPT deep research report is the structured result produced after ChatGPT researches a question and combines information into a documented report. OpenAI's help documentation says a completed report can be downloaded in Markdown, Word, or PDF.
Key facts
- OpenAI lists Markdown, Word, and PDF as download formats for completed deep research reports in its deep research help documentation.
- The same documentation says the downloads are intended for reuse or sharing and that deep research outputs include citations or source links.
- OpenAI's release notes dated 12 May 2025 describe PDF export under the heading “Export Deep Research as PDF for Plus/Pro/Team”.
- The release notes say the PDF action is available from the share icon through “Download as PDF” and works for new and past reports.
Which formats are available?
The answer is Markdown, Word, and PDF. OpenAI's deep research help page gives these names in the download section and describes the files as suitable for reuse or sharing. The documentation does not name a separate file extension for the Word option, so the documented label is “Word”.
The format list applies to completed reports in ChatGPT. A report is presented as a fullscreen view before download. OpenAI describes that view as containing a table of contents, a sources used section, and an activity history. These are parts of the report experience that help you review the result before choosing a file format.
How do you download a PDF?
OpenAI's ChatGPT Business release notes date the PDF export announcement to 12 May 2025. The documented path is to click the share icon and select “Download as PDF”. The release note says the action works for both new and past reports.
The same release note describes the PDF as well-formatted and says it includes tables, images, linked citations, and sources. PDF is therefore the format for which OpenAI documents the report elements preserved in the exported file. The release note's heading names Plus, Pro, and Team, so that announcement should be read as dated product documentation rather than a promise that every account sees the same control.
What information accompanies a downloaded report?
OpenAI states that all deep research outputs include citations or source links so readers can verify the information. The report view also includes a sources used section for reference checking and an activity history showing how the research progressed. The help page says deep research takes time to read and analyze many sources before producing a detailed, documented report.
The PDF release note adds that exported PDFs can contain linked citations and sources, alongside tables and images. For Markdown and Word, the help page identifies the formats but does not list a separate feature matrix for which report elements each file preserves.
Related terms
FAQ
Can a completed deep research report be downloaded as a PDF?
Yes. OpenAI documents PDF as one of the formats for completed reports and describes a share icon option named “Download as PDF”.
Are Markdown and Word also available?
Yes. The deep research help page lists Markdown, Word, and PDF together as available formats for completed reports.
Does the PDF include citations?
OpenAI's release notes say the PDF includes linked citations and sources. The main help page also says that deep research outputs include citations or source links.
Sources
- OpenAI Help Center, “Deep research in ChatGPT”, 27 days ago
- OpenAI Help Center, “ChatGPT Business release notes”, 12 May 2025
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