Growth Illustration
The generative AI boom might have started with the launch of ChatGPT, but the technology has now been integrated into all kinds of productivity platforms designed to make our everyday workflows easier.
A fear many people have when they hear about AI use in the workplace is that the technology will replace them. However, the tools I’m talking about here won’t do the work for you — rather, they can increase your work productivity.
1. Grammarly
Grammarly has been around for quite a while, and AI has always been an integral part of its services. The platform is known for its ability to check for spelling, grammar, conciseness, and more in everyday writing, and for good reason — it’s reliable and helpful.
My favorite way to use the tool is by turning on the Grammarly for Chrome extension so that the AI can work alongside me in the background to catch any mistakes I’ve missed. This is especially useful when writing on the go, like composing a quick email.
Advanced Features
In addition to basic grammar assistance, the tool can offer other more advanced help, thanks to its integration of generative AI features that provide shortcuts to regular tasks.
For example, you can use Grammarly to create or rewrite text, provide ideas, identify gaps in your writing, change the tone of your text, generate quick replies, make outlines, and more. You can even select a voice, which includes options for formality and tone, to help compose messages for different platforms, such as LinkedIn or email.
2. ChatGPT
I’ve tested most AI chatbots on the market, and ChatGPT recently became my favorite and a must-have in my workflow. Here’s why.
Although ChatGPT was undeniably impressive when it first launched, it had some major drawbacks, including a knowledge limit and an older GPT model. However, OpenAI upgraded its chatbot in May to address those issues, adding features typically limited to ChatGPT Plus users, including Browse, Vision, data analysis, file uploads, and GPTs. This upgrade makes free ChatGPT an all-encompassing AI tool for work that you should take advantage of.
New Features
Then in November, OpenAI officially added a search feature to the chatbot which allows users to search the web directly within ChatGPT for timely, up-to-date information, complete with citations linked to sources.
I primarily use the tool as a more conversational search engine. If I have a question about anything, I turn to ChatGPT rather than Google because instead of filtering through hundreds of results as I would following a Google query, I get one simple, conversational answer that addresses my question directly.
3. Canva Pro
Canva has nearly every AI tool you can imagine for graphic design, including its own AI image generator. However, if you create visual content daily like me, you likely won’t need to generate images that frequently. Instead, you need tools that make it easier and faster to create social media posts, invitations, flyers, and presentations — and that’s where Canva Pro shines.
Magic Edit
My favorite tool, which I reach for constantly, is Canva’s AI Background Remover. Does it sound basic? Sure, but if you’ve ever had to isolate an item in a photo, you know how tedious the process can be using Photoshop or how badly some automated tools can botch this task.
With Canva, all it takes is the touch of a button to isolate an image, and the AI produces accurate results every time. The best part is that I don’t have to open a new photo or video editor to then make a graphic with the PNG, saving me time. I use this feature regularly to create images for my articles, product images for ZDNET best lists, and even Instagram posts.
4. Otter.ai
If you’ve ever transcribed a conversation by hand, you’ll know it’s a time-consuming and tedious task.
AI is here to help. Whether you’re a student who records your lectures, a professional who needs to create meeting notes and highlights, or someone who conducts interviews regularly, Otter.ai is a serious time-saver.
Transcription
With Otter.ai, you can import a voice recording and have it transcribe the conversation in minutes. The AI assistant includes speaker designations, time stamps, and a reasonably accurate transcription. Otter can also record and transcribe conversations in real time.
Conclusion
These AI tools can help you complete small but necessary daily tasks that add up to lots of saved time in the long run. The result: You spend less time on admin, and more time doing things you enjoy or that are of higher value to your work.
FAQs
Q: What is the purpose of these AI tools?
A: These AI tools are designed to make your everyday workflow easier by automating small but necessary tasks, saving you time and increasing your productivity.
Q: How do these tools work?
A: These tools use generative AI technology to assist with tasks such as grammar checking, image editing, and transcription, providing shortcuts to regular tasks and making it easier to complete daily tasks.
Q: Are these tools free?
A: Some of these tools offer free plans, while others require a subscription or a one-time payment. Be sure to check the pricing and features of each tool before signing up.
Q: How can I get started with these tools?
A: You can start using these tools by signing up for a free trial or purchasing a subscription. Most of these tools offer user-friendly interfaces and tutorials to help you get started quickly.
