No-Brainer AI Tools You Can Use Right Now (Yes, Still Free)
| Tool Name | What You Do | Why It’s Amazing (and Free) |
|---|---|---|
| 1. ChatGPT (Free GPT-4.1 & 4o) | Go to chat.openai.com → Pick “GPT-4.1 mini” for unlimited chatting, or “GPT-4o” for 10 messages every 3 hours. | You get smart answers, file help, and AI magic for zero dollars. No signup circus. No surprise charges. |
| 2. Claude + App Builder | Visit claude.ai → Ask it to build a flashcard app from your biology PDF. Done. It gives you a working link, no coding needed. | Claude builds mini tools for you like a digital intern who doesn’t complain or quit. |
| 3. ChatPDF | Go to chatpdf.com, drop in any PDF, and chat with it. | It reads, summarizes, and explains any document—contracts, research, instruction manuals… even if you didn’t read them. |
| 4. Raphael AI (Image Maker) | Open raphaelai.org → Type something (“cyberpunk cat with laser eyes”) → Download your art. Unlimited, no account. | Perfect for memes, posters, or pretending you’re a designer. No watermarks, no begging for credits. |
| 5. justTLDR (Chrome Extension) | Add to Chrome → Click “Summarize” on YouTube or articles. Uses your own AI accounts (ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, etc.). | One click = full summary. Use it when you’re pretending to watch a 2-hour video but just want the juicy bits in 5 seconds. |
| 6. Perplexity Deep Research | Go to perplexity.ai → Click Deep Research mode. | It does actual research with sources, citations, and full answers. Unlike that one friend who always says, “Look it up.” |
Reality Check
- GPT-4o: Free, but stingy—about 10 messages every 3 hours. Think of it as a lazy genius who only works in short shifts.
- Claude: Yes, it builds apps—but don’t try to make a whole business with it. It’s free, not a miracle.
- Raphael AI: Unlimited for now. Probably until someone finds a way to ruin it for everyone.
Warning: Things to Keep in Mind
- These tools are great for personal use. Don’t build a startup expecting them to run your company for free. You will cry.
- justTLDR works by borrowing your existing AI power. If your free tokens run out, so does your shortcut.
Shortcut Map
Pick a Tool ➜ Click a Thing ➜ Pretend You Did a Lot ➜ Done
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You didn’t need a course. You needed this list.
Now go pretend you built the future—with a click.
!