[Feature Request] Option to Disable “Enter to Send” in Desktop App (Return Key Should Insert Line Break Only)

[dg2k]

Description

Please provide a setting in the ChatGPT Desktop application that allows users to disable the Return/Enter key acting as a “Send” command.

With this option enabled, the Return key would behave like Shift+Enter — inserting a newline instead of sending the prompt. Sending would be triggered only by clicking the Send button or using a chosen keyboard shortcut (e.g., Ctrl+Enter).

Motivation

In the desktop app UI, the Send button is already prominently available under the input box.
For users composing structured or multi-line prompts — especially technical content — pressing Enter prematurely can:

• unintentionally submit incomplete inputs

• break the conversation flow

• trigger unnecessary model usage on partial prompts

• waste compute resources

• erode user confidence when working inside long or important chats

When chats are deep and full of context, a single accidental keystroke can result in significant unintended output and interruption.

This behavior differs from messaging platforms where fast-send via Enter is essential; in ChatGPT, the prompt field often functions as a drafting workspace, not a chat bubble.

Many ChatGPT users — especially technically-inclined ones — expect Enter = newline when drafting text.

This feature would increase usability and precision, especially for:

• developers writing code prompts

• researchers writing long structured instructions

• anyone prone to hitting Enter instinctively

User Experience Justification

Modern productivity and communication apps acknowledge this need, for example:
WhatsApp => Option to disable Enter-to-send
Telegram Desktop => Enter always adds new line

Summary

This small change would:

• reduce accidental prompt sends

• protect long and complex work sessions

• improve professional-grade usage

• reduce unnecessary model processing

• align ChatGPT with established editor UX models

Thank you for considering this — it will be a quality-of-life improvement for many of us who treat ChatGPT as a drafting, programming, and ideation workspace rather than a messaging window.