By Focal Machines — 26 May 2025

Getting Started with GPT-4o: A Beginner's Guide to Multimodal AI

GPT-4o combines text, vision, and voice in one model—perfect for creators getting into multimodal AI workflows.

AI tools are evolving fast—but they don’t have to be overwhelming. At Focal, we’re building the future of video storytelling by combining the power of cutting-edge models like GPT-4o with an intuitive, in-browser video editor. No extra tabs. No technical hurdles. Just one tool to write, visualize, and shape your story from start to finish.

If you're new to GPT-4o or wondering how it fits into Focal, this guide is for you.

What is GPT-4o—and Why Should You Care?

GPT-4o (short for “omni”) is OpenAI’s latest multimodal model. That means it doesn’t just understand text—it also handles images, audio, and even live conversations. It's a huge leap forward in making AI feel more natural, responsive, and creative.

In Focal, we’ve integrated GPT-4o where it makes the biggest impact for video creators:

Scriptwriting that understands visuals
Image-aware scene suggestions
Contextual voiceover generation
Smart revision suggestions based on your storyboard

What You Can Do with GPT-4o in Focal

Here’s how creators are already using GPT-4o inside Focal to level up their process:

✍️ Write Smarter Scripts

Start with a rough idea—or even just a title—and GPT-4o can help you shape it into a compelling narrative. Want your script to match a certain tone, audience, or format? Just ask. Because GPT-4o understands context, it adjusts to your needs without the back-and-forth.

🎬 Build Scenes with Context

Focal lets you upload images, sketches, or even previous cuts. GPT-4o can analyze what you give it and suggest new lines of dialogue, transitions, or scene setups based on what it sees—not just what it reads.

🎤 Generate Voiceovers on the Fly

Thanks to multimodal awareness, GPT-4o doesn't just write narration—it writes voiceovers that match your visual flow. When paired with ElevenLabs' voice model inside Focal, you get high-quality narration that feels like it was custom-written for your footage.

✏️ Iterate Faster

Need to tighten a scene? Shorten a script? Match pacing to mood? GPT-4o can revise based on video context—not just the script. That means fewer edits, smoother production, and a more aligned final cut.

Getting Started in Focal

No need to copy/paste between apps or sign up for multiple AI tools. Just log in to Focal, start a new project, and you’ll find GPT-4o features woven directly into your workflow.

To try it:

Start a new script or video project in Focal
Click “Generate with AI” in the script editor or storyboard view
Add text, upload images, or select a scene for revision
Let GPT-4o do the heavy lifting—from drafting to refining

Final Thoughts

With GPT-4o built directly into Focal, you're not just using AI—you’re collaborating with it. Whether you're crafting explainer videos, documentaries, or social content, GPT-4o helps you think faster, write smarter, and create with confidence.

This is just one of the many state-of-the-art models we’ve integrated into Focal—including LTX-V for video, ElevenLabs for voice, Luma for 3D scenes, and more.

If you’re ready to explore the future of storytelling, you’re already in the right place.

Try GPT-4o inside Focal to combine voice, visuals, and video generation in one flow. Great for scripts, scenes, and smart edits.

Use GPT-4o in Focal

📧 Got questions? Email us at [email protected] or click the Support button in the top right corner of the app (you must be logged in). We actually respond.