Alternative: I bought a copy of ChatKeeper every day for 30 days. Here's what happened!

A Permanent, Local Home for Your ChatGPT Knowledge

ChatKeeper converts your official ChatGPT export files into structured Markdown – creating a private, searchable archive that lives on your own system.

Desktop UI Convert in Seconds Features & Pricing FAQs Download Purchase

ChatKeeper is desktop software built around the official ChatGPT export – not a browser extension or scraping tool. It’s for people who rely on ChatGPT over the long term for learning, knowledge, and conversations that matter.

Version 2026.03.001 released March 1, 2026


Desktop UI

ChatKeeper uses a standard desktop installer on Windows, macOS, and Linux. No browser extensions, no setup hassle, and no copy-pasting mysterious commands. Just install it, launch it, and generate or update your archive in a few seconds.

Obsidian view of a conversation that's having fun with the Martian Software logo. Obsidian view of a conversation with interspersed text and java code. Obsidian view of a conversation explaining how to set up a blog using the Hugo static site generator. Obsidian view of a conversation with a silly birthday image. Obsidian view of a conversation containing a training plan rendered in a table.
ChatKeeper GUI sample output
ChatKeeper GUI In Action

β€œIt took me about 5 mins to figure out ChatKeeper (and then immediately buy the license) and it blew my mind.” - Actual Customer

Build a Permanent Archive in Seconds

  1. Export Your Chats: Download your ChatGPT conversations as a ZIP file (here’s how)
  2. Run ChatKeeper: Convert your chats to Markdown format with a simple command.
  3. Enjoy!: Access, search, and link your conversations effortlessly. A great place to start is the My ChatGPT Conversations.md file that ChatKeeper will create for you as an index.

For more details and instructions, see the ChatKeeper Quick Start Guide.


Not Just an Export

  1. Build your archive as described above.
  2. Rename and move your files around locally to best fit how YOU want to organize them.
  3. Continue your conversations at ChatGPT. And add more conversations.
  4. Sync again. ChatKeeper will find your reorganized local files and update them in place, in seconds.

Fit Into Your Workflow

Power user? Automate everything with ChatKeeper’s command line interface.

ChatKeeper CLI sample output
ChatKeeper Command Line Interface In Action (click for full-size image)
β€œYour program has already cut my work in half” - Actual Customer

What Kind of ChatKeeper User are You?

The Second Brain Builder: Treating ChatGPT as a continuous source of knowledge, you want every useful conversation turn stored, searchable, and interconnected.


Your Knowledge in Your System

ChatKeeper creates clean Markdown files that fit naturally into your existing vault or viewer. Style, organize, and access your knowledge however you choose with whatever tools you prefer.

Obsidian view of a conversation that's having fun with the Martian Software logo. Obsidian view of a conversation with interspersed text and java code. Obsidian view of a conversation explaining how to set up a blog using the Hugo static site generator. Obsidian view of a conversation with a silly birthday image. Obsidian view of a conversation containing a training plan rendered in a table.

β€œI just wanted to let you know that I've started using ChatKeeper and it's amazing.” - Actual Customer
β€œPeople need to see how good your chat formatting is, the accurate timestamps, the numbered headers, the note index feature, and also how you elegantly contained any messy output from the tool call like audio, canvas documents, etc” - Actual Customer

Features & Pricing

Free/Trial VersionForever License
PriceFREE$29.99
How long can I use it?Forever, with limited functionalityForever
Wait… so it’s not a subscription?That’s Right!That’s Right!
PlatformsWindows, Linux, MacWindows, Linux, Mac
Software Updates (bug fixes, new features)Forever, with limited functionalityYou keep all features and updates released within a year of your purchase forever - even if you don’t renew!
Sync Your Chat History to Local Markdown Filesβœ…βœ…
Works with any Markdown tool β€” Designed with Obsidian in mindβœ…βœ…
Include Imagesβœ…βœ…
Include Citations and Sourcesβœ…βœ…
Include Reasoningβœ…βœ…
Include timestamps for each messageβœ…βœ…
Linkable, numbered headings for each messageβœ…βœ…
Find and update previously exported copies of conversationsβœ…βœ…
Create index by conversation start dateβœ…βœ…
Create index by last update dateβœ…βœ…
Export title + creation & update dates in YAML front matterβœ…βœ…
Export dates of every message in YAML front matterβœ…βœ…
Preserve edited YAML front matter on updatesβœ…βœ…
Run a “dry run” (simulate export without writing files)βœ…βœ…
Optionally force overwrites of previously exported conversationsβœ…βœ…
Conversation Limit30Unlimited
Filter conversations by dateβŒβœ…
Skip archived conversationsβŒβœ…
Support❌Email

More Real Quotes From Real Users


FAQs

Why do you call it a Forever License if it only includes one year of updates?

It’s a “Forever License” because you can literally keep using the software forever. Although there is a license check, it’s performed only on your computer, so I can never “turn it off” for you. In other words, when you have a licensed version, that version will work for you forever, with full functionality - even if you never renew your license.

Updates are a little different. When you buy a Forever License, you also get all updates for one year. Once your license expires, you can keep using any version released before it expired forever, with full functionality. If you need or want a new version that is released after your license expires, you’ll need a new license to access all features of those updates.

Why would I need updates?

Please see the ChatKeeper Roadmap for information about pending updates and consider signing up for our newsletter to be notified when they are released.

Do you have a subscription available?

Nope. I don’t know about you, but I’m REALLY tired of subscriptions. I would rather not contribute to that problem for others. I believe that software you can use forever for a one-time fee is a much, much better product than a subscription.

This approach saves you money. Over the long run, it can save you a lot of money. And if I want you to keep renewing your licenses, then I’d better keep adding value with new versions.

What platforms does ChatKeeper support?

ChatKeeper is available for Windows, Linux, and macOS on both Apple and Intel silicon. You can download the appropriate version for your operating system from our Download page.

I’m having trouble on Windows!

If you’re running an older version on Windows and are not familiar with command line applications, you might run into a couple of issues, like:

If either of these are happening to you, see ChatKeeper’s Windows Command Line Help.

What if Windows warns me about running ChatKeeper?

If you try to run ChatKeeper and see a message like “Windows protected your PC” or “This app is not commonly downloaded,” don’t panic! This is just Windows SmartScreen being cautious. It often shows these messages for apps from small developers (like me!) who haven’t purchased something called a “code signing certificate.” The smart and attractive people who use ChatKeeper are an elite group, so the number of downloads is pretty small from Microsoft’s perspective. πŸ™‚

ChatKeeper isn’t malware, and doesn’t do anything shady. (I know, I know, that’s what a person pushing malware would say…) Here’s what’s going on:

If you are comfortable running it anyway:

  1. click “More info” in the warning
  2. click the “Run anyway” button

If you prefer not to run it, I understand. If you can also sign up for my newsletter and you’ll be notified when I have a signed version.

Why doesn’t ChatKeeper do [my awesome idea]?

Maybe I haven’t thought of it yet! If you have any ideas for new features, please let me know.

Or maybe I’m already working on it? See the ChatKeeper Roadmap for a peek at what’s in the works.

Why is my license code so long?

This is because of two requirements I have for a good licensing implementation.

First, software should not require contact with a server to verify its license. This ensures that users can run their programs offline and without concern about a remote server being shut down or unavailable and breaking their application.

Second, it’s crucial that there’s no way for the software to be remotely disabled, whether intentionally or accidentally. This approach guarantees that users can trust their software will remain fully functional without external interference.

Short license codes are often just an “ID” that a server can look up to verify it (or disable it!) The code I provide contains everything needed to verify it locally, without involving a remote server. The end result is fewer things that can get in the way of you running your software.

How do I report an issue?

That depends on the issue, so we’ll start by discussing it over email. When reporting an issue, please be sure to include the version of ChatKeeper you are using, a description of the problem, and any steps you’ve already taken to troubleshoot it. This will help me resolve your issue more efficiently.

Sometimes I might need a portion of your exported conversations to reproduce and fix an issue. Your privacy is extremely important to me, and if needed I’ll help you remove sensitive content before you send anything. I’m also willing to sign a nondisclosure agreement and destroy any information once the bug is fixed.

What’s your privacy policy?

TL/DR: Your privacy is extremely important to me. I don’t want your personal information, and I will never sell what little bit I might have. ChatKeeper’s full privacy policy is available here.

Can I transfer my license to someone else?

No, licenses are non-transferable. Each license is tied to the individual purchaser and is intended for their personal use only.

What happens if I lose my license code?

If you lose your license code, please contact me with your purchase details, and I’ll help you recover it.

Is there a refund policy?

Per our Terms of Service and EULA, all sales are final, and fees paid hereunder are non-refundable. Please make sure that ChatKeeper meets your needs before purchasing it. You can try it for free without a license.

Can I use ChatKeeper on multiple computers?

Yes, as long as you are the only user. You can install and use ChatKeeper on multiple computers, provided it’s for your personal use.

What if ChatKeeper doesn’t work on my system?

That would disappoint both of us. If you experience issues, please contact me and I’ll do my best to help resolve them.

Got other feedback?

I want it! I’m an approachable guy trying to make a great product. Drop me a line!

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