Keep ChatGPT Conversations Synced With Your Local Markdown Archive
ChatKeeper turns official ChatGPT exports into private, searchable Markdown and image files, then updates them in place across future exports, even after you move, rename, or annotate them.
Latest Release: ChatKeeper v2026.03.046 - March 22, 2026
Sync, Not Just Export
Most tools give you a snapshot. ChatKeeper maintains an archive while you control the syncing. It does not connect to your account on its own.
- Export your ChatGPT history. Here’s how.
- Run ChatKeeper to create local Markdown files. Use the GUI or the CLI.
- Organize those files however you want. Move them, rename them, mix them with related files, add metadata, etc.
- Export again later, and ChatKeeper finds the existing files and updates them in place.
ChatKeeper allows your ChatGPT history to become part of a long-term knowledge system instead of a pile of disposable exports.
For more details and instructions, see the ChatKeeper Quick Start Guide.
“Your program has already cut my work in half” - Actual Customer
Why Not Just Use a Free Exporter?
Free exporters and browser plug-ins are fine if you want a one-time copy. ChatKeeper is for people who want a local archive they can keep using, organizing, and updating over time.
| One-Time Export Tools | ChatKeeper |
|---|---|
| Create a snapshot | Maintains an evolving archive |
| Often tied to browser scraping or page state | Uses official ChatGPT exports |
| Easy to create duplicates across exports | Updates existing conversations in place |
| Local reorganization may break future imports | Finds files even after moves or renames |
“I've spent the last week trying to figure out how to do this with no good results so I am very appreciative of you making this tool.” - Actual Customer
Built for People Who Revisit Their Conversations
The Second Brain Builder: Treating ChatGPT as a continuous source of knowledge, you want every useful conversation turn stored, searchable, and interconnected.
ChatKeeper is for people who treat ChatGPT conversations as long-term knowledge rather than disposable chat logs. Built for Obsidian, PKM, research, and personal, local-first workflows, it lets you continue conversations in ChatGPT, export again, and update the local Markdown files you already organized.
Desktop UI
Standard desktop installers provide ChatKeeper for 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.
“It took me about 5 mins to figure out ChatKeeper (and then immediately buy the license) and it blew my mind.” - Actual Customer
Fit Into Your Workflow
Power user? Automate everything with ChatKeeper’s command line interface.
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.
“I just wanted to let you know that I've started using ChatKeeper and it's amazing.” - Actual Customer
“People need to see how good your chat formatting is, the accurate timestamps, the numbered headers, the note index feature...” - Actual Customer
Pricing For People Who Keep Their Knowledge
ChatKeeper is a one-time purchase for people who want a durable local ChatGPT archive, not yet another subscription. Try the full workflow with your first 30 conversations for free. A paid license removes that limit and includes one year of updates, which matters because ChatGPT’s export format changes over time.
| Free/Trial Version | Forever License | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | FREE | $29.99 | |
| How long can I use it? | Forever, with limited functionality | Forever | |
| Software Updates (bug fixes, new features) | Forever, with limited functionality | Includes updates released within one year of purchase. You can keep using those versions forever. | |
| Platforms | Windows, Linux, Mac | Windows, Linux, Mac | |
| Compatible ChatGPT Plans | Free, Plus, and Pro | Free, Plus, and Pro | |
| Conversation Limit | 30 | Unlimited | |
| — | — | — | |
| Sync Your Chat History with Local Markdown Files | ✅ | ✅ | |
| Find and update previously exported conversations | ✅ | ✅ | |
| Linkable, numbered headings for each message | ✅ | ✅ | |
| Preserve edited YAML front matter on updates | ✅ | ✅ | |
| Privacy-Focused with Zero User Telemetry | ✅ | ✅ | |
| Include Images | ✅ | ✅ | |
| Include Citations and Sources | ✅ | ✅ | |
| Include Reasoning | ✅ | ✅ | |
| Include timestamps for each message | ✅ | ✅ | |
| Create index by conversation start date | ✅ | ✅ | |
| Create index by last update date | ✅ | ✅ | |
| Include title + creation & update dates in YAML front matter | ✅ | ✅ | |
| Include dates of every message in YAML front matter | ✅ | ✅ | |
| Run a “dry run” (simulate export without writing files) | ✅ | ✅ | |
| (Optionally) Resync ALL conversations even if unchanged | ✅ | ✅ | |
| Quick and Easy Platform-Native Installers | ✅ | ✅ | |
| Works with any Markdown tool — Designed with Obsidian in mind | ✅ | ✅ | |
| Filter conversations by date | ❌ | ✅ | |
| Skip archived conversations | ❌ | ✅ | |
| Support | ❌ | ||
More Real Quotes From Real Users
FAQs
Is Syncing Live?
ChatKeeper only syncs when you tell it to, using the official ChatGPT export file that you provide it. It does not connect to your ChatGPT account or sync continuously in the background, or even use the network at all. Each time you run it with an updated export, it updates your existing local archive in place.
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?
- Evolving Export Format: The ChatGPT export format changes often. Staying updated ensures ChatKeeper works with the new features and formats. When ChatGPT’s export format changes, older versions of ChatKeeper might not be able to process new files correctly. It will do the best it can, but will let you know about the issue with a message that starts with “Oops, it looks like your ChatGPT export contains some messages I don’t know how to handle!” (or something similar along those lines) and tell you how to proceed.
- New Features: There’s a lot more that ChatKeeper could do! (…and if you have ideas, send them my way!)
- Bug Fixes: Although ChatKeeper is extensively tested, I’m human. If you find a bug, contact me, and I’ll do my best to fix it quickly.
Please see the ChatKeeper Roadmap for information about pending updates and consider signing up for our newsletter to be notified when they are released.
Why pay instead of using a free exporter?
For quick one-off conversation exports, a free exporter (usually in the form of a browser plugin) is often all you need. There are many available.
ChatKeeper is the right tool when you need ongoing syncing of long-running conversations, while also organizing them locally and integrating with other files.
See also Why not just use a free exporter?.
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.
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.
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 ask for a portion of your exported conversations to reproduce and fix an issue. Providing this is 100% optional and I completely understand any desire for privacy. If you do not wish to provide this then I’ll simply do my best without it. 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.
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.
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.
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.
Got other feedback?
I want it! I’m an approachable guy trying to make a great product. Drop me a line!
