No backend, no upload
ChatShell has no server that processes your conversations. There is no upload step. The extension reads the ChatGPT page directly and converts it inside your browser tab.
Privacy
How ChatShell Handles Your Data
ChatShell is a local-first browser extension. Every export — PDF, Markdown, DOCX, JSON — happens entirely inside your browser. Your conversation content is never sent to any server, stored in any database, or retained after you close the tab.
What "Local-First" Means
Your data never leaves your browser
No cloud storage
ChatShell does not store your conversations, exported files, or any derived data in the cloud. Exports go straight to your device's Downloads folder.
No third-party sharing
Your conversation content is not shared with analytics providers, advertising networks, or any other third party. It stays entirely on your machine.
Works offline for export
Once the ChatGPT page has loaded, ChatShell can generate your export without any additional network requests. The conversion is entirely client-side.
What Is and Isn't Sent
A clear breakdown of data flows
| Data type | Stays local | Sent externally |
|---|---|---|
| Conversation content | Yes — never transmitted | Never |
| Exported files (PDF, MD, DOCX, JSON) | Yes — saved to your Downloads folder | Never |
| License key verification | — | License key + device ID only, for activation and recovery |
| Browsing history or other sites | ChatShell only accesses the ChatGPT tab | Never |
| Usage analytics | — | Anonymous page-level analytics via Google Analytics (no conversation data) |
Browser Permissions
Why ChatShell requests certain permissions
Access to chat.openai.com
Required to read the conversation content from the ChatGPT page. ChatShell only activates on the ChatGPT domain and does not access any other websites.
Download permission
Required to save the exported file (PDF, Markdown, DOCX, or JSON) to your local Downloads folder after conversion.
No history or tab access
ChatShell does not request access to your browsing history, other open tabs, bookmarks, or any data outside of the active ChatGPT tab.
FAQ
Common privacy questions
Does ChatShell upload my conversations?
No. Conversation content is read from the page and converted locally. Nothing is uploaded to any server.
Can I use ChatShell for confidential work?
Yes. Because all processing is local and no conversation data is transmitted, ChatShell is appropriate for sensitive, professional, or confidential content.
What happens to my exported files?
They are saved to your local Downloads folder. ChatShell does not retain any copy of your files after the download completes.
Is the extension open about its permissions?
Yes. ChatShell's Chrome Web Store listing describes all requested permissions and why each is needed. You can review them before installing.
Get Started
Export privately, right now
ChatShell is free to install. Local-first export of ChatGPT conversations to PDF, Markdown, DOCX, and JSON — no account required, no data uploaded.