A lightweight Electron wrapper that gives ChatGPT a native-feeling desktop client on Arch Linux while staying friendly to other distributions. The app embeds https://chatgpt.com, keeps you signed in between launches, and respects the system appearance so it fits in on your desktop.
- Loads ChatGPT in an Electron window with minimal chrome.
- Remembers authentication cookies and session storage between runs (handled by Electron).
- Sets window defaults that feel at home on tiling and traditional desktops.
- Fallback HTML page when ChatGPT cannot be reached.
- Cross-platform friendly while focusing on Arch Linux.
- Node.js 18+ (LTS recommended).
nvmmakes switching versions easy. - npm 9+.
- Git & SSH access to GitHub for development.
nvm install --lts
nvm use --ltsClone the repository and install dependencies:
git clone https://github.com/chicheese/ChatGPT4Arch.git
cd ChatGPT4Arch
npm installLaunch the development build:
npm startElectron will open a window and load chatgpt.com. If the network is unavailable, you'll see a friendly offline fallback page with a reload button.
ChatGPT4Arch/
├── main.js # Electron main process
├── preload.js # Context isolated bridge (reserved for future use)
├── index.html # Offline fallback page
├── package.json
└── node_modules
The roadmap tracks the planned improvements for the MVP and beyond:
- Window polish: persist size/position, add tray integration where supported, expose a reload shortcut.
- Visual updates: optional frameless layout, custom title bar, refined styling.
- Settings & integrations: preferences screen, theme toggle, always-on-top mode.
- Packaging: produce
.AppImage/.debbuilds and verify on Arch and other major Linux desktops.
- The app uses Electron's default session to store cookies; no extra code needed for persistence yet.
preload.jsis currently a no-op but keeps the door open for secure renderer integrations later.- Contributions are welcome; open an issue or submit a pull request with your changes.
MIT © chicheese