Run mdcat from ChatGPT or Claude
Show markdown documents on text terminals. With BCD, ChatGPT, Claude and other AI apps can install and run mdcat on your own computer and read what it prints.
Works on
- MacWorks
Homebrew has a ready-made build; the AI can install it with
brew install mdcat. - LinuxWorks
Homebrew on Linux has a ready-made build.
- WindowsNot in Homebrew
Homebrew does not run on Windows. If mdcat has a Windows build, BCD can run it in PowerShell.
About mdcat
- Version
- 2.20.0
- License
- MPL-2.0
- Installs (last 365 days)
- 6,553 · #1,057 in Homebrew
- Homepage
- github.com/BIRSAx2/mdcat
- Install
brew install mdcat
Try asking
“Install mdcat with Homebrew and show me its version”
“Read mdcat --help and give me three useful examples for my files”
“Update mdcat and tell me what changed”
Questions
Can ChatGPT run mdcat on my computer?
Yes. With BCD on your Mac or Linux computer and command permission turned on for it, ChatGPT runs mdcat there and reads the output. Claude and other apps with MCP connectors can too.
Do I need to install mdcat first?
No. If Homebrew is installed, the AI can run brew install mdcat for you.
Is it safe?
A new computer starts read-only: running commands is turned on per computer, and BCD reaches only the folders you allow.
Try it on your computer
BCD connects ChatGPT, Claude and other AI apps to your own Mac, Windows or Linux computer. One computer is free, with 20,000 tool calls a month and no card.
Program data from Homebrew, updated 2026-11-11. Installs are Homebrew's installs on request over the last 365 days.