Run mscgen from ChatGPT or Claude
Parses Message Sequence Chart descriptions and produces images. With BCD, ChatGPT, Claude and other AI apps can install and run mscgen 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 mscgen. - LinuxWorks
Homebrew on Linux has a ready-made build.
- WindowsNot in Homebrew
Homebrew does not run on Windows. If mscgen has a Windows build, BCD can run it in PowerShell.
About mscgen
- Version
- 0.20
- License
- GPL-2.0-or-later
- Installs (last 365 days)
- 5,323 · #1,182 in Homebrew
- Homepage
- www.mcternan.me.uk/mscgen
- Install
brew install mscgen
Try asking
“Install mscgen with Homebrew and show me its version”
“Read mscgen --help and give me three useful examples for my files”
“Update mscgen and tell me what changed”
Depends on
Questions
Can ChatGPT run mscgen on my computer?
Yes. With BCD on your Mac or Linux computer and command permission turned on for it, ChatGPT runs mscgen there and reads the output. Claude and other apps with MCP connectors can too.
Do I need to install mscgen first?
No. If Homebrew is installed, the AI can run brew install mscgen 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.