Run open-babel from ChatGPT or Claude
Chemical toolbox. With BCD, ChatGPT, Claude and other AI apps can install and run open-babel 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 open-babel. - LinuxWorks
Homebrew on Linux has a ready-made build.
- WindowsNot in Homebrew
Homebrew does not run on Windows. If open-babel has a Windows build, BCD can run it in PowerShell.
About open-babel
- Version
- 3.2.1
- License
- GPL-2.0-only
- Installs (last 365 days)
- 2,321 · #1,785 in Homebrew
- Homepage
- github.com/openbabel/openbabel
- Install
brew install open-babel
Try asking
“Install open-babel with Homebrew and show me its version”
“Read open-babel --help and give me three useful examples for my files”
“Update open-babel and tell me what changed”
Depends on
cairo · eigen · python@3.15
Questions
Can ChatGPT run open-babel on my computer?
Yes. With BCD on your Mac or Linux computer and command permission turned on for it, ChatGPT runs open-babel there and reads the output. Claude and other apps with MCP connectors can too.
Do I need to install open-babel first?
No. If Homebrew is installed, the AI can run brew install open-babel 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.