Run zim from ChatGPT or Claude
Graphical text editor used to maintain a collection of wiki pages. With BCD, ChatGPT, Claude and other AI apps can install and run zim 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 zim. - LinuxPartly
Homebrew on Linux builds it from source, or install it with your distribution's package manager.
- WindowsNot in Homebrew
Homebrew does not run on Windows. If zim has a Windows build, BCD can run it in PowerShell.
About zim
- Version
- 0.77.2
- License
- GPL-2.0-or-later
- Installs (last 365 days)
- 593 · #3,344 in Homebrew
- Homepage
- zim-wiki.org
- Install
brew install zim
Try asking
“Install zim with Homebrew and show me its version”
“Read zim --help and give me three useful examples for my files”
“Update zim and tell me what changed”
Depends on
Questions
Can ChatGPT run zim on my computer?
Yes. With BCD on your Mac or Linux computer and command permission turned on for it, ChatGPT runs zim there and reads the output. Claude and other apps with MCP connectors can too.
Do I need to install zim first?
No. If Homebrew is installed, the AI can run brew install zim 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.