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rusiaaman/chat.md

A VS Code extension that turns plain .chat.md files into editable AI chat sessions with MCP tool support across LLM providers.

Open-source alternative to:CursorGitHub Copilot Chat

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What is it?

chat.md is a Visual Studio Code extension that stores AI conversations as markdown files with a .chat.md extension. Each user and assistant turn is a block in the file, so you can edit earlier messages, change the AI's replies, and have the model continue from any point. Conversations stay local next to your code and can be versioned or shared like any other text file.

The extension works with Anthropic Claude models, OpenAI models (including the Responses API), and any OpenAI-compatible endpoint such as Azure, Gemini or OpenRouter. It acts as a Model Context Protocol (MCP) client, so MCP tools can be called by any supported model. Local stdio servers and remote servers over Streamable HTTP or legacy SSE are supported, and tool lists refresh automatically.

Files can be attached by linking them with markdown syntax, and pasted images are supported. Configuration can be set globally in VS Code settings, per provider, or at the top of an individual chat file. The project is marked experimental by its author.

Key features

  • 01Chat history is stored as editable .chat.md files that can be version controlled.
  • 02Edit earlier messages and have the model continue from any point.
  • 03Switch between Claude, OpenAI and OpenAI-compatible models within one conversation.
  • 04Any supported model can call MCP tools from local or remote servers.
  • 05Attach workspace files and images directly in the conversation.
  • 06Resume AI responses that were cut off by the token limit.

Use cases

  • Iterating on prompts and reworking a conversation history in Git.
  • Letting different LLM providers use the same MCP tools inside VS Code.
  • Keeping AI discussions about a project as readable files alongside the code.
  • Steering a model by editing its earlier answers before continuing.

Quick start

  1. 1

    Install chat.md from the VS Code marketplace

  2. 2

    Configure API key via Command Palette

    Add or Edit API Configuration
  3. 3

    Create a new chat file (Mac shortcut)

    Opt+Cmd+'
  4. 4

    Write a query in a user block and press Shift+Enter

Things to know

  • Labeled experimental and a proof-of-concept; the README says it is 100% AI coded.
  • Only MCP tools are supported; prompts and resources are not yet.
  • Gemini, Ollama, LM Studio and other non-OpenAI models must be reached through the OpenAI-compatible API.

Topics

#llm#mcp#markdown#vscode-extension#chat#anthropic#openai#ai-agent#agent#ai

FAQ

What is chat.md?
A VS Code extension that turns plain .chat.md files into editable AI chat sessions with MCP tool support across LLM providers. chat.md is a Visual Studio Code extension that stores AI conversations as markdown files with a .chat.md extension. Each user and assistant turn is a block in the file, so you can edit earlier messages, change the AI's replies, and have the model continue from any point. Conversations stay local next to your code and can be versioned or shared like any other text file.
Is chat.md free to use? What license does it have?
chat.md is open source under the MIT license. Check the license terms before using it in commercial products.
Is chat.md still maintained?
Updated within 6 months. The last commit to chat.md was on Sep 15, 2026.
What can I use chat.md for?
Iterating on prompts and reworking a conversation history in Git. Letting different LLM providers use the same MCP tools inside VS Code. Keeping AI discussions about a project as readable files alongside the code. Steering a model by editing its earlier answers before continuing.
How do I install chat.md?
Install chat.md from the VS Code marketplace Configure API key via Command Palette: Add or Edit API Configuration Create a new chat file (Mac shortcut): Opt+Cmd+' Write a query in a user block and press Shift+Enter
Where can I get chat.md?
The source code and installation instructions are on GitHub: https://github.com/rusiaaman/chat.md

Summary generated by AI from the project's README. GitHub stats refresh daily.

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