Chatbox
Chatbox is a cross-platform desktop chat client (macOS / Windows / Linux), free and open source. It brings a ChatGPT-style chat window to a local app and supports switching between multiple providers.
Key positioning: It focuses on "chat" — it is not an IDE / Agent. There is no file system integration and no ability to run code automatically. If all you want is to "ask the AI, read the reply, copy and paste," Chatbox is the lowest-barrier entry point.
Who it's for: non-developers; people who occasionally need the AI to help write code snippets but don't integrate it into their development workflow; people who prefer a desktop GUI over a browser.
This tutorial: Just configure the OpenAI-compatible endpoint of claude-api.org in Chatbox — done in 5 minutes.
A cross-platform desktop chat client (macOS / Windows / Linux), free and open source. It's the simplest to configure and great for non-developers who want to give it a try.
Recommended Channel
OpenAI. You can also create multiple Keys to switch between other channels.
Installation
Download: chatboxai.app → choose your operating system.
Configuration
Open Chatbox → ⚙️ Settings → Model:
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Model Provider | OpenAI API |
| API Key | sk-你的key |
| API Host | https://claude-api.org/v1 |
| Model | gpt-5.4 (enter manually) |
The default model list may not include the GPT-5 series. Just type
gpt-5.4/gpt-5.5/gpt-5.4-minidirectly into the Model input box.
Save.
Switching to the Claude Channel
Chatbox is not a Claude Code client. You need to create a new Key bound to Claude Official (any client) (2.0x), then:
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Model Provider | Claude API |
| API Key | sk-绑Claude Official (any client)的key |
| API Host | https://claude-api.org |
| Model | claude-sonnet-4-6 |
Verification
Send "Hello" in the Chatbox main interface. If you get a reply, it's working.
FAQ
Shows "Network Error" / "Failed to fetch"
- The API Host is wrong (missing
/v1or has an extra/) - A local VPN is intercepting it → add
claude-api.orgto your VPN software's direct-connection allowlist - Your Chatbox version is too old → upgrade to the latest
The model doesn't have GPT-5 / Claude 4.7
Chatbox's built-in list can't keep up with model updates. Just type the model name manually. All models supported by each channel are available.
Clicking Save on Mac does nothing
Chatbox occasionally has this issue on macOS 14+. Restarting the app and restarting your system usually fixes it.
For more, see the FAQ.