Chatlab
Local-first chat history analyzer with AI. | 本地优先的 AI 聊天记录分析工具
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What is Chatlab?
ChatLab is a free, open-source, local-first chat analysis application designed for deep-dive analysis of your chat histories. Powered by an AI Agent and a versatile SQL engine, ChatLab empowers users to explore, query, and gain fresh insights from their social data. The tool allows users to relive and explore their social memories by importing exported chat records from various platforms and analyzing them locally on their device.
Key features include stream computing with multi-threaded parallel architecture for processing millions of chat records, intelligent AI Agent integration with 10+ specialized Function Calling tools, AI SQL mode for custom analysis needs, automatic yearly rankings, chat overview with data summaries, detection of hottest repeated content and classic group quotes, and a chat record viewer. The tool supports WhatsApp, Discord, Instagram, LINE, and Telegram exports through their official export features.
ChatLab is designed for anyone who wants to analyze their personal chat histories safely and privately. It is ideal for users who want to revisit precious voice notes, analyze social connections over time, find patterns in conversations, and gain insights from their digital emotional memories. The local-first approach ensures conversations stay private on your device rather than being uploaded to the cloud.
The application works in two simple steps: export your chat records from your preferred platform using official features, then import them into ChatLab for local parsing and analysis. Everything available in group chat analysis is also available for private chats.
Chatlab pricing
Pricing model: Freemium
ChatLab is completely free and open-source with no paid plans. The application is free to download and use for all features. AI features require users to configure their own API keys with their preferred AI provider. The tool is strictly non-commercial - it is forbidden for any individual or organization to use the software or analysis results for commercial profit.
Chatlab pros
- Free and open-source with no cost barriers
- Local-first architecture keeps data on your device
- Privacy by design - no cloud uploads required
- Processes millions of chat records with stream computing
- Multi-threaded parallel architecture for fast performance
- AI Agent with 10+ specialized Function Calling tools
- AI SQL mode for maximum analysis freedom
- Supports WhatsApp, Discord, Instagram, LINE, and Telegram
- Automatic yearly rankings without manual counting
- Detects hottest repeated content and classic group quotes
- Works offline without internet connection
- Unified data abstraction across different platforms
- Chat overview with various data summaries
- Both group chat and private chat analysis supported
- Full functionality without internet connection
- Transparent log files for troubleshooting
Chatlab cons
- Does not provide data extraction features - must export first
- No decryption, packet capture, or export tools included
- AI features require API key configuration
- Only supports English and Chinese for WhatsApp exports
- iMessage support planned but not yet available
- Requires legal authorization - only process your own chats
- No commercial use permitted under license
- Analysis may contain errors or hallucinations
- First Telegram export may be delayed for security reasons
- Desktop LINE app only saves currently loaded messages
Frequently asked questions about Chatlab
What is ChatLab and what does it do?
ChatLab is a free, open-source, local-first chat analysis app that helps users safely analyze and revisit their own social memories. It is powered by an AI Agent and SQL engine to explore, query, and gain insights from chat data. The tool processes exported chat records locally on your device, ensuring privacy.
How do I use ChatLab?
Using ChatLab requires only two steps: first export your chat records from your platform using official export features, then import the exported file into ChatLab for local parsing and analysis. See the Export Chat Records guide for platform-specific export instructions.
Which chat platforms does ChatLab support?
ChatLab currently supports WhatsApp (txt format), Discord (JSON via DiscordChatExporter), Instagram (JSON official export), LINE (txt format), and Telegram (Machine-readable JSON). iMessage support is planned but not yet available due to lack of testing data.
Does ChatLab upload my data to the cloud?
No. ChatLab is local-first by design. Your chat history and configurations stay on your local machine, and all analytics are performed locally. This enables full functionality even without an internet connection. The only exception is AI features which require external API calls.
Does ChatLab provide export tools for chat apps?
No. ChatLab focuses on analyzing exported data and does not provide data extraction features. You must first use official features or third-party tools from the open-source community to export your chat records, then import them into ChatLab for analysis.
What AI features does ChatLab offer?
ChatLab includes an Intelligent AI Agent powered by 10+ specialized Function Calling tools that intelligently interact with your data to uncover hidden patterns. It also offers AI SQL mode for custom analysis needs and real-time AI communion with chat records. AI features require API key configuration.
Can I use ChatLab for commercial purposes?
No. It is strictly forbidden for any individual or organization to use ChatLab or its analysis results for any form of commercial profit. The tool is free and open-source for personal use only.
What file formats does ChatLab accept?
ChatLab supports .json, .jsonl, and .txt files. The specific format depends on the platform: WhatsApp uses txt, Discord uses JSON, Instagram uses JSON, LINE uses txt, and Telegram uses Machine-readable JSON (result.json).
Is my analysis data accurate and can it be used as legal evidence?
No. Analysis results generated by ChatLab may contain errors or hallucinations and are for technical reference only. They should not be used as legal evidence or decision-making basis. The tool includes this disclaimer for result accuracy.
How do I configure AI in ChatLab?
To configure AI, go to Settings > AI Settings and enter your API key. Click 'Verify' to confirm the API connection is working. For AI features to work, you need a valid API key from your preferred AI provider and sufficient balance.