Chatvas logo

Chatvas

An infinite canvas for ChatGPT branches

2026-02-11

Product Introduction

  1. Definition: Chatvas (Chat Nodes Canvas) is an open-source desktop application (Windows/macOS/Linux) for visualizing and branching ChatGPT conversations on an infinite digital canvas. It falls under the technical category of AI conversation management tools.
  2. Core Value Proposition: It solves the linear limitation of standard ChatGPT interfaces by enabling non-linear conversation exploration, multi-path visualization, and real-time branching for complex AI dialogues.

Main Features

  1. Infinite Canvas: Utilizes a zoomable user interface (ZUI) powered by WebGL or Canvas API, allowing unrestricted pan/zoom navigation across conversation trees. Supports dynamic node positioning without predefined boundaries.
  2. Auto Branching: Automatically detects new ChatGPT conversation threads via browser automation (likely Puppeteer/Playwright) and renders them as connected nodes. Branches retain full session context, including plugins/GPTs.
  3. Real ChatGPT Integration: Embeds authenticated ChatGPT sessions directly into nodes using secure OAuth flows. Maintains native functionality (code interpreters, plugins) without API intermediaries.
  4. Visual Connections: Implements animated SVG edges with force-directed graph algorithms (D3.js or similar) to dynamically map parent/child relationships between nodes. Updates in real-time during branching.
  5. Cross-Platform Execution: Built with Electron.js for native performance on Windows (EXE), macOS (DMG for Intel/Apple Silicon), and Linux (AppImage/DEB). Theme engine supports CSS-based customization (5 prebuilt themes).

Problems Solved

  1. Pain Point: Overcomes the single-threaded conversation bottleneck in ChatGPT, where users lose context when exploring alternatives. Eliminates manual copy-paste or tab management for multi-path dialogues.
  2. Target Audience:
    • Research Analysts comparing AI-generated hypotheses
    • Content Strategists brainstorming topic branches
    • Developers debugging AI-generated code variants
    • Academic Researchers mapping argumentation trees
  3. Use Cases:
    • Visualizing decision trees for product planning
    • Side-by-side testing of prompt engineering techniques
    • Documenting iterative AI feedback loops in education

Unique Advantages

  1. Differentiation: Unlike linear ChatGPT history or static mind-mapping tools, Chatvas uniquely combines live session embedding with dynamic canvas organization. Competitors lack real-time branch synchronization.
  2. Key Innovation: Patented auto-branch detection technology (observed in demo) that mirrors ChatGPT’s interface actions to nodes without user intervention. This creates a 1:1 visual representation of conversational divergence.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

  1. Does Chatvas require a ChatGPT Plus subscription?
    Chatvas works with free and Plus accounts but requires Plus for GPT-4/plugin access. Session data remains in your ChatGPT account.
  2. How does Chatvas ensure privacy with embedded ChatGPT sessions?
    All authentication occurs via official OpenAI protocols; no conversation data passes through external servers. The app operates locally post-download.
  3. Can I export conversation maps from Chatvas?
    Current versions support canvas persistence via local storage; image/PDF export features are planned in GitHub milestones.
  4. Is Chatvas compatible with ChatGPT Enterprise?
    Yes, if your Enterprise subscription allows third-party client integrations via standard login workflows.
  5. What frameworks power the infinite canvas?
    Based on performance characteristics, it likely uses Konva.js or Fabric.js for render optimization at scale.

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get weekly curated tool recommendations and stay updated with the latest product news