# Use Bkper with ChatGPT or Claude

Use the AI assistant you already have to ask questions about your books, create reports and PDFs, review transactions, or build a custom workflow. You do not need to learn command-line tools or choose an AI model to get started.

> **Note: Your assistant stays your assistant**
> ChatGPT and Claude continue using the models and plan provided by those products. Bkper's CLI, skill, and web connector give the assistant access to Bkper; they do not replace its model with a Bkper model.
## On your computer

[ChatGPT Work](https://openai.com/chatgpt-work/), [Claude](https://claude.com/download), and other desktop assistants with access to local files and commands can set up Bkper for you.

Paste this prompt into your assistant:

```text
Set up Bkper in this workspace using only the official instructions at https://bkper.com/apps/bkper-cli.

Install the official Bkper CLI npm package (`bkper`) and the official `bkper-cli` skill from `bkper/bkper-cli` only if they are missing. Run `bkper book list`; if authentication is required, guide me through `bkper auth login`, then rerun `bkper book list`. Do not create or change any Bkper Book data.
```

The assistant will:

1. Check what your computer needs.
2. Explain any software it needs to install.
3. Ask you to complete Bkper sign-in in your browser.
4. Verify the connection with a read-only list of your books.

You are ready when the assistant can show the books available to your Bkper account without changing them.

### Get your first useful result

Create a report:

```text
Create a profit and loss report for last month from my Bkper book. Use Bkper balances as the source of truth, explain the reporting period, and export the result as a PDF.
```

Ask about your books:

```text
Explain what changed most in my income and expenses over the last three months. Use Bkper reports for every number and state the periods you compared.
```

Review transactions:

```text
Review unchecked transactions from this month and identify anything unusual or possibly duplicated. Show me your findings without changing anything.
```

Build a custom tool:

```text
Build a simple local app that displays monthly profit and loss from my Bkper book. Add tests and let me review it before anything is deployed.
```

## In your browser

If your assistant cannot use local files or commands, [connect Bkper to ChatGPT or Claude](https://bkper.com/apps/bkper-mcp.md). After authorizing your Bkper account, use the same report, question, and review prompts above.

Browser-based assistants are a good fit for:

- asking questions about Book structure;
- listing Accounts, Groups, Transactions, and balances;
- creating reports from Bkper balance data;
- reviewing suspicious or unchecked Transactions;
- exploring your data before deciding what to do next.

The assistant may be able to create a downloadable file using its own file tools. The financial values must still come from Bkper records and balance reports. The hosted Bkper connection is a connector; ChatGPT or Claude remains the assistant and continues using its own models.

## Prefer a dedicated Bkper workspace?

Bkper CLI also includes [Bkper CLI Agent](https://bkper.com/docs/ai/bkper-cli-agent.md), an optional terminal workspace with Bkper context, Book access, local files, commands, scripts, and tests. Run `bkper` to open it.

Bkper CLI Agent comes with selected [Bkper AI models and usage allowance](https://bkper.com/docs/ai/models.md) already configured. You can also connect an external model provider. Otherwise, keep using ChatGPT or Claude—there is no need to switch.

## Keep financial work reviewable

- Ask the assistant to use Bkper as the source of truth for balances and reports.
- Do not accept model arithmetic as the final source for statements, reconciliations, or taxes.
- Keep AI-derived Transactions as drafts until a person reviews and posts them.
- Require an explanation and explicit confirmation before any Book change.
- Review generated reports, files, tests, and app changes before relying on them.
- Treat app deployment as a separate action that requires your approval.

## What each part does

| Path                                        | Assistant         | Bkper access              | Models                                                        |
| ------------------------------------------- | ----------------- | ------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **ChatGPT or Claude on the web**            | ChatGPT or Claude | Hosted Bkper connector    | Provided by ChatGPT or Claude                                 |
| **ChatGPT Work or Claude on your computer** | ChatGPT or Claude | Bkper CLI and skill       | Provided by ChatGPT or Claude                                 |
| **Dedicated terminal workspace**            | Bkper CLI Agent   | Built-in Bkper CLI access | Included Bkper AI models, or an external provider you connect |

## Technical connection details

You do not need these implementation details to get started.

### Web connection

The web connection uses Bkper MCP. The assistant calls typed Bkper tools through your existing permissions. Each tool result returns to the conversation, making this path well suited to interactive exploration.

### Local connection

The local connection uses the official Bkper CLI and Bkper skill. Your assistant can combine Bkper data with local files, scripts, tests, and generated artifacts. Local tools can also process intermediate data without sending every step back into the conversation.

## Next steps

- [Connect Bkper on the web](https://bkper.com/apps/bkper-mcp.md)
- [Install or reference the official Bkper tools](https://bkper.com/apps/bkper-cli.md)
- [Review local-agent security](https://bkper.com/docs/ai/cli-agent-security.md)
- [Build with a coding agent](https://bkper.com/docs/ai/coding-agents.md)