ChatGPT local files, safely
ChatGPT Desktop now speaks MCP, which means it can reach local files. Without a permission layer, that is all-or-nothing. Kobel lets you expose exactly the folders you choose — with exactly the rights you choose.
The problem with default file connectors
When a desktop AI is handed a folder path, it typically gets full read and write on everything inside. That is great for productivity and catastrophic the first time the model misinterprets an instruction.
How Kobel scopes ChatGPT
Kobel is a local MCP gateway. You tag each folder with one of five permission colors. ChatGPT sees only what your ruleset allows. Nothing is uploaded to any Kobel server.
- Expose only the project you are working on — not your whole Documents folder.
- Make reference material read-only.
- Keep tax documents, contracts, and credentials completely hidden.
Setup
Install Kobel on Windows, add folders, assign colors, and click "Connect ChatGPT". Kobel finds the desktop app, registers itself as the MCP provider, and ChatGPT picks it up on next launch.
One ruleset, every AI
Kobel is AI-agnostic. The same permission tree also applies to Claude Desktop, Gemini CLI, GitHub Copilot, Cursor, Ollama, and any custom MCP client you run.
Download KobelFrequently asked questions
Does ChatGPT see my files before I connect Kobel?
Only the ones you explicitly gave access to. Kobel narrows that further by adding color-based rules and an audit log.
Will ChatGPT know when a folder is hidden?
Red folders are invisible. ChatGPT cannot list them, cannot see their names, cannot infer their contents.
Does it work with the web version of ChatGPT?
Kobel is for the MCP-capable desktop clients. The web app does not talk MCP directly.
Does Kobel send anything to OpenAI?
No. Kobel is a local gateway. Your files stay on your machine.
Can I undo a change ChatGPT made?
If the folder was Teal, yes — teal folders keep automatic versioned backups of every overwrite.