LocalLLaMa - ChatGPT / OpenAI GNOME Extension

LocalLLaMa - ChatGPT Overlay for GNOME Shell

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This is a simple extension that uses the OpenAI API to display a LocalLLaMa - ChatGPT Overlay by pressing Super + o. Forked from metix gnome-shell-extension-openai to be LocalLLaMa friendly (eg. llama.cpp)

Note: API-Key is not required for this extension. Defaults to 'NO_API_KEY'.

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Features

• Supports Light/Dark Mode
• Settings UI : openai-api-url, openai-model, openai-api-key, shortcut-toggle-overlay, system prompt.
• Clear History (Shortcut: CTRL+L)
• Optional System Prompt (Initial prompt for all questions)

Install From Source

This method installs to your ~/.local/share/gnome-shell/extensions directory from the latest source code on the main branch.

Clone this repository:

git clone https://github.com/ali0une/gnome-shell-extension-openai && cd gnome-shell-extension-openai

Install the extension:

make install

Restart desktop:

• On X11: ALT+F2 then type r
• On Wayland: Log-out and Log-In again

Enable the extension:

gnome-extensions enable openai-gnome@ali0une.org

Open the settings dialog and paste your OpenAI-API-Key:

gnome-extensions prefs openai-gnome@ali0une.org

Show the overlay with the shortcut:

-> Super+o to show the overlay

Settings

You can configure some settings in the UI:

Name	Example Value	Description
Open-Api-Key	NO_API_KEY	Default to NO_API_KEY. You can set your OpenAI key.
System-Prompt	Act as a Stackoverflow post	The initial message that is added before each conversation. (Read more). It is sent in the background and will not be visible in your chat.
Debug-Mode	false	Development‑only setting. When enabled, no API calls are made; a placeholder message is shown as the response.

Compatibility

The Extension was tested on:

• Ubuntu 22.04, X11, GNOME Shell 42.5
• Ubuntu 23.04, Wayland, GNOME Shell 43.2
• Debian 12, X11, GNOME Shell 43.9

Feel free to contribute if you found bugs or improved something.

FAQ

Where can I get an OpenAI API-Key?

First you need to create an Account on OpenAI.

From your user profile, you can manage your API keys by selecting "Manage API Keys".

Troubleshooting

• Restart GNOME Shell (ALT+F2, then type r)
• Look for error messages in

journalctl /usr/bin/gnome-shell

License

This Extension has been released under The GNU General Public License v3.0.