Real-time folder watching
Watch any folder in real time and automatically index incoming screenshots, downloads, or design assets. The app can either archive files into a central library or index them where they already sit.
mirowl
mirowl is a local-first AI screenshot and visual memory app for macOS. It watches folders, extracts text from images, and helps users organize and search screenshots and other visual files by content and context.
Overview
mirowl is an AI screenshot and visual memory app for macOS, built to watch folders, index images, and make screenshot libraries searchable. It combines local OCR, automatic categorization, and source-aware tagging so you can find images by text, app, or context instead of by filename.
The product is positioned as local-first: core features run on your Mac, files stay on your machine, and cloud AI is optional. The homepage also shows a Windows waitlist, so the publicly available app is currently Mac-only while Windows support is still coming soon.
Features
Text-based image search
Use OCR to make image text searchable, then search by content, source app, or URL so you can return to the original context of a screenshot.
Source-aware metadata
Let mirowl automatically tag the source app and URL for captured images, preserving context that is often lost in screenshot folders.
Dual local and cloud AI modes
Use local AI categorization for private processing, or opt into cloud-based image understanding on Pro for richer descriptions and metadata.
Local-first privacy model
Keep processing on-device by default. The site describes mirowl as local-first, with OCR and search running locally and no account required.
Automated file routing
Use the app to clean up a cluttered desktop by routing files into a structured mirowl library with archive rules.
Use cases
Automatic screenshot cleanup
Keep desktop screenshots, downloads, and other visual files organized without manual drag-and-drop. mirowl watches folders in real time and can route files into a library automatically.
Text search across images
Find a screenshot by the words inside it, even when the filename is meaningless. OCR and search-by-content make it easier to recover code snippets, notes, receipts, or reference images.
Recover source context
Track the app and source context behind captured images so you can return to the original workflow. This is useful when screenshots come from browsers, Slack, or development tools.
Organize design and work folders
Manage design assets or working files in place while still building a searchable visual archive. The app can index folders without necessarily moving every file into one central location.
Private or advanced analysis
Use local processing for sensitive screenshots or opt into cloud image understanding on Pro when richer descriptions are worth it. That gives individual users a privacy-conscious way to separate routine and advanced workflows.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Indexes folders automatically, which reduces manual sorting work for screenshots and other image folders.
- Makes images searchable by OCR text and source context, not just by filename.
- Keeps processing local by default and does not require an account for core use.
- Supports flexible folder workflows, including archiving files into a central library or indexing them in place.
Cons
- The homepage says the app is currently Mac-only, with Windows support listed as coming soon.
- Cloud AI features are Pro-only, so richer image understanding is not part of the free local-only tier.
FAQ
Where are my images stored?
Your files stay on your hard drive. mirowl is described as a local-first app, and its FAQ says original high-resolution images are not stored on mirowl's servers, even when cloud AI features are used.
Does mirowl work offline?
Yes. The source says the core features — folder watching, local OCR, and basic categorization — work offline. Cloud-powered deep analysis requires an internet connection and a Pro subscription.
What folders can I watch?
You can watch any folder on your computer. The homepage specifically mentions Desktop, Screenshots, Downloads, Work, and Design folders as examples.
Is my data used to train AI models?
No. The FAQ says personal screenshots are not used for training. It also notes that local processing uses pre-trained models, while cloud processing uses the Gemini API.
Can I use mirowl on multiple computers?
Pro licenses are hardware-locked to a single device, but you can deactivate one device and move the license to another in the app's settings.
Quick Facts
- Category
- Productivity / AI Image Search
- Platform
- Mac currently; Windows waitlist mentioned
- Primary use
- Searchable screenshot and visual memory management
- Deployment model
- Local-first with optional cloud AI
- Website
- mirowl.com
- Pricing shape
- Free forever plan; Pro plan available at $49/yr
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