Plain-language file search
Search folders using plain language, then jump to the exact file and line rather than only the filename.
Reference
Reference is a macOS local file search app for developers and AI agents. It searches watched folders offline, returns citations to the source, and includes a built-in MCP server for compatible coding tools.
Overview
Reference is a local file search app for macOS that helps people and AI agents find information in folders they choose to watch. It searches plain-language queries, returns the exact file and line, and includes citations so results can be traced back to the source.
The product is designed for coding workflows: it ships with an MCP server, works offline, and avoids account creation, cloud uploads, and internet-dependent syncing. The site positions it as a way for agents to search local files directly instead of relying on copy-and-paste into chat.
Features
Fuzzy and semantic matching
Combines fuzzy search and semantic search so you can find code or documents even when exact wording differs.
Cited answers
Returns real citations back to the source, which helps agents and developers verify where a result came from.
Built-in MCP server
Includes a built-in MCP server so compatible agents such as Claude Code can search watched folders directly.
Read-only agent tools
Provides four read-only tools: search, explain, find_similar, and check_doc_drift.
User-selected watched folders
Only watches the folders you choose, and the source says it does not add new folders, write files, or change anything.
Use Cases
Find code faster
A developer can point Reference at a codebase or docs folder and ask for the exact function, file, or line that matches a question.
Agent-assisted coding
A coding agent can query the MCP server directly instead of waiting for the user to paste snippets into the chat.
Private folder search
A team can keep local project notes or internal docs searchable while limiting the app to only the folders they explicitly chose.
Search by meaning, not exact text
A developer reviewing a large local repository can use fuzzy and semantic search to locate related code even when the wording in the query is imprecise.
Verify source references
A user can inspect how a source answer was derived by following the citations back to the original file and line.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Searches local files on macOS without cloud uploads.
- Shows citations and exact source locations for results.
- Supports both fuzzy and semantic search.
- Includes a built-in MCP server for agent workflows.
- Uses read-only tools and only accesses folders the user has chosen to watch.
Cons
- The source does not provide detailed pricing, plan limits, or trial information.
- The FAQ suggests macOS-specific availability, but it does not spell out hardware or OS version requirements.
FAQ
What is Reference for?
Reference is built for local file search on macOS, including use with AI agents through its built-in MCP server.
Does Reference send my files anywhere?
The source states that Reference is completely offline and has no account, cloud upload, or internet use for the core workflow.
What tools does the MCP server give an agent?
Reference exposes four read-only MCP tools: search, explain, find_similar, and check_doc_drift.
How do I connect it to an AI coding agent?
The page shows a Terminal command for adding the Reference MCP server to Claude Code, and notes that any MCP-compatible agent can use it.
What Mac do I need?
The FAQ only indicates that Reference is for macOS and asks what Mac is required, but it does not list specific hardware or OS version requirements.
Quick Facts
- Category
- Developer Tool
- Platform
- macOS
- Primary users
- Developers using coding agents
- Deployment
- Offline local app
- Notable workflow
- Search watched folders and expose results to MCP-compatible agents
- Website
- tryreference.com
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