Meaning-based search
Search by intent instead of file name. Stella can find a document even when its filename does not match the words you type.
Stella
Stella is a local-first semantic search app for macOS that helps you find files by meaning instead of filename. It indexes text-based documents on your machine and works offline without an account.
Overview
Stella is a semantic search app for local files on macOS. It helps you find documents by what they mean, rather than by matching filenames or folder names.
You choose folders for Stella to watch, and it indexes text-based documents on-device so you can search across PDFs, notes, spreadsheets, and other local files with natural language queries. The product is positioned as private and local-first: the site says no cloud processing is used, no telemetry is collected, and no account is required.
Features
Local-first privacy
Search happens entirely on your device, with no cloud processing, telemetry, accounts, or data leaving your machine.
On-device indexing
Stella indexes text-based files on-device, including PDFs, notes, documents, and spreadsheets, so content inside the file can be searched.
Offline access
The app is designed to keep your library searchable without an internet connection, which makes it usable offline or in low-connectivity settings.
Free beta access
There is no subscription or freemium tier on the site’s pricing page, and the beta is described as free to use with no account required.
Use Cases
Finding a document by meaning
Use Stella when you remember the topic or content of a file but not its name, such as searching for a report by phrase or subject instead of by filename.
Searching a local knowledge base
Keep a personal research library searchable on your laptop by indexing folders that contain notes, PDFs, and spreadsheets you return to often.
Using files offline
Search while traveling or working without reliable connectivity, since the app is designed to work offline and keep files searchable on your machine.
Private local file search
Use it as a privacy-conscious alternative to cloud search tools when you want to keep document indexing local and avoid account-based services.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Finds files by meaning, not just by filename.
- Keeps indexing and search on the user’s machine.
- Works offline without an account.
- Supports common text-based local file types such as PDFs, notes, docs, and spreadsheets.
Cons
- The current beta requires macOS 13 Ventura or later and Apple Silicon (M1 or later).
- Windows is not available yet; the site says it is coming soon.
FAQ
What platforms does Stella support?
Stella runs on macOS only in the current beta. The pricing page says Windows is coming soon.
Does Stella require an internet connection?
No. The site says Stella works offline and that everything runs on your machine.
Do I need an account to use Stella?
No account is required. The site says it is free to use and does not require signup.
What kinds of files can Stella search?
Stella indexes text-based local documents, including PDFs, notes, docs, and spreadsheets, after you choose folders for it to watch.
Quick Facts
- Category
- Semantic search
- Platform
- macOS
- Requirement
- Apple Silicon (M1 or later), macOS 13 Ventura or later
- Pricing
- Free to use; no account required
- File scope
- Local text-based documents, including PDFs, notes, docs, and spreadsheets
- Status
- v1.0.0-beta; Windows coming soon
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