Chat-based app creation
Describe an app in plain language and Glaze builds it for you. The product positions this as a chat-based workflow rather than a traditional coding environment.
Glaze
Glaze is a Mac desktop app builder that creates local apps from plain language and supports public, unlisted, or private team sharing.
Overview
Glaze is a desktop app builder from Raycast that lets you create software by describing what you want in plain language. It is focused on Mac apps that run locally, launch instantly, and can be shaped through conversation instead of traditional coding.
The product is positioned for both personal and team use. You can build internal tools, one-off utilities, and other desktop workflows that connect to your files, tools, APIs, and hardware, then share them publicly, unlisted, or through a private team store depending on your plan.
Core features
Desktop-native apps
Apps run on your Mac instead of in the browser, so they can use local files, keyboard shortcuts, menu bar integration, background processes, and other OS-level capabilities.
OS and tool integration
The product says apps connect to your files, tools, APIs, local hardware, and AI models, which makes them suitable for workflows that need access to your system or existing services.
Local-first execution
Apps live on your machine and work offline, which is useful when you want local software instead of something tied to a remote server connection.
Publishing and sharing options
Glaze supports sharing to the public store, unlisted distribution for private sharing, and a private team store for internal apps on Team plans.
Browse and install apps
The store lets you browse and install apps built by your team and the wider community, so you can reuse apps instead of building everything from scratch.
Common use cases
Personal productivity apps
Build utilities tailored to your own workflow, such as a quick helper app, menu bar tool, or small automation that is easier to describe than to code from scratch.
Team internal tools
Create internal software around your team’s tools and processes, then publish it to a private team store so coworkers can install and use it.
OS-integrated workflows
Make desktop apps that need access to local files, hardware, keyboard shortcuts, or background processes, which suits workflows that browser-based tools cannot handle as easily.
Sharing and distribution
Package an app for broader use by publishing it to the public Glaze Store, or share a private version as an unlisted app on Pro.
Discovering ready-made apps
Browse the store for examples and install apps made by other builders, which is useful when you want to start from something existing instead of building everything yourself.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Build apps by describing them in plain language instead of starting from a blank code project.
- Apps run on your Mac and work offline, which supports local-first workflows.
- Desktop apps can access files, keyboard shortcuts, menu bar integration, background processes, and other OS-level features.
- Sharing covers several needs: public store distribution, unlisted sharing on Pro, and a private team store on Team.
- The store offers ready-made apps from teams and the wider builder community, which can help users discover examples and reuse tools.
Cons
- Glaze currently requires macOS Tahoe and Apple Silicon, with Windows and Linux support planned rather than available now.
- Free users get launch welcome credits, but the page says there is no recurring allowance on Free once those credits are used.
- Private team store access is reserved for Team plans, so internal sharing features are not available on the individual Pro plan.
FAQ
What is Glaze?
Glaze is a desktop app builder that lets you describe the app you want in plain language. It creates Mac apps that live on your machine, launch instantly, and work offline.
How do I get started?
You can download Glaze for Mac and start building right away. The pricing page says it currently requires macOS Tahoe and Apple Silicon.
Do I need to know how to code?
No. Glaze is designed for non-coders as well as people who already know how to code. You describe what you want, then refine it by chatting with the app.
How can I share apps I build?
Glaze supports sharing in a few ways: public apps in the Glaze Store, unlisted apps for 1:1 sharing on Pro, and a private team store on Team.
What happens when I run out of credits?
On paid plans, monthly credits refill and can be topped up. On the Free plan, the launch welcome credits are one-time credits, and building pauses when they run out.
Quick Facts
- Category
- AI desktop app builder
- Platform
- macOS Tahoe and Apple Silicon
- Primary users
- Individuals and teams building internal tools or personal utilities
- Distribution
- Public store, unlisted sharing, and private team store on Team
- Source domain
- glaze.app
- Pricing shape
- Free plan with launch credits; paid Pro and Team plans
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