Hermes

What is Hermes?

Hermes is a free, local-first markdown editor designed for drafting and refining AI prompts. It provides a prompt-writing workspace where you can use built-in slash command templates and custom snippets to structure requests, then copy the resulting prompt into any AI chatbot.

The core purpose of Hermes is to help you write higher-clarity prompts with less manual formatting work. It emphasizes an editor workflow (draft → refine → copy) and surfaces live word count and token estimates while you type.

Key Features

• Markdown-based prompt drafting: Write prompts in markdown so you can format structure and sections clearly.
• Slash command templates (30+ built-in): Type / anywhere in the editor to open a command palette and insert templates; the cursor lands at the start of the inserted snippet for immediate editing.
• Custom snippet library: Create your own snippets using a /key trigger; custom snippets live alongside built-ins in the same command palette, are grouped by category, searchable, and stored locally on your device.
• Live word count and token estimates: Check word count and token estimates as you refine a prompt, helping you adjust length while iterating.
• Local-first, privacy-focused workflow: Draft and organize prompts locally without relying on the cloud; the page describes it as “Private by design.”

How to Use Hermes

1. Open the editor and start typing in markdown.
2. Use / to open the command palette and insert a template; edit the inserted snippet starting from where the cursor lands.
3. As you refine the prompt, review word count and token estimates displayed while you type.
4. Copy your prompt from Hermes and paste it into the AI chatbot you’re using.

Use Cases

• Drafting a structured prompt for a specific task: Insert an “optimized prompt structure” template, then fill in the details directly in the editor.
• Setting up an agent-style request: Use an “agent setup” snippet to organize how your request defines the agent’s setup and expectations.
• Building security or compliance-oriented instructions: Add a “security audit checklist” template or constraints sections (for example, MUST/SHOULD/MUST NOT) to guide what the model should follow.
• Iterating on prompt length: While refining, monitor token estimates to adjust the prompt to a length you intend to send.
• Maintaining a personal prompt library: Create custom snippets with /key triggers for recurring prompt patterns, and reuse them later from the searchable command palette.

FAQ

• Is Hermes offline and free? The page states it is free and offline, with no sign-up.

• Do my prompts get stored in the cloud? The product is described as local-first and privacy-focused, with prompts drafted and organized locally “without the cloud.”

• Can I reuse my own prompt formats? Yes. You can build a custom snippet library and trigger snippets with your own /key commands.

• How do I insert templates while writing? Type / anywhere in the editor to open the command palette; templates are inserted at the cursor location, and the cursor lands at the start of the inserted snippet.

• Can I use Hermes prompts with any AI chatbot? The page indicates you can copy your prompt from Hermes and paste it into any AI chatbot.

Alternatives

• Local markdown editors with prompt snippets: If you already write prompts in markdown, a standard local markdown editor plus a snippet manager can replicate the drafting and reuse workflow, though you would need to manage templates and token/word checks yourself.
• Dedicated prompt management tools (cloud or local): Tools focused on prompt libraries can help you organize prompts, but Hermes’ differentiator in the provided content is its local-first editor workflow with live word/token estimates.
• Chatbot interfaces with prompt templating: Some AI chat platforms support template insertion and prompt formatting within the chat UI; these may simplify copy/paste by keeping everything inside one app, but may not provide a standalone local markdown-first editing experience.
• Note-taking apps for writing AI prompts: General note apps can serve as a prompt store and editor; however, Hermes specifically centers on slash-command-driven templates/snippets and live token estimates in the writing flow.