On-device AI workflows
Run chat, coding, and meeting workflows on your Mac so requests stay on-device rather than being sent to a cloud service.
Local
Local is a macOS app for private, on-device AI chat, coding and meeting workflows, with model recommendations for your Mac and optional cloud access via your API key.
Private AI for macOS
Local is a macOS app for running AI on your own machine. It is positioned around private, on-device use: the site says nothing leaves your device, no account is required, and memory stays on the Mac.
The app covers several common AI workflows, including chat, coding, meeting notes, and model selection. It also reads your Mac’s chip and memory, then recommends models that fit the hardware and tunes inference with BaseRT, its chip-specific runtime, on first launch.
Features
Chat with files
Ask questions about files, drop in a PDF for summarization, and draft writing in a local chat interface.
Local coding in your workspace
Point Local at a project, then edit and run code in place inside your folder without uploading the codebase.
Meeting notes on-device
Record and transcribe meetings on the device, with speaker labels included in the written output.
Editable memory
Keep a visible, editable list of lasting facts about you on the machine, with the option to mark one as sensitive so it never leaves the Mac.
Local analytics and cost comparison
See token counts, speed by model, and what the same work would have cost through a cloud API.
Common ways people use Local
Private document assistance
Use Local to ask questions about files, summarise PDFs, and draft text while keeping the work on your Mac.
Local coding and project work
Open a codebase in Local, then let it read, edit, and run code directly in the project folder without uploading the repository.
Meeting transcription and write-up
Record a meeting, transcribe it on-device, and produce notes with speaker labels for later review.
Choosing a model for your machine
Let Local recommend models based on the memory and chip in your Mac so you can choose a setup that fits the hardware.
Occasional cloud fallback
Use a cloud model only when needed by adding your own API key, then return to local models for day-to-day work.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Runs AI locally on the Mac, which keeps requests and memory on the device.
- Supports several everyday workflows in one app, including chat, coding, and meeting notes.
- Includes model recommendations based on your machine’s chip and memory.
- Offers offline use after the initial app and model download.
- Lets you choose cloud models with your own key when you need them.
Cons
- It currently targets Apple silicon Macs only; the page says Windows and Linux are coming soon.
- Some cloud model use is possible only with your own API key, so not every workflow stays fully local.
- The page does not provide a detailed pricing plan or a supported integrations list.
FAQ
Does Local work without internet?
Yes. The site says Local needs an internet connection to download the app and a model, but after that everything runs offline on your Mac.
Which Macs are supported?
Local supports any Mac with Apple silicon. It uses your machine’s memory to choose a model that fits, so larger-memory Macs can run larger models.
Does Local collect or send my data?
According to the site, no. Everything lives in a database on your Mac, and the page says there is no account and no telemetry.
Can I use cloud models like GPT or Claude?
Yes, with your own API key. The page says GPT and Claude can be used, but those requests go to the provider, so cloud models are off while privacy mode is on.
Why is Local faster than other local AI apps?
Local uses BaseRT, an inference engine compiled for your chip on first launch. The site says this custom build is faster than the generic engines shipped by other local apps.
Quick Facts
- Category
- Private AI app
- Platform
- macOS; Windows soon; Linux soon
- Primary use
- Chat, coding, meetings, and local model selection
- Data handling
- Runs on-device; no account or telemetry stated
- Company
- Base Compute
- Website
- basecompute.co
Local Alternatives
ByteAsk
ByteAsk is a terminal-first AI coding agent for C and C++ that edits repos and verifies changes with compilers, debuggers, sanitizers, and tests.
MeetStream
MeetStream is a meeting bot API for Zoom, Google Meet, Microsoft Teams, and Webex. Record, stream, and analyze meetings with usage-based pricing and $5 free credit.
Liam
Liam is an AI copilot for inbox management, email replies, prioritizing messages, and scheduling meetings. Free for individuals; custom pricing for teams and enterprise.
Tactiq
Tactiq is an AI note taker for Google Meet, Zoom, and Microsoft Teams that transcribes meetings live into summaries, action items, and follow-up outputs.
garden-md
garden-md is an open-source Node.js CLI that turns meeting transcripts into a local company wiki, linking entities and preserving the original text.
Ghost
Ghost is a terminal-based AI assistant for chatting, code generation, and CLI tasks. Includes free models, supports Linux, macOS, Windows, and is open source.