Local Code

★★★★☆4.5 / 5 editorial Free Free for local use on your own Mac; optional cloud access via your own API keys or prepaid credits starting at $9.99 — check the official site for current pricing.

A free, open-source AI agent that runs entirely on your Mac — nothing leaves your computer.

✓ Editor-verified listing — details reviewed by Grab AI Tool editors; pricing re-checked regularly.

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#mac#privacy#local-ai#agent#open-source

What is Local Code?

Local Code, from the makers of Draw Things, is a free, open-source AI agent for Mac that runs entirely on your own computer. Instead of sending your prompts and files to a cloud provider, it downloads a model from its built-in selector — Qwen or DeepSeek, sized to your Mac's memory — and does the work locally, with no sign-in, API key, or external installation required. It can write and review code, build presentations and infographics, generate images and video, work with spreadsheets and documents, and browse the web to complete everyday tasks.

The app launched publicly after a beta that began in September 2026, and it is built around privacy: everything runs inside Apple's App Sandbox, it only touches folders you share, and it cannot use the cloud unless you choose to. Local use is free; optional cloud access works through your own API keys or prepaid credits starting at $9.99. For Mac users who want a capable assistant without giving their data to a cloud service, it is one of the most complete local options available.

Key Features

Runs fully locally on Apple Silicon — prompts and files stay on your Mac
Built-in model selector with Qwen and DeepSeek models sized to your Mac's memory
Works offline, with no sign-in, API key, or external tool installation required
Handles code, presentations, images, video, spreadsheets, and documents in one app
Built-in browser lets the agent visit websites and complete online tasks for you

Pros

Genuinely private: local models mean nothing is sent to a cloud AI provider
Fully open source, so its privacy and sandbox claims can be checked
One app covers coding, documents, media, and web tasks without extra setup

Cons

Mac only, and only on Apple Silicon — Windows and Linux users cannot run it at all
The largest models need a lot of RAM and disk space (up to 96 GB of RAM and 376 GB for the biggest DeepSeek model)
It can browse and act with your permission, so handing it logins or sensitive folders still needs care

Pricing

Model: Free
Free for local use on your own Mac; optional cloud access via your own API keys or prepaid credits starting at $9.99 — check the official site for current pricing.

Adding Up Your AI Bill?

If you pay for Local Code alongside other AI subscriptions, the monthly total adds up quietly. Tick every tool you pay for in our free AI Tool Cost Calculator to see your real monthly and yearly bill — and spot overlaps you can cut. Still choosing? Start with our guide on how to choose the right AI tool.