# Atelier, an open source local AI desktop app for everyone

> Source: <https://open-atelier.app>
> Published: 2026-07-16 09:04:03+00:00

# Talk to your files. Nothing leaves your machine.

Atelier is a free, open-source AI workspace for Mac and Linux. Open a folder, ask questions, get cited answers, and choose cloud or fully offline models.

### Local-first

Your files and conversations never touch a server you don't control.

### Bring your own models

Use cloud providers, Ollama, or Apple Foundation Models on-device.

### Cited answers

Every response links back to the exact file and passage it came from.

## How it works

1

### Open a folder

Select any directory on your machine. Atelier reads it.

2

### Indexes it locally

Atelier reads and indexes your files on your machine. Nothing is uploaded.

3

### Ask anything

Get answers with clickable citations pointing to source files.

4

### Save & reuse

Export any answer back as a file or use it in follow-up questions.

## Bring your own key. Switch anytime.

OpenAI

Anthropic

Google Gemini

Ollama

Apple Foundation Models

Use your own API keys for cloud models, or run fully offline with local models.