Installation & setup

Download the desktop app, install it on your machine, activate your trial, and add documents to your local vault — all without sending files off your hardware.

Welcome to Your Local PrivateDocs AI

PrivateDocs AI is a 100% local desktop application. Your documents and questions stay on your machine. Follow these steps to install the app, start your trial, and begin working with your files.

1

Download the App

Visit the Download page and choose the installer for your platform (macOS, Windows, or Linux). Save the .dmg, .exe, or .AppImage file to your computer.

2

Install on Your Machine

On macOS, open the .dmg and drag PrivateDocs AI into Applications. On Windows, run the installer and follow the prompts. On Linux, mark the .AppImage as executable and run it.

3

Create an Account & Activate Trial

Launch the app and create your PrivateDocs AI account with your email address. On first sign-in, a 7-day free trial starts and is remembered on this computer. You may need a brief internet connection so the app can confirm your trial or license—your document files are not uploaded for that step.

4

Add Documents to Your Vault

Drag and drop supported files into the app to add them to your local vault: PDF (.pdf), plain text (.txt), Word (.docx), Markdown (.md), CSV (.csv), and PowerPoint (.pptx). After the app finishes preparing them, you can ask questions about them—with everything happening on your device. For size limits, OCR notes, and advanced PDF parsing, see File types & limitations.