AI That Runs
on Your Machine
A local application server that brings powerful AI agents to your desktop. Run autonomous workflows, chat with context, plan complex tasks, and manage everything from your system tray — with full control over your data and API usage.
Core Features
Everything you need to run AI workflows locally, with no cloud dependency.
Daemon Architecture
Runs efficiently in the background via your system tray. Access all applications through a
web interface at localhost:7681 — no browser extensions needed.
Cognitive Modes
Choose the right thinking style: Conversational for chat, Waterfall for structured plans, Adaptive for complex problems, Hierarchical for large projects, and more.
BYOK — Your Keys
Connect directly to OpenAI, Anthropic, Google, AWS Bedrock, or local models. Your API keys stay on your machine. We never see them.
Auto-Updates
Built-in update manager keeps your application server current with the latest features, plugins, and security fixes — automatically.
Local Tools
Integrate with your local environment. Configure shell commands, file access, and command-line utilities for true agentic capabilities.
Open Source
Fully open under the Apache 2.0 license. Inspect the code, contribute improvements, or build your own extensions and plugins.
Cognitive Modes
Different problems need different thinking styles. Choose the mode that fits your task.
Conversational
The Partner. Best for general assistance and interactive debugging. Executes one task at a time while maintaining continuous history.
Learn MoreWaterfall
The Architect. Best for well-defined, linear projects. Generates a complete sequential plan for review before execution begins.
Learn MoreAdaptive
The Strategist. Best for complex, fuzzy problems. Uses an iterative Think-Act-Reflect loop to dynamically adjust its strategy.
Learn MoreHierarchical
The Manager. Best for massive projects with many dependencies. Decomposes requests into a goal tree with real-time visual progress tracking.
Learn MoreCouncil
The Board. Best for high-stakes decisions. Simulates a meeting between specialized AI personas who nominate and vote on tasks.
Learn MoreParallel
The Multitasker. Best for batch processing. Runs multiple tasks simultaneously using templates and variables across many files.
Learn MoreNot sure which mode to use? Read the planning guide →
Download & Install
Native installers for every major platform. Up and running in under a minute.
Windows
Download and run the MSI installer. Adds to Start Menu and system tray automatically.
.msi
macOS
Download the DMG, drag to Applications. Appears in your menu bar on launch.
.dmg
Linux
Install the Debian package. Integrates with your desktop environment's system tray.
.deb
Getting Started
First Launch
- Install and launch the application. The Cognotik icon appears in your system tray.
- The Welcome Wizard opens in your default browser (usually at
http://localhost:7681). - Click User Settings to configure your API keys (OpenAI, Anthropic, Google, etc.).
- (Optional) Configure Local Tools to allow the agent to use specific command-line utilities on your machine.
Starting a Session
From the Welcome Wizard, select a cognitive mode to start a session:
- Conversational: Interactive task execution with continuous history. Best for general assistance.
- Waterfall: Create a detailed plan before execution begins. Best for well-defined projects.
- Adaptive: Give the agent a high-level goal and let it plan, execute, and adjust dynamically. Best for complex problems.
- Hierarchical: Decompose large requests into a goal tree with dependency tracking. Best for massive projects.
What Happens Next
Each session opens in a browser tab with a rich UI — panels for conversation, output, logs, and file diffs. You review every plan and approve every change before it's applied. Nothing runs without your consent.
See It in Action
Guided walkthroughs showing real desktop workflows.
Getting Started Tour
Install, configure API keys, explore the filesystem, and generate your first project — all from natural language.
Watch TourOffice & Document Tools
AI-powered plugins for presentations, OCR imports, LaTeX typesetting, and polished document generation.
Watch TourJobs & Career
Career advice, opportunity hunting, and resume tailoring — all powered by Cognotik's plugin suite.
Watch Tour