GitHub – synth-inc/onit: Onit MacOS client

Onit is an open-source AI chat assistant that lives in your desktop!

It’s like ChatGPT Desktop, but with local mode and support for other model providers (Anthropic, GoogleAI, xAI, etc). It’s also like Cursor Chat, but everywhere on your computer – not just in your IDE!

• Download: Get the pre-built version from www.getonit.ai
• Build from source: Clone this repository and run in Xcode

We are building Onit based on these core beliefs:

1. Universal Access: AI assistants should be accessible from anywhere on your computer, not just in browsers or specific apps.
2. Provider Freedom: Users should have the choice between models and model providers (Anthropic, OpenAI, xAI, etc.) and not be locked into a single provider.
3. Local First: AI is much more useful with access to your data. But that doesn’t count for much if you have to upload personal files to an untrusted server first. Onit will always provide options for local processing. No personal data will leave your computer without explicit approval.
4. Customizability: Onit is your assistant. You should be able to configure it to your liking.
5. Extensibility: Onit should allow the community to build and share extensions, making it more useful for everyone.

• 🤖 Local Mode: Chat with any model running locally on Ollama – no internet required

• 🔄 Multi-Provider Support: Toggle between top models from OpenAI, Anthropic, and xAI

• 📎 File Upload: Add context through images or files (with drag & drop support)

• 📜 History: Access previous chats through history view or up/down arrow shortcuts
• ⌨️ Customizable Shortcuts: Choose your hotkey to launch the chat window
  • Default: Command+0
  • Local: Command+Shift+0

1. Download and install Ollama
2. Onit will automatically detect your local models through Ollama’s API

• Remote:
  • Anthropic (Claude)
  • OpenAI (GPT-4, GPT-3.5)
  • xAI (Grok)
• Local: Any model supported by Ollama

• No server component in V1
• Local requests are handled locally
• Remote requests go directly to model providers’ APIs
• Only crash reports are collected (via Firebase) and non-personal analytics (via PostHog)

Onit V1 is released under a Creative Commons Non-Commercial license. We believe in:

• Open-source transparency
• User customization freedom
• Protection against commercial exploitation

V1 is completely free. Future versions may include paid premium features, but:

• Local chat will always remain free
• Source code will remain open for customization

We are Synth, Inc., a small team of developers in San Francisco building at the edge of AI progress. Other projects include:

We’d love to hear from you! Reach out at contact@getonit.ai

Q: Why not Linux or Windows?
A: We’re starting with macOS. Based on reception, we’ll expand platform support.

Q: How can I contribute?
A: We welcome PRs! Feel free to customize Onit to your needs and share with the community.