Sidekick

Sidekick is a native macOS application that lets users chat with local and remote AI models while interacting with their files.

Sidekick is a local-first macOS application that enables users to chat with local large language models while referencing files, folders, and websites. It uses a built-in llama.cpp inference engine to support GGUF models like Qwen3.5 offline and securely. Users can also bring their own API keys for providers such as OpenAI, Anthropic, and Google AI Studio to use remote models. The application features retrieval-augmented generation for querying extensive resources, function calling for executing tasks, deep research agents, and canvas editing. It requires a Mac with Apple Silicon and at least 8 GB of RAM.

Sidekick at a glance

Best for: Software engineer, Researcher
Runs on: macOS
Pricing: Free
Released: October 2024
Category: AI chat assistant
Website: github.com/johnbean393/Sidekick

Key features

Chat with local GGUF models via llama.cpp
Bring your own API key for remote providers
Reference local files, folders, and websites
Run deep research tasks across multiple webpages
Execute functions and tool calls
Create and edit content using Canvas
Generate images using a built-in CoreML model
Render Markdown, LaTeX, and data visualizations

Use it for

Research academic papers and documents
Generate websites and code using Canvas
Execute multi-step research tasks
Create visual aids with image generation

Alternatives to Sidekick

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LM Studio — Runs open source language models locally with real-time voice transcription.
5ire — It supports local knowledge base management and Model Context Protocol servers.
PocketWebTools for Mac — Runs local AI models up to 35B parameters fully offline on Apple Silicon Macs.
MindMac — A native macOS client supporting multiple AI models with an inline mode and secure keychain storage.
KernelAI — Runs 53 open-weight models offline with no account or subscription required.
MacGPT — Access ChatGPT from anywhere on the Mac using a menu bar or global text field.
Axoris — Access multiple AI models instantly with a global keyboard shortcut.
GPT4All — Runs open-source language models locally on your device for complete data privacy.
Peekaboo — Enables AI agents to interact with macOS applications directly.
LibreChat — Unifies multiple AI models and tools in one customizable, open-source platform.
apfel — Runs fully on-device with zero configuration, API keys, or model downloads.

All Sidekick alternatives