Surf

Surf is an intelligent notebook that integrates web browsing, file management, and AI to generate notes from media and webpages within a single workspace.

Surf functions as an intelligent notebook that connects web browsing and file management. Users collect websites, images, PDFs, and videos into notebooks, which then use integrated AI to generate summaries and notes. It supports importing local files through drag-and-drop and provides citation links back to source material. The software allows users to run local LLMs or use their own API keys for external models. Designed for personal research, it emphasizes user data control by storing information on the local device. It also features 'Surflets' for building interactive apps and a sidebar layout for tab organization.

Surf at a glance

Best for: Researcher, Student
Runs on: Web
Pricing: Free
Released: October 2025
Category: AI productivity tool
Website: deta.surf

Key features

AI-powered summarization of web pages and media
Local storage for personal data
Support for external and local LLM integration
Interactive graph and applet creation via Surflets
Built-in web browser with vertical tabs
Drag-and-drop PDF and image ingestion
Citations linking directly to source materials

Use it for

Synthesizing research from multiple browser tabs
Summarizing long-form YouTube videos and PDFs
Organizing files and web content into structured notes
Building small, functional applications without coding

Alternatives to Surf

Basic Memory — Stores data in local Markdown files that remain accessible and readable by any AI.
NoteGen — It keeps notes in local Markdown files and runs completely free with no subscription.
Docling — Provides advanced PDF understanding and local execution for sensitive data.
Karakeep — Provides AI-based automatic tagging and semantic search for saved content.
The 1 — Combines classes, notes, homework and AI learning into one app.
Dia — Gathers context across your tools to provide answers and daily briefs.
Folio — It combines local document reading with built-in AI assistance and open-source code.
EdgeEver — Run it on Cloudflare for free or self-host it via Docker with full privacy.
PenEcho — Connects AI tools directly to an infinite spatial canvas via the PenEcho MCP server.
LLM Wiki Compiler — Compiles raw sources into a citation-traced, interlinked markdown wiki.
Smart Connections — Finds related notes locally by default without requiring an API key.
Remio — Local-first AI memory indexing unlimited files and meetings with complete data control.

All Surf alternatives