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recursechat

RecurseChat is a Mac AI chat client for using local language models, Claude, and ChatGPT in one app. Mac users can run local chats offline and retrieve information from files using on-device search.

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Who it's for

  • People who work with PDFs, markdown, or text files and want to ask questions using local RAG.
  • Mac users who switch between local models, Claude, and ChatGPT and want those chat options in one app.

Not the right fit if…

  • People who need a Windows, Linux, or mobile app: the supplied page presents RecurseChat as a Mac app and links to the Mac App Store.

How it fits your workflow

Download the Mac app, then choose a local model or a supported option such as Claude, ChatGPT, GGUF models, Hugging Face, or an OpenAI-compatible endpoint. Local models run on the Mac and can be used offline.

For file-based questions, use PDFs, markdown, or text files with the app's local RAG feature, which uses on-device embedding and vector search. You can also summon floating chat from another app with ⌘+⇧+Enter or import ChatGPT history to continue conversations with local AI.

Pricing

Free: A free trial is available; its duration and terms are not stated.

One-time purchase

Price not stated on the supplied page

  • · No subscription required

Prices checked on Oct 14, 2026 from the vendor's site. They can change; confirm before you buy.

Key features

Local model chat
Run AI models directly on the Mac and chat without an internet connection. The page says local conversations do not leave the device.
Floating chat
Summon an always-on-top chat window from any app with the ⌘+⇧+Enter keyboard shortcut.
Chat with files
Use local RAG to chat with PDFs, markdown, and text files. The page identifies on-device embedding and vector search as the underlying methods.
Multiple model options
Use GGUF models, Hugging Face, OpenAI-compatible endpoints, or cloud providers including Claude and ChatGPT.
ChatGPT history import
Import ChatGPT history and continue conversations with local AI.

Works with

  • Claude and ChatGPT
  • OpenAI-compatible endpoints
  • GGUF and Hugging Face

Limitations to know

  • The supplied page presents RecurseChat as a Mac app and offers a Mac App Store download; it does not state support for other operating systems.

Alternatives to consider

  • Chatbox AI

    Choose it if you want a multi-platform app with web search and agentic Work Mode in addition to multi-model chat and file knowledge bases.

  • ChatWise

    Choose it if you want a desktop chat app that supports multimodal chats, web search, and MCP-connected tools.

  • PearPie

    Choose it if you want a cross-platform local-model chat app with optional European-hosted models and peer-to-peer encrypted sync.

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Getting started

Mac; no specific operating-system version or hardware requirements are stated.

  1. Download RecurseChat from the Mac App Store.
  2. Try the free trial.
  3. Choose a local model or supported provider or endpoint and start chatting.
  4. Use a PDF, markdown, or text file to chat with documents.