What stays on your computer?

What works in Local mode?

Fresh installations of version 0.1.7 start in Local mode with automatic background summaries off. Existing installations retain their saved provider choice, so check Settings after an upgrade.

Local file search, keyword search over extracted screen text, source excerpts, project tags and counted reports work without a cloud API key. Local mode retrieves evidence and reports recorded counts. It does not include a bundled general-purpose model that writes interpretive AI answers.

You can separately install a compatible Ollama model to generate answers locally. That option needs a local service, model files and sufficient memory.

What can leave the computer?

If you select a cloud AI provider, CiteSilo sends selected context needed for the requested answer or summary to that provider. Depending on the feature and settings, that can include window titles, text excerpts or sampled screenshots. Background summaries can include selected screenshots from a session. The number depends on the settings, provider and available sources.

Review both the provider choice and background-summary settings. Titles-only mode prevents screenshot images from being attached to those summaries; text such as window titles can still contain sensitive details.

Local content processing does not mean the application never connects to the internet. Update checks and optional services are separate. Provider requirements, terms and any charges also depend on the service you choose.

Choose what is recorded before you start

• Pause capture when you want a private period.
• Exclude apps and title keywords that should not be recorded.
• Choose titles-only mode when screenshot content is unnecessary.
• Review screen rewind and meeting capture separately. Each has its own controls.
• Set retention and use deletion controls. A source removed from local history may no longer be available to open later.

Exclusions are controls you configure, not a guarantee that the app automatically recognizes every confidential document. Before recording client or workplace material, check that your use is permitted and that the relevant exclusions are set.

Is the website signup stored locally too?

No. The website’s beta signup is separate from desktop capture. It sends your email address to the website and stores the signup record in Microsoft Azure in Sweden so we can follow up about beta access. The signup form does not upload your desktop files, screen captures or activity history.

Read the website signup privacy notice for the information collected and how to request deletion or unsubscribe.

Check the settings that match your use

For local reports, choose Settings → Who writes your reports → Local mode, no API key required and save. For cloud-written summaries, deliberately select a provider and review what context the feature uses.

See the capture-to-search workflow, or learn how to evaluate a local-first AI app.