Too many places to read
Documentation, source code, Git changes, PDFs, and notes often send you through several apps and repeated navigation.
A reader for files on your computer
Read local files in a focused browser view.
Local Reader App lets you browse folders on your Mac or Windows PC from a focused browser view. Read documentation, source code, Git changes, images, and PDFs together. Optional AI Chat is available on supported setups and is never required for reading.
- Runs on your computer
- Open-source project
- No AI required
Runs locallyThe app opens on your computer and uses a local browser address
Open sourceThe public repository contains the source, setup guide, and project policies
AI optionalEvery reading feature works without an AI account or API key
Explicit changesNormal viewing does not edit files; explicitly activate a write-capable CLI and review its diff
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Why it helps
Keep local files where they are—and make them easier to read.
You should not have to upload a repository or rearrange its folders just to read it. Open the original files locally, and use AI Chat only when you choose to.
Extra copies become stale
Uploading files to another service creates another copy that must be refreshed, governed, and trusted.
AI access can be unclear
Before using AI, you should be able to see which repository is active, what information is included with the request, and whether the tool can write.
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Inside the app
Browse files, read content, and check details side by side.
Use the file tree on the left, read the selected file in the center, and check its outline and file information on the right.
Switch between a formatted view and the original text.
Open Markdown, HTML, source code, YAML, text, images, PDFs, and supported DOCX files that contain Markdown. Switch views when you need to compare the formatted result with its source.
Rendered / SourceFile tabsOutlineFile information
See Git changes while you read.
The file tree marks new and changed files. Source view shows line numbers and highlights changed lines, while the right panel shows the selected file's Git status and outline.
Git markersLine numbersChanged linesLocal state
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Getting started
Register a folder and start reading.
The reader works without an AI account, API key, or uploading files to an online service.
Register a folder
Choose one or more folders by absolute path and set any exclusions. The app rejects duplicate or overlapping folders.
Open the reader in your browser
The app starts on your computer and displays the registered files at a local browser address.
Use AI Chat only if needed
Activate a supported CLI, confirm the Current repo and the files included at the start, and review the working-tree diff after any AI run that can change files.
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Reader features
Everything you need to read the local files you choose.
Move through folders, read supported files, and check related details without turning the browser into a general-purpose file editor.
Multiple local folders
Register one or more folders and browse each file tree without flattening its structure.
Views for common file types
Read Markdown, source code, text, images, PDFs, and supported DOCX files with a view suited to each format.
Preview, Fixed, and Pinned tabs
Keep references open while allowing quick previews to follow the current selection.
Outline and file details
Jump between headings and check the path, type, size, line count, and local Git status.
Temporary memo
Draft notes during the browser session and download them only when you want to keep them.
Git change markers
See new and changed files in the tree and changed lines in Source view.
Temporary local links
Open a supported file at a short-lived local URL in a separate browser tab. It is not a public sharing link.
Reading preferences
Adjust text size, light or dark appearance, code wrapping, and workspace width.
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Optional AI Chat
Use AI Chat only when it helps.
AI Chat is separate from normal reading. Supported CLI options use their own sign-in, and the app confirms that they are ready before allowing them to work with the Current repo. The reader itself does not require AI.
Authentication stays with the CLI
Local Reader App can start a supported CLI's sign-in flow, but it does not collect or store the resulting credential.
Models come from the CLI
The app shows the models, reasoning settings, and supported speed choices reported by the authenticated CLI.
See what is included at the start
The send area shows the files and rules included at the start of the request. A supported CLI may still inspect other files inside the Current repo.
Continue after reloading the same tab
Your selected CLI and model, setup status, conversations for each repository, and draft message can return after you reload the same tab. Credentials are not stored, and the app checks the CLI again before the next request.
Writes require an explicit choice
Normal viewing does not edit registered folders. Supported CLI options are write-capable after activation and may change multiple files, so review the actual diff before keeping the result.
Know the current limits
CLI AI Chat is unavailable on Windows in this version. Claude Code support is implemented and covered by automated tests, but it has not yet been verified with a live Claude account.
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Safety and privacy
Know what stays local and what can make changes.
Normal reading uses files on your computer. Optional features are separated so you can see when content may contact another service or when a tool can write to the Current repo.
Local browser address
The app opens at 127.0.0.1 by default and is used from a browser session on the computer where it is running.
File access stays inside registered folders
Normal viewing stays within registered folders. The app rejects attempts to open files outside them, as well as duplicate or overlapping folder locations.
No automatic Git fetch
The app shows Git information from your computer and does not fetch from Git remotes automatically.
Normal reading does not edit files
Repository Settings writes only the app's configuration file. A supported, explicitly activated CLI is the exception for the Current repo.
You review AI changes
Treat AI output as a suggestion. You remain responsible for checking the requested scope, the working-tree diff, and anything you decide to keep or publish.
Documents can load remote images
Rendered Markdown and HTML may load HTTPS images referenced by the file. Use a plain-text editor first if any network request is unacceptable.
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Open source
Read the code, setup guide, and project policies.
The public GitHub repository contains the source code, installation guides, issue tracker, and project policies.
macOS and Windows setupThe repository documents how to install and run the current version from source on macOS and Windows.
Ubuntu, Windows, and macOS CIThe CI matrix runs type checks, tests, the production build, and the public-source scan.
Install from sourceThere is no hosted account, app-store package, or one-click installer for the current version.
Published project policiesLicense, attribution, security reporting, contribution, and trademark documents live beside the code.
Read local files without uploading them first
Start with the reader. Add AI only if you need it.
Explore the public repository, review the current features and limits, and install Local Reader App from source when it fits the way you work.