Open Aiden anywhere
Bring the menu-bar window over your editor, browser, notes, or terminal.
Aiden - Private AI in your Mac menu bar
Aiden
One hotkey for the AI models you already use.
Tested by folks at
Get work done faster.
Open Aiden over your current app, add the context in front of you, then choose chat, research, or a bounded task.
Add the right context
Attach images, screenshots, or files so the model sees the material you mean.
Choose the mode
Use chat, source-backed research, or a controlled agent run for the task.
The same app for every model surface.
Use hosted providers, routed models, local runtimes, and Apple models from one Mac-native settings surface.
OpenAI
Claude
Gemini
OpenRouter
Ollama
LM Studio
OpenAI, Claude, Gemini.
Use the providers you already trust from one Mac-native picker.
400+ models through OpenRouter.
Reach many model families from the same compact picker.
Ollama, LM Studio, Apple models.
Keep local and Apple-backed workflows close to the Mac.
Explore more of Aiden.
Deep ResearchClarifying questions, web search, citations, and longer answers.Agent ModeBounded task runs with visible tool output and approval policy.ShortcutsKeyboard-first controls for global, chat, model, and settings actions.Raycast AI alternativeCompare command-surface workflows with a dedicated AI client.ChatGPT for Mac alternativeCompare a single-provider app with Aiden’s multi-model setup.Ollama Mac clientUse local Ollama chats with history, attachments, and fallback models.
Your Mac stays in control.
Aiden stores chat history locally, keeps provider secrets in macOS Keychain, and sends requests only to the provider or local runtime you choose.
Chats live on your Mac
Everyday conversations stay in local app storage instead of somebody else's cloud.
Keys stay in Keychain
Provider API keys are managed on-device by macOS security tools.
You choose the runtime
Requests go only to the provider account or local model runtime you select.
Questions, answered plainly.
The essentials on availability, provider support, local models, and privacy.
What is Aiden?
Aiden is a private macOS menu-bar AI client for using OpenAI, Anthropic, Gemini, OpenRouter, Ollama, LM Studio, Apple Foundation Models, and local models from one hotkey-driven interface.
Which AI providers does Aiden support?
Aiden is built for hosted providers, routed model access, Apple models, and local runtimes. The current provider list includes OpenAI, Anthropic, Gemini, OpenRouter, Ollama, LM Studio, and Apple Foundation Models.
Where does Aiden store chats?
Aiden is designed around local chat history on your Mac. It avoids an Aiden cloud account and a central sync layer, so everyday chat data stays close to the computer where you use it.
Where are API keys stored?
Provider API keys are intended to stay on your Mac, such as in macOS Keychain. Keys are not synced via iCloud. Requests still go to the third-party provider or local runtime you choose for a given model.
Does Aiden require an Aiden account?
Aiden does not require an Aiden cloud account for the product model described here. You bring your own provider accounts and keys for hosted model services.
Does Aiden support local models?
Aiden is built to support local model workflows through local runtimes such as Ollama and LM Studio, alongside hosted providers and OpenRouter model access.
How is Aiden different from Raycast AI or ChatGPT for Mac?
Aiden focuses on a private, bring-your-own-key Mac client with local chat history, multiple providers, local runtimes, Apple model support, and a compact menu-bar workflow rather than a single-provider account experience.
When will Aiden be available?
Aiden is available on TestFlight right now for macOS 14 and newer. Release notes, availability details, and download information will be posted on this website as the Mac build gets ready.
Product information last updated: June 19, 2026.