Cai Documentation
Act on anything. Locally.
Quick Start
- Download and install Cai
- Pick a model (optional — the built-in one downloads automatically)
- Select any text or image and press ⌥C
What is Cai?
Cai is a native macOS menu bar app that turns what you select into action. Select a meeting invite and it creates a calendar event. Select an address and it opens Maps. Select any text and ask AI to summarize or translate, or pipe it to a shell script, all without leaving your keyboard.
- Simple and fast: one shortcut, one menu, no launcher or bloat
- Flexible models: built-in MLX (default), Apple Intelligence, or any local/cloud provider
- Context aware: Reply adapts to email vs Slack, actions adapt to content type
- Keyboard first: trigger with ⌥C, navigate with arrows, execute with ⌘1–9
- Local by default: no accounts, no forced cloud, no telemetry
Guides
- How It Works: content detection, actions, Ask AI, and settings
- Keyboard Shortcuts: full shortcut reference
- Custom Actions: save prompt, shell, and URL actions for instant access
- Destinations: send results to any app or service
- Action Chains: multi-step workflows from one keystroke
- Secrets: Keychain-backed tokens for shell actions, referenced as
{{secrets.NAME}} - Agent-Authored Actions: let Claude Code, Cursor, or Codex write actions for you; every proposal waits for your approval
- Connectors: create GitHub and Linear issues from your selection
- System Access: on-demand macOS permissions (Calendar, Contacts, Reminders)
- Extensions: install community-built actions and destinations
- Troubleshooting: common issues and fixes