Cai Documentation

Act on anything. Locally.

Quick Start

1. Download and install Cai
2. Set up a local LLM (optional, for AI-powered actions)
3. 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, and settings
• Keyboard Shortcuts: full shortcut reference
• Ask AI: run any AI prompt on your selected text
• Custom Actions: save prompt, shell, and URL actions for instant access
• Troubleshooting: common issues and fixes