Canto
Your private AI notebook — local models, code execution, and semantic linking
Overview
Canto is a privacy-first AI-powered notebook for macOS that runs entirely on-device. It combines writing, coding, and knowledge management with six local LLM models (Mistral 7B, Llama 3.1, Qwen 3, Gemma 2) accelerated via WebGPU — no cloud, no subscriptions, no data uploads. Features include Memory Links for automatic semantic connections across notes, Jupyter-style code notebooks supporting Python (via Pyodide), JavaScript, and TypeScript, and AI assistance through Cmd+K prompts, agent chat, selection AI, and real-time autocomplete. All notes are stored in an encrypted local SQLite database.
Pricing: $29.99 one-time for unlimited AI | Free tier: 25 queries plus 5 more weekly
Minimum macOS: 14.0 (Sonoma)
Architecture: Apple Silicon
Key Features
- 11 built-in local AI models running on device
- Canvas - infinite whiteboard with AI-assisted linking
- Chat and Research modes over your own material
- Custom agents with personas and skills
- Workspace indexing of external folders
- Inbox mode with approval-gated organisation
- Memory links and semantic search
- Live transcription
- Encrypted iCloud Drive sync, optional
- MCP server for Claude Desktop and Cursor
- 100% on-device AI - no readable cloud uploads
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