LM Studio
A simple visual app for finding, downloading, and chatting with local AI models. It is the main recommendation in this guide.
Learn about LM Studio →What is local AI?
When you normally use AI online, your question is sent to computers operated by a company. Local AI works differently: the AI model is downloaded and runs directly on your own computer.
In short: once the software and model are downloaded, you can run many AI tasks on your own PC — even without an internet connection.
The easiest way to start: LM Studio
For beginners, LM Studio is one of the simplest ways to try local AI. It has a visual interface similar to other desktop apps, so you do not need to type complicated commands.
The basic idea is simple: install the app, choose a model, download it, and start chatting.
Visit LM StudioWhich local AI software should you use?
There are several programs for running AI on your computer. You do not need to try all of them. Pick one, learn the basics, and experiment from there.
Jan
A free and open-source desktop app with a chat-style interface. It also supports different local AI models.
Learn about Jan →Ollama
A popular way to run local AI models and connect them to other apps. It is powerful, but it may involve commands and extra setup.
Learn about Ollama →Not sure which one to choose? Start with LM Studio. Later, if you are curious, try Jan or Ollama.
How to get started with local AI
Install LM Studio
Download the version made for your computer and install it like a normal desktop app.
Find a small model
For your first test, choose a smaller model. Small models usually need less memory and are easier to run.
Download the model
A model can take several gigabytes of storage. Wait until the download is complete before trying to load it.
Load the model
Select the downloaded model inside the app and give it a few seconds to load.
Start chatting
Type a simple question. If you get a response, your local AI is working.
What computer do you need for local AI?
You do not need an extremely powerful computer just to experiment with local AI. However, your hardware affects which models you can run and how fast they respond.
Without a dedicated graphics card
You can still get started using your computer's processor and regular memory. Small models may work well, but larger models can be slow or may not load at all.
With a dedicated graphics card
A dedicated GPU can make a big difference. It can generate responses much faster and, importantly, let you run larger and often more capable models.
VRAM: your graphics card's memory
For local AI, one of the most important GPU specifications is its memory, usually called VRAM. You do not need to memorize the term. The simple rule is that more VRAM usually gives you room to try larger models.
| Graphics memory | What to expect |
|---|---|
| 4–6 GB | Small models |
| 8 GB | A good starting point |
| 12 GB | More model choices and a better experience |
| 16 GB or more | Larger models and more flexibility |
| 24 GB | Excellent for people who want to experiment with large local models |
Simple rule: a graphics card with more memory usually lets you run larger models. Larger models are often more capable, but size alone does not guarantee better or correct answers.
What about Apple Macs?
Macs with Apple Silicon chips can also run local AI. Their memory is shared across the system. As a simple starting point, 8 GB can be used for small models, 16 GB gives you more options, and 24 GB or more provides room for larger models.
Before spending money on new hardware
If you only want to learn how local AI works, start with the computer you already own. Install LM Studio, choose a small model, and see how it feels. After trying it yourself, you will have a much better idea of whether a faster computer or graphics card would actually be useful.
Which local AI model should you download?
When you open a local AI app, you may see many models with unfamiliar names. You do not need to understand all of them.
For your first test: choose a small model that comfortably fits the memory available on your computer. If the app warns that a model is too large or heavy, choose a smaller one.
You may see well-known model families such as Qwen, Gemma, Llama, and DeepSeek. Each family can have several model sizes. In general, smaller models are lighter and faster, while larger models need more memory and are often more capable.
There is no perfect model for everyone. When you are starting out, speed and ease of use matter more than trying to run the largest model your computer can possibly handle.
How much storage does local AI use?
AI models are stored as files on your computer and can take up several gigabytes each. If you download many models, they can quickly use tens of gigabytes of SSD space.
That is easy to manage: you can delete models you no longer use and download them again later. You do not need a huge collection.
5 simple prompts to try with local AI
A “prompt” is simply the text you send to the AI. Start with easy tasks:
Prompt 1 — ExplanationExplain in simple terms why the sky is blue.
Prompt 2 — SummarySummarize this text in 5 main points: [paste the text here]
Prompt 3 — WritingWrite a polite message saying that I will be 20 minutes late.
Prompt 4 — IdeasGive me 10 simple things I can do at home this weekend.
Prompt 5 — LearningExplain inflation as if I had never studied economics before.
Local AI is not the same as cloud AI
Local AI can be useful for experimenting, summaries, brainstorming, writing, and simple questions. However, models that fit on everyday computers may be less capable than large AI services running in the cloud. They can make mistakes, become confused, invent information, or fail to follow instructions.
Simple rule: do not blindly trust important answers about health, money, safety, or legal matters. For high-stakes topics, verify the information with reliable sources.
Local AI FAQ for beginners
Do I need an internet connection?
You need internet access to download the software and AI models. Once the model is stored on your computer, many local AI tasks can work offline.
Do I need to know how to code?
No. Visual apps such as LM Studio and Jan let beginners start without programming.
Can running local AI damage my computer?
Local AI can put a heavy load on your computer, much like games and other demanding software. On a weaker machine, the most common result is simply slow performance or being unable to load a large model.
Should I buy a graphics card just for local AI?
If you are just starting, it is usually better to test local AI on the computer you already have. After that, you can decide whether better performance is worth the cost.
Your next step
You do not need to turn local AI into a complicated project. Install LM Studio, download a small model, and try a few prompts. If you enjoy the experience, you can explore larger models and other tools later.
Get started with LM Studio