âť“FAQs
Welcome to Desktop Docs! This FAQ answers the most common questions from new users. If you don't find your answer here, check our other support articles or contact our support team.
Getting Started
What is Desktop Docs?
Desktop Docs is an AI-powered file browser that helps you find and organize your files using natural language search. It can understand the content of your documents, images, and videos, making it easy to locate files by describing what's in them.
Is Desktop Docs free to use?
Currently, Desktop Docs is not free to use. Desktop Docs is a desktop application that you download and install on your computer. Check our website for current pricing and licensing information.
Do I need an internet connection to use Desktop Docs?
You need internet for the initial setup to download AI models, but once installed, Desktop Docs works offline. Your files stay on your computer and are never uploaded to external servers.
How much disk space do I need?
Recommended Configuration: macOS 12 (Monterey) or later Apple M1/M2 16GB RAM 100GB free storage space
Minimum Requirements: macOS 10.13 (High Sierra) or later Apple M1/M2 8GB RAM 50GB free storage space
Setup and Installation
Why does Desktop Docs need file system permissions?
Desktop Docs needs to read your files to create searchable indexes, also called your AI Library in the app. It only reads files to analyze their content - it never modifies or uploads your files. This is how it can search inside documents and understand image content.
How long does the initial setup take?
The initial setup typically takes 5-15 minutes:
Model download: 3-10 minutes (depending on internet speed)
Permission setup: 1-2 minutes
First indexing: Varies based on how many files you have
What are the AI models for?
The AI models enable Desktop Docs to:
Understand text content in documents
Recognize objects and scenes in images
Generate searchable descriptions of your files
Provide natural language and visual search capabilities
Can I use Desktop Docs while the models are downloading?
Yes! You can browse files and use basic features while models download in the background. Full search functionality will be available once the download completes.
File Indexing
What is indexing and why do I need it?
Indexing is the process of analyzing your files so Desktop Docs can search through them. The app creates a searchable database of your file contents, making it possible to find files by describing what's in them.
Which file types does Desktop Docs support?
Desktop Docs supports:
Images: JPG, PNG, GIF, WebP
Videos: MP4, MOV, AVI, MKV, and other common formats
How do I add folders to be indexed?
Click the folder icon in the sidebar
Navigate to the folders you want to index
Select the folders and right-click "Index All Files in Directory"
Click on the top right status button to monitor progress
How long does indexing take?
Indexing time depends on:
Number of files (typically 1-5 seconds per file)
File types (videos take longer than images)
Your computer's performance
File sizes
A folder with 800 images and videos might take 10-15 minutes.
A 2 hour movie can take between 5-10 minutes.
Can I use Desktop Docs while files are being indexed?
Yes! You can search through already indexed files while new files are being processed. The app works in the background.
How do I know if my files are being indexed?
Click the status button at the top right of the window. It shows detailed indexing information:
Current indexing progress
Number of files processed
Any errors or issues
Tip: You can also send a bug report directly to us from the indexing status if you see any errors
Search Features
How do I search for files?
Simply type what you're looking for in the search bar at the top. Use natural language like:
"golden hour"
"photos of a bulldog"
"presentation about marketing"
Privacy and Security
Are my files uploaded to the internet?
No! Your files never leave your computer. Desktop Docs only reads files locally to create search indexes. All processing happens on your device.
Troubleshooting
Desktop Docs won't start. What should I do?
Try these steps:
Restart your computer
Check if you have enough disk space
Verify your antivirus isn't blocking the app
Reinstall Desktop Docs
Contact support if the problem persists
Advanced Features
Can I search across multiple computers?
Currently, Desktop Docs only searches files on the computer where it's installed. Each computer needs its own installation and indexing.
Getting Help
Where can I get more help?
Documentation: Check our support articles in our support center
Settings Panel: Use the built-in help and status information
Community: Join our Discord community
Support: Contact our technical support team at [email protected]
Last updated
Was this helpful?