Last updated 08-12-2026
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Collate
Collate lets you read, chat with, and summarize PDF files on your Mac without uploading documents to a cloud server by default. Local AI runs on your device after you download a supported model, so research notes, contracts, and reports stay local while you ask questions across one file or an entire folder. Answers link back to exact pages, and you can highlight, organize, and export results from a single workspace.
Unlike browser PDF chat tools that send files to remote servers, Collate brings the model to your Mac and labels whether Local AI or a bring-your-own-key cloud provider is active. The recommended local model download is about 5.9 GB, with larger options above 8 GB, and you can work offline once the app and model are installed. Optional OpenAI or Anthropic keys only send content when you explicitly choose cloud mode.
Researchers, lawyers, and analysts handling sensitive PDFs use Collate when privacy matters more than convenience. Students batch-read course packs folder-by-folder, consultants summarize quarterly reports with page citations, and teams on Intel or Apple Silicon Macs running macOS 13.5 or later avoid account signups while testing the free download.
Local AI processes PDFs on your Mac with no upload in default mode
Chat across one PDF or an entire folder with answers cited to exact pages
Recommended local model download is about 5.9 GB with larger options above 8 GB
Supports Apple Silicon and Intel Macs on macOS 13.5 or later without an account
Optional OpenAI or Anthropic BYOK cloud mode with explicit provider selection
Export summaries, highlights, HTML, PDF output, and 90-day web share links
Default local processing keeps confidential PDFs off third-party servers.
Page-level citations make it easier to verify AI answers against the source.
No account required to download and start reading on Mac.
Folder-wide chat handles multi-document research without merging files manually.
Mac-only today; Windows remains a waitlist signup.
Local models require several gigabytes of storage and meaningful RAM.
PDF-only workflow does not cover Word or other office formats yet.
Is Collate free?
Yes, Collate is free to download on Mac. Local models have no per-request fees, though BYOK cloud providers may charge your API account separately.
Does Collate work offline?
Collate Local AI works offline after you download the app and a supported model. Model downloads, updates, cloud providers, analytics, and share links still need internet access.
Do PDFs leave my Mac in Collate?
In Local AI mode, Collate keeps document processing on your Mac. Content only goes to OpenAI or Anthropic when you explicitly select a cloud provider or create a web share link.
What file formats does Collate support?
Collate focuses on PDF files for reading, chat, summarization, and highlighting workflows. Other formats are outside the current AI reading pipeline.
Can Collate chat with multiple PDFs?
Yes, Collate lets you organize PDFs in folders, view them as one combined document, chat across every PDF in a folder, and export folder highlights grouped by file.
Which Macs run Collate?
Collate supports Apple Silicon and Intel Macs running macOS 13.5 or later. An 8 GB Mac can run lighter local models, while 16 GB or more unlocks additional model choices.