Last updated 09-02-2026
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Deta Surf
Deta Surf pulls websites, PDFs, YouTube videos, and local files into notebook workspaces where you research, ask questions, and write with linked citations. This desktop assistant from Berlin-based Deta GmbH runs as an open Beta on Mac, Windows, and Linux through Electron and Chromium. The homepage now highlights that Surf's core source code is open on GitHub with about 3,000 stars.
Most AI browsers automate clicking and reading for you. Surf starts from the personal notebook instead. You collect sources in notebooks, ask questions across what you saved, and write with citations that link back to the original page. Smart features can use Deta-hosted models, your own API key, or a local language model, but browsing stays in service of your own exploration.
Student workflows turn highlights from quotes, PDFs, and YouTube clips into citations, flashcards, outlines, and topic maps. You can also build small interactive tools called Surflets without writing code. Data stays local on your device in open formats, and untrusted web content runs in an isolated sandbox.
Researchers, students, writers, and knowledge workers who want the web inside a notebook rather than a chatbot driving their browser will find Surf built for that workflow.
Core source code is open on GitHub with about 3,000 stars listed on the homepage
Notes include citations that link straight back to the quoted source
Build interactive mini-apps called Surflets without writing code
Bring your own LLM API key or connect a local model for smart features
Student tools turn highlights into citations, flashcards, outlines, and topic maps
Desktop app on Mac, Windows, and Linux via Electron and Chromium
Local-first storage keeps notes and notebooks on your device with open data formats.
Open source core on GitHub with support for your own API key or local LLMs.
Combines web research, PDFs, and YouTube in one notebook without constant context switching.
Student workflows generate citations, flashcards, and topic maps from saved highlights.
Still in Beta with some Alpha-era features like Vision not yet restored.
Desktop download only via Electron; no mobile app mentioned on the site.
Smart features send in-context pages to Deta-hosted LLMs unless you use your own key or a local model.
Is Deta Surf free to use?
Deta Surf offers free and paid subscriptions through Paddle. The refund policy encourages trying the free version first. Paid first-time purchases include a 14-day money-back guarantee if you request a refund within 14 days of the initial purchase.
What platforms does Deta Surf support?
Deta Surf is a desktop app built on Electron and runs on Mac, Windows, and Linux. Download the open Beta from deta.surf. The FAQ notes Electron includes the Chromium browser engine for cross-platform browsing features.
Is Deta Surf open source?
Yes. Deta Surf's core source code is open on GitHub at github.com/deta/surf. The product homepage highlights open source alongside local data storage and open intelligence as core principles.
Where does Deta Surf store my data?
Deta Surf is local-first. Notes, notebooks, and resources are stored directly on your device in open formats. You can open the Surf data folder and move or delete files yourself.
Does Deta Surf send pages to cloud AI?
When you use Deta Surf smart features, pages in context through an @ mention are sent to LLMs hosted on Deta servers. You can instead use your own API key or connect Surf to a local language model.
Is Deta Surf still in beta?
Yes. Deta Surf is in Beta with the core foundation in place but still evolving. The FAQ notes some Alpha-era features like Vision are on the roadmap while the team rebuilds around performance and simplicity.