LM Studio
LM Studio is a desktop app for discovering and running open AI models locally, with an agent called Bionic, developer APIs and local voice transcription.
About this tool
LM Studio is a desktop application for macOS, Windows and Linux that makes local AI approachable. You can browse and download open models such as Llama, Qwen, DeepSeek or gpt-oss inside the app and chat with them through a simple interface, with the runtime using MLX and llama.cpp under the hood.
Its Bionic agent extends the app beyond chat: it can create and edit documents, help with code, run automations and control the computer, while voice input is transcribed locally. Developers get a local REST API with OpenAI-compatible endpoints, Python and JavaScript SDKs, a command-line tool and MCP support. For organisations, LM Studio offers deployments on its zero-data-retention cloud, on-premises or on edge devices.
What you can do
Local model browser and chat
Find, download and run open models from within the app, then chat with them or use them for longer agentic tasks.
Bionic agent
An agent built for open models that edits documents, assists with coding and automations, and can take actions on the computer.
Developer tooling
An OpenAI-compatible local API, Python and JavaScript SDKs and the lms command-line tool support building on local models.
Private voice input
Speech is transcribed in real time on the device, so voice data stays local, with support for several languages.
Who is it for?
- A writer drafts documents with a local model without sending text to the cloud.
- A developer points an OpenAI-compatible app at LM Studio’s local server for testing.
- A company evaluates open models on its own hardware before deploying them.
Before you choose
Larger models need substantial memory and a capable GPU or Apple silicon; check model sizes against your hardware.
Giving an agent computer control can have side effects; restrict permissions and review its actions.
Frequently asked questions
Which systems does LM Studio support?
LM Studio offers installers for macOS, Windows and Linux, with the runtime built on MLX and llama.cpp.
Does LM Studio offer an API?
Yes, it provides a local REST API with OpenAI-compatible endpoints, plus Python and JavaScript SDKs and a CLI.
Does voice data leave my device?
LM Studio states that voice and audio used with Bionic are processed locally and never leave your device.
Check the official website for current features, pricing, and terms.
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