Canto Lonelyduck.Io

Canto is a private AI notebook for Mac that runs local AI models for note-taking, code notebooks, and PDF research. It offers encrypted iCloud Drive Sync and semantic note linking, with a one-time purchase for unlimited AI.

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At a glance

Pricing

Freemium

Free tier

Yes

API

Skill level

Mixed

About

What is Canto lonelyduck.io?

Canto is a private AI notebook designed for Mac users, offering a secure and powerful environment for note-taking, code development, and PDF research. It leverages local AI models, ensuring that all data and AI inference remain on your device, with no cloud uploads. The tool features encrypted iCloud Drive Sync to keep your vault current across trusted Macs, protected by your passphrase. Canto supports both notes for writing and thinking, and notebooks for running Python, JavaScript, and TypeScript code with instant execution. Its unique Memory Links system uses AI embeddings to semantically link related notes and code, providing instant insights. Users can work completely offline after the initial model download, enjoying unlimited AI assistance, Memory Links, and semantic search. Canto offers a one-time purchase for unlimited AI, making it a privacy-first alternative to subscription-based AI tools.

Best used for

Ideal for students, researchers, and developers who need to manage private notes, run code, and conduct research with local AI. Especially valuable for those requiring offline AI capabilities, secure data handling, and semantic linking across their knowledge base.

Common actions

manage notes

write code

conduct research

link knowledge

generate text

semantic knowledge graphon-device AI notebookencrypted local notes

Capabilities

Key features

Local AI models
Encrypted iCloud Sync
Code notebooks
Semantic note linking
Offline AI capability
PDF research
Agent Chat

Target Audience

studentdeveloperwriterresearcher

Integrations

ollamalm-studioopenaianthropic

Pricing & Plans

Freemium

Not publicly disclosed. Check lonelyduck.io for current pricing.

FAQs

What is the difference between notes and notebooks in Canto?

Notes are designed for writing, essays, and knowledge bases with full AI assistance. Notebooks are for code, allowing you to run Python, JavaScript, and TypeScript with instant execution. Both formats work together, connected by Memory Links.

Can Canto be used offline?

Yes, Canto works completely offline after the initial model download. Unlimited AI assistance, Memory Links, and semantic search are always available, making it ideal for use without an internet connection.

What AI models does Canto use?

Canto ships with 10 built-in local models, including Qwen, Nemotron, and GLM, supporting tool calling via Metal GPU acceleration. You can also connect Ollama or LM Studio for additional local or cloud-hosted models like OpenAI and Anthropic.

How does Canto ensure data privacy?

Your notes, code, and Memory Links embeddings are stored locally in an AES-256 encrypted SQLite database that never leaves your device. Canto does not upload your content, ensuring privacy for sensitive information.

What are the system requirements for Canto?

Canto requires macOS 14 (Sonoma) or later and Apple Silicon (M1 or later) for Metal GPU inference. A minimum of 8 GB RAM is needed, with 16 GB+ recommended for larger models.

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