Run AI agents directly on your local files with an open-source desktop app
Point the app at a folder on your computer, and the AI reads, modifies, and performs actual tasks on the files inside. It offers capabilities similar to Claude Cowork or Codex but is suitable for those who want open code and local data retention. Built on OpenCode, this app connects various AI models to allow teams to share skills and settings.
AI workspace connected to local files
OpenWork is a desktop app that runs on macOS, Windows, and Linux. It does not rely on an account like a cloud service but accesses your computer's file system directly to process tasks. Users can use their own API keys or run local models via Ollama to maintain data sovereignty. You can bring over existing Claude Cowork skills or MCP server settings to use them as is, reducing migration costs.
Connecting to existing AI agents
You can utilize OpenWork features from AI tools you are already using without installing the desktop app.
- Codex connection Add OpenWork MCP via a command.
- Claude Code connection Register the MCP server using HTTP transport.
- OpenCode configuration Enter the remote MCP server address in the configuration file.
OpenWork Den: Management console for teams
To manage OpenWork at the organization level, you can use a control plane called OpenWork Den. Here, you can set model provider access permissions, invite team members, and manage desktop app policies. Skills and plugins can be distributed through a marketplace and assigned to specific teams or individuals. You can also host Den on your own infrastructure to strengthen data sovereignty.
License and usage terms
This repository has licenses divided by directory. The desktop app and core platform, excluding the ee/ folder, are freely usable under the MIT license. In contrast, the ee/ folder, which contains organization management features, is subject to the OpenWork EE license; while the source is public, a subscription is required for production use. However, organizations with five or fewer people are free, and a 30-day evaluation period is free regardless of size. Use for development and testing purposes is always free.
Things to check before use
Before adopting OpenWork, you should confirm whether your workflow is based on local files. It is suitable for tasks centered on local data processing rather than those with high cloud dependency. For team use, review the license terms of OpenWork Den, and if your organization has more than five people, consider subscription costs. Additionally, since it requires Node 24 and pnpm 11, setting up the development environment may take time. Existing Claude Cowork users are advised to refer to the migration documentation to transfer their settings.
