Frequently Asked Questions

FlowRunner is a native Mac app that lets you build multi-step AI automations that run entirely on your device. You connect steps — reading files, running an AI model, transforming data, and writing output — into workflows that execute locally with no internet connection required. It is available on the Mac App Store with a free tier and a one-time $9.99 Pro unlock.

No. By default, everything runs on your Mac. The AI model is downloaded once and runs locally; your files never leave your machine. If you optionally enable cloud AI using your own API key, only the text you pass to that step is sent — directly to Anthropic or OpenAI, not to FlowRunner's servers.

FlowRunner works with local LLMs including Llama 3.2 and similar open-weight models. You choose between smaller, faster models and larger, more precise ones depending on your hardware and needs. All models are downloaded once and run offline.

No. The free tier is completely free with no time limit. The Pro upgrade is a one-time $9.99 purchase through the Mac App Store — you pay once and keep it forever.

Pro unlocks unlimited active workflows (the free tier allows one), workflow export and import, and the Run-a-Command step for executing shell commands inside a flow.

No. There is no sign-up, no login, and no account of any kind. You download the app and start building immediately.

FlowRunner works on any Apple Silicon Mac (M1 or later) and Intel Macs. Apple Silicon Macs run local models significantly faster due to the Neural Engine. The minimum supported version is macOS 11 Big Sur, the first release to run on Apple Silicon.

Yes. The Read Files step supports plain text, Markdown, code files, and PDFs. The extracted text is passed into downstream steps for AI processing or transformation.

Yes. FlowRunner supports optional cloud AI via a bring-your-own-key model. Your API key is stored securely in the macOS Keychain and is never transmitted to FlowRunner. Cloud AI is off by default.

Yes. You can describe what you want in plain English and the AI builder assembles the workflow for you. You refine it by chatting. No coding or configuration required.

Common examples include: extracting action items from meeting notes, organizing invoice folders into a spreadsheet, generating documentation for a code repository, repurposing blog posts for different platforms, and building weekly summary reports from daily notes.

Yes. Free and Pro behave identically on privacy — everything runs on-device. The only difference between tiers is the number of active workflows and access to the Pro-only steps.

FlowRunner is available on the Mac App Store. The free tier is available immediately on download. The Pro upgrade is purchased through the App Store's in-app purchase system.