Choosing Your AI Mode
Managed credits, your own AI account, or fully local AI — pick how FilesDesk names your files.
What It Is
FilesDesk can use three kinds of artificial intelligence to read your files and write names: a managed service (FilesDesk AI), your own account with a provider like OpenAI or Claude, or a free local model that runs entirely on your computer.
How It Helps You
- No-setup start — a subscription needs zero configuration; FilesDesk AI is selected automatically.
- Cost control — bring your own API key and pay your provider only for what you use.
- Total privacy — local AI means no file content ever leaves your machine.
- Switch anytime — change modes in Settings whenever your needs change.
The Three Modes
1. FilesDesk AI (Managed)
Subscribe to Basic or Pro and use included credits. The app selects FilesDesk AI for you the moment your subscription activates, and shows remaining credits in the header. See Credits & Plans.
2. Self-Managed (Bring Your Own Key)
With the Lifetime license, add your own API key from OpenAI, Anthropic Claude, Google Gemini, or OpenRouter. Files go only to the provider you chose; you pay them directly. See Bring Your Own Key.
3. Local AI (Free)
Run Ollama or LM Studio on your own machine — 100% offline, no per-file cost. A no-AI Heuristic mode is also available for naming from extracted text and metadata alone.
Industries That Benefit
| Industry | How they use it |
|---|---|
| Legal & healthcare | Local AI or BYOK keeps confidential documents on-premises while still automating file naming. |
| Small businesses | Managed credits mean zero setup — the office is renaming invoices in minutes. |
| IT-managed teams | BYOK routes all AI spend through the company’s existing provider account. |
Related
Last updated: 20 August 2026