Pile

What it does

A quiet desktop app for reflective journaling where entries are stored locally on your own machine. Optionally, an AI can respond to what you wrote with prompts and observations - that part needs either an OpenAI API key or a local Ollama setup. Journals tend to be personal, so if you would rather nothing left the machine, use Ollama or simply skip the AI side. Builds for macOS and Windows.

Summary based on the project's own description. The Japanese page has a fuller beginner guide: setup difficulty, what to prepare, and a step-by-step start.

Screenshots & visuals

Before you start

• Setup difficultyFor advanced users
• Command lineNot required
• API keyRequired
• Sends data onlineNo

Judged automatically from the project's own metadata. Always confirm on the official page.

Pile FAQ

Is Pile free?

Pile itself is free, but it needs an API key for an external AI service. That service charges separately, though some have a free tier.

Do I need to install anything or write code to use Pile?

You install it like a normal desktop app. No command line involved.

Does Pile work on a phone?

No. It needs a computer.

Can I use Pile commercially?

The licence is MIT, which permits commercial use. Conditions such as keeping the copyright notice still apply, so read the licence text before shipping it inside something.

How it compares

The conditions that decide whether you can actually use it, side by side.

"Sends data out" means your input is uploaded to someone's server. Pick "No" when the material cannot leave your organisation.

Other writing & notes tools