Where your AI requests can go
Each AI request you make on Mac, Windows, Linux, or the web takes one of three routes.
- KolHive cloud models: Available with any KolHive account. Usage is counted in credits against your account, and the app asks before sending content to a cloud AI.
- Your own AI service: On the Business plan, you can connect your own API key or a command-line AI assistant. Your provider bills you directly for these requests, not KolHive.
- A model on your own computer: On the Business plan, you can run a model server such as Ollama or LM Studio on your computer and add its address in the AI settings.
KolHive does not run AI models locally by itself. For example, when Daniel Wright in Manchester uses local AI on his Mac, he runs an Ollama server on that computer and points KolHive to its address.
What leaves your device and when
Every app in KolHive shares one built-in AI assistant that checks permissions and keeps a record of each action it takes. By default, the assistant opens files, edits the document on screen, or cuts on the video timeline without asking. It always asks first before deleting, sharing, sending to other people, or spending credits.
The app also asks before sending content to a cloud AI. Features that run on your device do not send content to AI providers. This includes free on-device transcription in KolWrite and search by meaning in KolChat.
Your messages in KolChat are not available to AI apps connected to KolHive. Chosen chat messages go to a cloud AI only after you tap the send button.
Records of AI requests on our servers are deleted 30 days after each request, or sooner if you delete the chat.
Whether AI models train on your content
We do not use your content to train AI models. If that ever changes, we will update the Privacy Policy first and offer an opt-out.
When you use KolHive's cloud AI models, our managed cloud AI terms also restrict providers from training on your content. We have not given providers permission to train on your data.
Connect your own AI apps
On your computer, AI apps that support MCP over HTTP, including Claude Code, Codex, Cursor, Gemini CLI, and VS Code, can connect to the KolHive desktop app. This connection stays off until you switch it on and reaches only the same computer. Once switched on, the app can work with your files, documents, notes, calendar, video editor, transcription, and share links.
Connecting an AI app such as ChatGPT or Claude needs a Plus plan or higher, Business included (see the Plans page). Your AI app has its own plan and price. KolHive names the AI company before you connect and lists each app's actions in the settings screen, where you can remove it.
Which option to pick
Start with KolHive's cloud models if you want to use the assistant right after you install KolHive. You do not need to set up an external provider account or run a local server.
Choose your own API key on the Business plan if your company must keep AI requests inside its own provider account. When Priya Shah in Toronto drafts notes for her team, her requests go through her company's API key and are billed by that provider.
Choose a local model server on the Business plan if your files must stay on your company's own machines. For company setups, read KolHive for companies and the security review for IT.
What this does not do
- Connecting your own API keys, local model servers, and command-line AI assistants requires the Business plan.
- KolHive's cloud AI models require an internet connection.
- KolHive does not bundle a local AI model, so you must run your own server such as Ollama or LM Studio on your computer.
Common questions
Does KolHive train AI on my files?
No, we do not use your content to train AI models. Our managed cloud AI terms also restrict providers from training on your content, and we have not given that permission. If our policy ever changes, we will update the Privacy Policy first and offer an opt-out.
Can I use my own API key from an AI provider?
Yes, connecting your own AI service with your own API key is a Business-plan feature. Requests made with your own key go to that provider and are billed by them instead of using KolHive credits. See the Plans page for information on the Business plan.
Does the AI work offline?
KolHive's cloud AI models need an internet connection. Without a connection, you can still use on-device features such as free transcription in KolWrite and search by meaning in KolChat. On the Business plan, you can also connect to a model server such as Ollama or LM Studio running on your own computer.
The app and the account are free. More credits and storage are paid.
See plans