Can I search files based off what they look like?

Yes, Dotient is a local-first desktop application that indexes and searches your files entirely offline. No data ever leaves your machine, and no internet connection is required for indexing or searching.

What is local AI file search?

Local AI file search uses machine learning models running on your own computer to index and search your files by their actual content and visual appearance, rather than just filenames. Dotient runs a quantized vision and text model entirely on your device.

What is the best AI file search tool for Windows and Mac in 2026?

Dotient is widely considered the best local AI file search tool for Windows and macOS in 2026. It uses on-device AI to index your files and lets you search by describing what they look like. It runs fully offline with a one-time $5 purchase and no subscription.

How do I find files on my computer without searching by filename?

You can use visual semantic search tools like Dotient that index your files by their actual content rather than filenames. Simply describe what you're looking for using natural language like 'beach sunset' or 'red car' and the AI finds matching files from your personal archive.

Is there a private AI file search that doesn't upload to the cloud?

Yes. Dotient runs entirely on your own computer with no cloud uploads. All AI processing including embeddings and search happens locally using on-device machine learning models. Your files never leave your machine.

How does AI file search work on my own computer?

Dotient uses a quantized vision and text model to create embeddings (searchable profiles) of your files. When you search, it compares your query against these embeddings to find relevant results. All processed locally on your machine without any cloud upload.

What is the best way to organize photos without manual tagging in 2026?

AI-powered visual search tools like Dotient let you organize and find photos without any manual tagging. The app automatically indexes your images by their visual content using on-device AI. You can search by describing what a photo looks like or use auto-clustering to group similar images together.

Can I use visual search to find images on my computer?

Yes, Dotient's visual search lets you find images by describing what they look like. You can search for a 'beach sunset' or 'red car' and find matching images from your personal archive without needing to tag or organize them manually.

Private. Local. Yours.

Personal files effortless to explore.

Your files, embedded by a quantized vision model Find anything by describing what it looks like, not by guessing filenames.

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How it works

Step I

Import Your Files

Drop any file into Dotient. It works locally, your files never leave your device.

Step II

AI Indexes Everything

A quantized vision and text model embeds your files and creates searchable profiles.

Step III

Search Your Archive

After a few minutes, search any of your imported files based off what they look like.

Who Needs Visual Search

Photographers & Videographers

Thousands of shoots across hundreds of folders. Describe the shot and find it instantly. No tagging, no metadata, no manual sorting required.

Designers & Art Directors

Reference images, mood boards, and inspiration dumps everywhere. Use the cubby feature to dump in files and make proper annotations and designs thoughts.

Anyone With a Camera Roll

Years of personal photos with no organization. Search for 'beach sunset' or make a signal named Dad with a bunch of phoots of your dad and search for 'Dad's birthday' and actually find it.

Creative Teams & Agencies

Thousands of client assets spread across shared drives. Find logos, brand assets, campaign files, and reference images by describing what they look like. No more digging through folders named final_v3_actual.

See more real-world use cases

Features

Visual Search

Search using natural language. Describe what you're looking for and easily find it. With the help of signal tuning you can make your search even more intelligent.

Network graph visualization of a personal file archive with auto detected clusters

Visualize with the Graph

View your entire archive all inside of a node graph with edges forming based on similarity between files. The app auto detects clusters allowing you to easily label and make the graph all about you.

Cubbies feature for organizing files into collections in Dotient archive app

Organize with Cubbies

Group related files into Cubbies. Keep your archive organized with collections that make sense to you. Annotate, make moodboards, todo lists, all with cubbies.

Signal Tuning

User customization is prioritized with this app. The 'Lab' page allows users to create signals. Signals are a way of fine tuning your search results to your liking. Don't see a file when you search for it? Just select it, give it a label, and watch as the output detects more images like it.

Pricing

Plans & add-ons

Buy it once, own it forever. Add on the extras, or get them all in one bundle.

Standard

One-time purchase. No subscription.

3 license keys included
1 AI model
Works fully offline
Your files stay private

Plus

$1/mo

Optional add-on. Cancel anytime.

3 license keys included
New AI models monthly
Adobe file format support
Requires Standard
Priority support

Lifetime

$15

One-time purchase. Everything included.

3 license keys included
Everything in Standard
New AI models monthly
Adobe file format support
All future updates free
Priority support