Question 1

Can I search files based off what they look like?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 2

What is local AI file search?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 4

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

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 5

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

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 6

How does AI file search work on my own computer?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 7

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

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 8

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

Accepted Answer

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.

Dotient Desktop

Dotient Extension

System Requirements

Supported File Types