PaperLabA desktop app for macOS, Windows and Linux
PaperLab installs like any desktop app for macOS, Windows or Linux, with Docker as the one thing to install first. It starts everything it needs, with no repository to clone and no server to run. A short first run offers a chat model and a search model, both optional. Turn on Keep running and it stays in the menu bar for Claude Desktop. It announces updates but never installs them, and saves a database backup before each new version first starts.
What you can do
- Installers for macOS (Apple silicon and Intel), Windows, and Linux (AppImage or .deb).
- A first run that offers a chat and a search model; both can be skipped.
- Closing the window stops PaperLab; Keep running leaves it in the menu bar.
- Checks GitHub for updates on launch and offers a link; never installs by itself.
- Saves a database backup before a new version first starts.
Tips
- Open Docker Desktop once before the first launch.
- Turn off the update check in Settings → Desktop app if you want zero network requests at launch.
Questions people ask
Why does it need Docker?
PaperLab runs its database, search and background worker in containers, so the app stays small and your library stays in one place.
Is the app signed?
Not yet, so your system asks before the first launch. The download page shows the steps for each system.
Does it phone home?
Only the update check on launch, which asks GitHub whether a newer version exists. You can turn it off.
Works well with
Guides
- How to chat with a PDF locally, without uploading it — Ask papers questions with a local model, and check every answer against the page.
- How to use Claude Desktop with your papers — Connect your local library to Claude through MCP, and what gets sent.