Reviewed by Harsh Desai · Last reviewed:
Guide
An AI desktop editor that runs local LLMs with full codebase RAG and autonomous agentic coding
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What does Guide do?
- •Local LLM inference runs GGUF, Ollama, and vLLM models on GPU with zero rate limits and no subscriptions.
- •69 MCP tools includes file system, terminal, browser automation, web search, and database operations built in.
- •RAG context engine embeds your entire codebase for project-aware code completions and chat.
- •Agentic planning loop handles autonomous error recovery and multi-step execution without manual prompts.
- •26 cloud providers switch between them per conversation while keeping local inference private.
- •Monaco editor core delivers IntelliSense, themes, multi-root workspaces, and full extension support.
- •Complete privacy ensures zero data leaves your machine during local use on macOS, Windows, or Linux.
- •Autonomous coding performs multi-step tasks with built-in recovery from errors in real time.
- •Browser automation executes MCP tools to control web tasks directly from the editor interface.
- •Terminal integration runs shell commands as part of agentic workflows inside the same window.
- •GPU Acceleration use local GPU power for lightning-fast inference with GGUF, Ollama, and vLLM models at zero rate limits.
- •MCP Tool Suite Leverage 69 built-in tools enabling smooth file system operations, web search, database queries and automation tasks.
- •Codebase RAG Embed your entire project into the context engine delivering highly accurate project-aware code completions.
- •Multi-Provider Switching Instantly toggle between 26 cloud AI services per conversation while maintaining full local privacy.
Pricing:
- •Free $0/mo full local inference, all 69 MCP tools, RAG engine, and agentic features with no subscriptions.
- •Cloud usage pay only the separate costs of the 26 providers when you switch from local models.
- •No premium tier everything core stays free forever with optional cloud add-ons at their own rates.
What are Guide's limitations?
- •GPU requirement needs a compatible graphics card for fast local inference speeds.
- •Technical setup installing and configuring local models requires some command-line knowledge.
- •Desktop only offers no mobile support or browser-based access at all.
- •Model quality performance depends entirely on the chosen local model size and capability.
Our Verdict
For the Vibe Builder, Guide transforms into an intuitive creative partner that runs entirely on your local GPU, letting you spin up mood boards, iterate on UI concepts, and weave in RAG knowledge bases without ever touching a subscription. Its MCP tools feel like an extension of your own intuition, pulling context from your projects while the agentic layer suggests fresh angles that keep creative flow alive. The absence of cloud middlemen means every prompt stays private, turning the editor into a personal sanctuary where ideas evolve at the speed of thought rather than server queues. This setup rewards those who value ownership over convenience, delivering a tactile, responsive experience that mirrors the messy joy of building something from scratch.
For the Developer, Guide delivers a capable local-first code environment where full inference, MCP tooling, and RAG combine into a self-contained powerhouse that respects both privacy and performance budgets. You gain instant context from your entire codebase, agentic assistance that can debug or refactor without phoning home, and the freedom to swap models as your hardware allows. Setup does demand attention to GPU compatibility and model selection, yet once running the workflow feels native and fast, sidestepping the latency and token limits of remote services. The result is a dependable daily driver for serious work that scales with your own silicon rather than someone else’s usage tiers.
Honest limitations include the technical overhead of configuring local models, complete lack of mobile access, and results that ultimately depend on the quality of the models you choose to run. Performance can vary dramatically across hardware setups, and users without a compatible GPU will face sluggish inference that undermines the touted speed. While the zero-subscription model is refreshing, the trade-offs in ease and portability keep it from feeling universally polished. Overall it earns a solid 7.5/10 for developers who prioritize control but may frustrate those seeking instant onboarding.
Skip it if you need smooth cross-device access or the path of least resistance, and consider Cursor instead.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Guide and how does it support local LLM inference?
Guide by GraySoft is an AI coding assistant that runs fully local LLM inference on your machine using the 69 MCP tools it includes. It supports local inference by letting you run models without any cloud dependency, while its RAG engine and agentic features work entirely offline. This setup keeps your code and data private during development.
Is Guide free to use in 2026?
Yes, Guide has a free tier that remains available in 2026 with no subscriptions required. You get full local inference plus all core features at no cost. The free plan covers everything you need for local LLM work without any paid upgrades.
Who should use Guide for agentic coding tasks?
Developers working on complex agentic coding tasks should use Guide because it combines local models with a full set of 69 MCP tools and an integrated RAG engine. It excels for those who want autonomous agents that can reason across large codebases without sending data externally. GraySoft designed it specifically for privacy-focused programmers who need reliable offline agentic capabilities.
How does Guide compare to Cursor as an alternative?
Guide serves as a strong Cursor alternative by offering completely local inference and agentic features with no cloud dependency, unlike Cursor's heavier reliance on remote models. It includes a built-in RAG engine and all 69 MCP tools that stay free forever, giving you more control over data privacy. Many users switch to Guide when they want to avoid Cursor's subscription costs and potential latency from cloud calls.
What pricing tiers does Guide offer?
Guide offers a Free $0/mo plan with full local inference, all 69 MCP tools, RAG engine, and agentic features with no subscriptions. When you switch from local models you only pay the separate costs of the 26 providers under Cloud usage. There is No premium tier since everything core stays free forever with optional cloud add-ons at their own rates.
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Guide
Free tier available