Canto is unclaimed —

Canto

Your private AI notebook.·lonelyduck.io

Canto is a privacy-first AI notebook for Mac that lets users research, draft, and organize notes, PDFs, audio, and web content using local AI models that never leave the device. It includes notes, code notebooks (Python, JS, TS), an infinite whiteboard canvas, chat-based AI assistance, and a planned, cited deep-research mode. The app is free for note-taking, with a one-time purchase unlocking unlimited AI queries.

What it's for

Research and drafting with cited AI answersOrganizing notes, PDFs, audio, and web content in one vaultWriting and running code notebooks in Python, JavaScript, and TypeScriptVisual/spatial thinking using an infinite whiteboard canvasTranscribing audio/video locallyConnecting external folders for AI-powered searchSyncing notes across devices via encrypted iCloud Drive

Features 20

100% on-device AI inference via Metal GPU
11 local AI models running on-device (2.1GB–77GB)
Agent Chat — multi-step tool calls with diff review
Canto Chat — chat-first interface across vault, PDFs, audio, video, and web
Canto Research — planned, cited deep research mode
Canvas — infinite whiteboard document type
Code Notebooks with instant execution (Python, JS, TS)
Custom Agents — personas, commands, and skills
Encrypted, real-time iCloud Drive sync
Inbox Mode — approval-gated vault organization
Keyboard shortcut-driven workflow (40+ shortcuts)
Knowledge graph and semantic search
Live Transcription (native Whisper + Metal)
MCP Server for connecting Claude, Cursor, Windsurf
Mermaid diagrams + LaTeX math support
Multi-Provider Web Search
Safe Mode and Low Memory Mode for constrained Macs
Turbo mode for faster generation on supported models
WikiLinks + Backlinks
Workspace — link external folders for AI search

At a glance

free tier

TypeDesktop app

DeploymentInstalled (local)

PlatformsmacOS

Forresearchers, writers, developers, students

CompanyLonelyDuck

Integrations

ClaudeCursorWindsurfOllamaLM StudioiCloud Drive

Resources

Pricing

Unlimited AI unlock is a one-time payment of $29.99 (not a monthly subscription), including lifetime updates for 1 device. No recurring subscription pricing is stated.

FreeFree

Unlimited notes & nested folders, WikiLinks + Backlinks, Code Notebooks (Python, JS, TS), Canvas — infinite whiteboard, Canto Chat — chat-first home with recall, Canto Research — planned, cited deep research, Inbox Mode — approval-gated vault organization, Agent Chat — multi-step tool calls with diff review, Custom Agents — personas, commands, and skills, Workspace — link external folders for AI search, Multi-Provider Web Search, @ Mentions for notes, attachments, sessions & selections, Real-time, full-vault iCloud Drive Sync, Sync Doctor repair + clean-slate reset, Encrypted exports & backups, Memory Links + Related Notes + semantic search, Knowledge graph, Full-text search + chat recall (keyword + semantic), Mermaid diagrams + LaTeX math, Split panes & daily notes, Safe Mode + Low Memory Mode for tight Macs, MCP Server — connect Claude, Cursor, Windsurf & more, Live Transcription (native Whisper + Metal), Send Diagnostics — redacted, reviewable support bundles

25 free AI queries + 5 more every week

Unlimited AIQuote

$29.99 one-time purchase, not a recurring subscription; lifetime updates; limited to 1 device.

1 device