# Five tools for local AI work

> Try dictation, model inference, image upscaling, transcription and background removal on your computer.

Source: https://fullbytedeveloper.com/blog/five-local-ai-desktop-tools
Published: 2026-11-05

These tools cover five everyday jobs. Their documentation describes local processing options, but hardware support and setup differ. Start with the job you repeat most. [1][2][3][4][5]

## Dictate with Handy

Handy transcribes speech and pastes it into the app you are using. Its README describes local processing on Windows, macOS and Linux. Download the appropriate release, grant microphone and accessibility permissions, then configure a shortcut. [1]

Use it for a short message first. Read the transcription before sending it.

## Run a local model with Ollama

Ollama supports local models and also offers cloud features. Its FAQ distinguishes the two: local processing keeps prompts on your machine, while a cloud model sends them to the service. [2]

For local-only operation, the documented setting in `~/.ollama/server.json` is: [2]

```json
{
  "disable_ollama_cloud": true
}
```

Restart Ollama after changing it. Check model requirements against your available memory. [2]

## Enlarge an image with Upscayl

Upscayl provides a desktop image upscaler. Its README requires a Vulkan-compatible GPU and warns that many integrated GPUs will not work. It also says upscaling does not fix an out-of-focus photograph. [3]

Keep the original and compare edges and small text in the result.

## Transcribe a recording with Buzz

Buzz supports offline transcription and translation, audio and video files, and transcript exports including TXT, SRT and VTT. Install its desktop app using the linked repository instructions. [4]

SRT or VTT is useful when the next step is captions. Review names and technical terms before publishing.

## Remove a background with rembg

The rembg README documents Python 3.11 through 3.13 and this CPU installation with CLI support: [5]

```bash
pip install "rembg[cpu,cli]"
```

Its single-image example is: [5]

```bash
rembg i path/to/input.png path/to/output.png
```

Replace those paths with your input and output files. Inspect hair, glasses and soft edges before using the cutout.

## Sources

1. [Handy README](https://github.com/cjpais/Handy)
2. [Ollama FAQ](https://docs.ollama.com/faq)
3. [Upscayl README](https://github.com/upscayl/upscayl)
4. [Buzz README](https://github.com/chidiwilliams/buzz)
5. [rembg README](https://github.com/danielgatis/rembg)

## Original posts

- [YouTube Short](https://www.youtube.com/shorts/kNhR08EEZRM)