How Margaret works

The whole idea is to write your instructions once, then let Margaret handle the task the same way every time.

The create → run → improve loop

1. Create a helper

Tell Margaret what you want help with in plain English. She turns it into a helper — a structured set of instructions, input fields, and an expected output format. You can start from scratch or install a ready-made bundle.

2. Give it an input

Paste in text, fill a short form, or point to a local file. Every time you run a helper, you give it the same kind of input — your messy notes, a client brief, a document to summarise. Margaret knows what to do with it.

3. Get your output

Margaret runs the helper using your AI provider and saves the result as a readable text file on your computer. You can copy it, open it, or use it however you like. Nothing is sent anywhere you didn't expect.

4. Improve the helper

If the output isn't quite right, ask Margaret what's vague, missing, or unclear in the helper's instructions. She'll suggest specific edits. Apply the ones that make sense, then run it again. The helper gets better each time.

Three things that make it different

Helpers, not prompts

A prompt is something you write fresh each time. A helper is something you build once and reuse. Margaret stores the instructions, the input format, and the expected output so you never have to explain the task again.

Runs locally, saves locally

Your helper library, your run history, and your outputs are all plain files on your Mac. Margaret never stores your work on our servers — there are no servers. The only external contact is your AI provider when you choose to run a helper.

You stay in control

Nothing runs automatically. You trigger every run yourself. Before each one, Margaret can show you exactly what will be sent to the AI — so you're never guessing what left your machine.

A few things worth knowing

Margaret needs an API key.For now the app uses your own Anthropic API key. You pay Anthropic directly at their standard rates. Margaret doesn't take a cut. Setup takes about two minutes.
Cloud AI means cloud contact.When you run a helper, the text you give it is sent to your AI provider. Margaret is local-first, not offline-only. We're clear about this before every run.
macOS only for now. Margaret is an Electron app built for Mac first. Windows and Linux support may come later based on demand.