Moldable

Product Introduction

1. Definition: Moldable is a local AI app builder, a desktop application (macOS initially, Windows/Linux upcoming) enabling users to generate, customize, and run personalized software applications entirely on their local machine through conversational prompts.
2. Core Value Proposition: It exists to empower individuals to create custom software without coding, eliminating reliance on subscriptions or third-party developers. Its core tenets are local-first architecture, user ownership of code and data, and app evolution through conversation, enabling hyper-personalized productivity tools built for immediate need and continuous adaptation.

Main Features

1. AI-Powered App Generation:
   How it works: Users describe desired app functionality in natural language prompts (e.g., "Build me a meeting notes app that records audio and transcribes"). Moldable's local AI agent interprets the prompt and generates the necessary application code. This leverages opt-in AI models (like Anthropic Opus, OpenAI GPT, Gemini) chosen by the user. The generated app runs locally, storing data in SQLite databases or local files within the user's ~/.moldable/ directory.
2. Conversational App Evolution:
   How it works: Existing Moldable apps can be modified post-creation through follow-up prompts (e.g., "Add dark mode," "Export to PDF," "Connect to Slack"). The AI agent analyzes the request, modifies the local app's codebase, and provides a live preview of changes. This enables rapid iteration and continuous customization without traditional development cycles.
3. Local-First & Privacy-Centric Architecture:
   How it works: All application code, user data (notes, recordings, tasks), and AI conversations reside exclusively on the user's machine (~/.moldable/). Connection to external AI APIs is opt-in and user-controlled. The AI agent operates in a security sandbox with restricted network/filesystem access. Sensitive operations (e.g., accessing SSH keys) require explicit user approval. No telemetry is collected; future analytics would be opt-in.
4. Workspaces & Skill Extensions:
   How it works: Users organize generated apps into isolated Workspaces (e.g., Personal, Work, Side Projects). Functionality is extended via installable Skills (CLI tools) and Model Context Protocol (MCP) integrations. Skills enable tasks like audio-transcribe, pdf-extract, web-search, github interactions, slack notifications, google-calendar syncing, csv-analyzer, image-resize, browser-automation, and email-sender, allowing apps to interact with local files/data and external services securely.
5. Pre-built Starter Apps Library:
   How it works: Moldable provides free, open-source starter apps demonstrating core capabilities and serving as templates. These include a Meeting Recorder (real-time transcription, speaker detection), Scribo Languages Journal (real-time AI translation, text-to-speech), Calendar Viewer (Google Calendar integration), Notes App (Keep-style with masonry, labels, rich text), Todo Manager (priorities, filters, keyboard nav), Time Tracker (timers, weekly view, CSV export), Daily Affirmations, and a Visual Git Client.

Problems Solved

1. Pain Point: Eliminates the frustration of software rigidity and subscription fatigue. Users no longer need to adapt workflows to off-the-shelf apps or wait/hope for feature requests in existing tools. Moldable provides instant, tailored solutions.
2. Target Audience:
   • Productivity Professionals: Needing bespoke tools for meetings, notes, task/time tracking beyond generic apps.
   • Language Learners: Requiring personalized practice journals with real-time translation.
   • Developers & Tech-Savvy Users: Seeking rapid prototyping of internal tools or automating personal workflows without full-stack development.
   • Privacy-Conscious Individuals: Demanding absolute control over sensitive data (recordings, notes, calendars) without cloud dependence.
   • Small Business Owners/Startups: Needing affordable, custom CRMs, lead trackers, or expense managers without dev costs.
3. Use Cases:
   • Building a secure, local meeting recorder with AI transcription and integrated notes.
   • Creating a custom CRM for lead tracking with automated follow-up reminders.
   • Developing a local expense tracker with receipt scanning (via image skills).
   • Generating a unique language practice journal with instant translation feedback.
   • Prototyping a niche internal tool (e.g., inventory manager, bug tracker) in minutes.

Unique Advantages

1. Differentiation: Unlike cloud-based no-code platforms (e.g., Bubble, Retool) or app marketplaces, Moldable runs entirely locally, ensuring unmatched data privacy and user ownership. Unlike traditional software, apps are infinitely malleable via conversation. Unlike hiring developers, it provides instantaneous, low-cost customization.
2. Key Innovation: The conversational app development and evolution model powered by a local AI agent operating under strict privacy and security constraints (sandboxing, explicit approvals). The integration of Skills and MCPs seamlessly extends app capabilities while maintaining the local-first principle. This creates a personal software factory directly on the user's machine.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Where is my data stored when using Moldable?
   All data generated by your apps (notes, recordings, tasks, databases) and the app code itself is stored locally on your computer within the ~/.moldable/ directory. Nothing is stored on Moldable servers by default.
2. Is Moldable available for Windows or Linux?
   Moldable is currently available for macOS. Native versions for Windows and Linux are officially announced as "Coming Soon."
3. How does Moldable build apps from a simple prompt?
   Moldable uses a local AI agent that interprets your natural language description. This agent leverages selected large language models (LLMs) (like GPT-4, Claude Opus) to generate the necessary application code, which is then executed locally on your machine using its built-in runtime environment.
4. Can I connect Moldable apps to external services like Google Calendar or Slack?
   Yes, securely. You can install Skills (e.g., google-calendar, slack) that enable your locally running Moldable apps to interact with specific external APIs. These connections are initiated and controlled by you from your local machine.
5. What are the limitations of apps built with Moldable?
   While powerful for personal productivity tools, data dashboards, and task-specific applications, Moldable apps are currently local desktop applications. They are not designed for building complex multi-user web applications or mobile apps (iOS/Android). Complex integrations might require advanced Skill development.