OpenBot: what it is and how to use a team of AI agents on your computer
A guide to OpenBot (openbot.run), the free desktop app for working with agents such as Codex, Claude Code or Gemini using your AI plans: requirements, installation, privacy and precautions.
What it is
OpenBot is a desktop app for having a team of AI agents working on your computer. It is not a model or a chatbot of its own: according to its official guide, it is a workspace that brings together the agents you already use (Codex, Claude Code, Gemini, Grok, OpenCode, Cursor or Cline) and gives each one a name, instructions, folder, conversation and task queue. Agents can hand work to each other, share files and use a built-in browser.
Who it’s for
- Yes: people who already pay for a ChatGPT, Claude or Google AI Pro/Ultra plan and want to organise several long tasks (for example, reviewing documents or programming) without starting from scratch each time.
- Not for getting started with AI: first get comfortable with an ordinary assistant. See AI from scratch.
Requirements (October 2026)
| System | Official requirement |
|---|---|
| macOS | 13 Ventura or later, Apple Silicon or Intel (DMG notarised by Apple) |
| Windows | 10 or 11, x64 (.exe installer) |
| Linux | Any 64-bit distribution, x64 or arm64 (AppImage) |
| Mobile | iPhone (iOS 16.4+, beta) and Android 7+; they need OpenBot on a computer |
| AI | A plan or API key from your provider, or a local model (Ollama, LM Studio) |
Step-by-step installation
- Go to openbot.run/download and download the installer for your system.
- Install it like any other program. On Linux, make the AppImage executable. On Ubuntu and Debian, the official website explains how to install an AppArmor profile and warns: don’t open it with
--no-sandbox, because sandboxing separates web pages from the rest of your computer. - Connect a provider: Codex signs in with your ChatGPT plan, Claude Code with your Claude plan and Gemini with a Google AI Pro or Ultra plan. OpenCode has free models with no account.
- Create an agent by describing it in one sentence, review its instructions (you can use this guide’s prompt) and save it.
- Send it work: if it is busy, messages wait in a queue that you can pause or cancel.
Precautions (read before you start)
The website itself is clear: OpenBot is a development preview. Its agents can read and change files, run commands, use the network and control the browser without asking each time. So:
- Give them only tasks you trust and a working folder without sensitive documents.
- Make backups before letting them work.
- Remember that your AI provider receives what the agents send it.
- Read the risks of AI agents.
Limits
- It depends on your AI plan’s limits and prices.
- The licence does not allow commercial use without a separate licence.
- It changes very quickly (several releases a week).
Frequently asked questions
Is OpenBot free?
Yes. According to its official website it costs $0, with no locked features. You only pay your AI provider, with the plan or API key you already have.
Is it open source?
The code is public on GitHub under the PolyForm Noncommercial 1.0.0 licence: you can read it, change it and use it for non-commercial purposes. Its own website makes clear it is not an open-source licence under the OSI definition; commercial use needs a separate licence.
Where is my data stored?
According to OpenBot, working folders, conversations, attachments and browser data stay on the computer running it. The AI provider you choose receives what the agents send it.
Can I use it from my phone?
Yes, with apps for iPhone (TestFlight beta, iOS 16.4+) and Android (Google Play, Android 7+), but they need OpenBot running on a computer.
Keep reading
Sources
- OpenBot: web oficial — OpenBot
- Descargas y requisitos — OpenBot
- WTF Is OpenBot? (guía oficial) — OpenBot
- Repositorio oficial nightly-labs/openbot — GitHub
Change log
- : First published with version 0.40.0 (15 October 2026) and the official website consulted that day.
Educational content, prepared with the help of AI tools, with sources cited. It is not a substitute for professional advice. Tools change fast: if you spot something out of date, write to us at contacto@cognenza.com. How we work.