Alpaca is a desktop client for interacting with local and cloud-hosted AI models, primarily targeting users who want a user-friendly interface for managing and chatting with multiple AI models. It simplifies local AI interaction and offers features like multi-model conversations, model management, and document/image/YouTube analysis.

How It Works

Alpaca acts as a frontend for Ollama, enabling users to pull, delete, and chat with various models. It supports advanced features like image and document recognition, YouTube transcript analysis, and website content parsing. For cloud models, it leverages OpenAI-compatible APIs, allowing users to connect services like ChatGPT and Gemini with their own API keys.

Quick Start & Requirements

• Installation: Follow guides for Alpaca and Ollama.
• Launch: flatpak run com.jeffser.Alpaca or alpaca (system installations).
• Quick Ask Mode: alpaca --quick-ask.
• Prerequisites: Ollama must be installed and running.

Highlighted Details

• Supports simultaneous conversations with multiple AI models.
• Features image, document (plain text), and YouTube transcript recognition.
• Allows interaction with cloud-hosted models via OpenAI-compatible APIs.
• Includes chat import/export, message editing, and regeneration capabilities.

Maintenance & Community

The project has a growing list of translators and contributors, indicating active community involvement. Discussions are open for adding new languages.

Licensing & Compatibility

The README does not explicitly state a license. Compatibility for commercial use or closed-source linking is not specified.

Limitations & Caveats

The project is not affiliated with Ollama. Users are solely responsible for any damages caused by running AI model outputs. The GNOME Code of Conduct applies to repository interactions.