
Find files by meaning, by local AI

Find files by meaning, by local AI
BeaconFind is a file search application for Windows that enables users to locate files on their computer by searching based on meaning rather than file name. The application uses artificial intelligence that runs entirely on the local machine, with no cloud processing, no account requirement, and no telemetry. It is compatible with Windows 10 and Windows 11 and offers a 14-day free trial with a 30-day refund policy. The tool indexes files from user-specified folders, such as Documents, Desktop, or Downloads, and processes over 70 file types including documents, images, notes, emails, LaTeX files, SVG files, subtitles, and e-books. It provides semantic search, allowing users to describe content in plain language (for example, "the quarterly financial report") and retrieves matching files across more than 50 languages. Visual search uses OCR to find screenshots, scans, and photos based on their visual content, such as a "whiteboard sketch." A local AI chat feature lets users ask questions about their documents and receive answers with citations that can be opened directly. Typical use cases include finding files when the file name has been forgotten, searching inside documents for specific concepts, and locating images by their content rather than by filename. The workflow involves pointing BeaconFind to the folders where files are stored, allowing the local AI to index the content, and then pressing Ctrl+K to open a search bar where the user can type a natural language query. The application also provides a library view for browsing indexed files and managing indexing preferences. Technically, all models run on the user's device, and the index is encrypted on disk. No data leaves the computer, and no account or internet connection is required for search functionality. The application supports up to three PCs per license and includes free updates indefinitely.