Tutorials

DeskAgent is a macOS app that connects you to major AI providers so you can chat, use voice input, and customize the look and behavior of your assistant. This guide summarizes the main features and how to use them.

 

1. First-time setup

Open Settings from the DeskAgent menu (or use Command + , the standard macOS Settings shortcut). Go to the Artificial Intelligence tab:

• Choose an AI provider (OpenAI, Anthropic, Google Gemini, Mistral, DeepSeek, or Ollama for local models).

• Enter your API key or credentials for that provider. For Ollama, enter the base URL of your server (for example http://127.0.0.1:11434). Use Fetch Available Models to list models, then pick the model name you want.

• Use Tutorials... or Get API Key... (when shown) to open provider documentation in your browser.

 

2. Working modes

In Settings, User Interface tab, set Working mode:

• Chat — Type questions in the text field and press the submit button or use the keyboard shortcut.

• Audio — Speak using the microphone; speech is converted to text and can be sent automatically depending on configuration.

• Both — Text field and microphone are available together.

You can customize labels such as the invite text, placeholder text, and submit button caption under User Requests.

 

3. Main chat window

• The conversation appears in the center area with support for formatted text (including code-style blocks).

• Copy assistant text or save images when those actions appear next to a message.

• Attach files: use the paperclip button or drag a document or image onto the chat area. Supported types include text files, PDF, and common image formats. Very large files or PDFs with many pages may be rejected to protect performance.

• While the AI is responding, a streaming animation may show (you can turn it off under Settings, User Interface, Visual effects).

 

4. OpenAI: native audio (optional)

If OpenAI is selected, you can prefer native realtime audio in options (see provider-related settings). This uses OpenAI’s realtime API over the network. Otherwise the app can use the system microphone with speech recognition. Grant Microphone and Speech Recognition when macOS asks.

 

5. Text-to-speech (read answers aloud)

In Settings, Options tab, you can enable reading assistant answers aloud and choose a voice. Some options use the built-in macOS voices; others may use the provider’s audio API when configured.

 

6. Appearance and colors

Under User Interface, you can set a custom logo, welcome title and message, font size, and colors for background, titles, text, and borders. You can enable clear chat history after each reply if you want a fresh thread after every answer.

 

7. AI behavior (prompts and parameters)

In Artificial Intelligence, configure the system prompt, temperature, max tokens, and optional display of token or “thinking” information where supported. These settings apply to the selected provider and model.

 

8. Idle timeout

In Options, you can set how long of user inactivity clears the on-screen conversation (0 disables automatic clearing). Useful on shared Macs.

 

9. Settings password (optional)

You can protect Settings with a password so casual users cannot change providers or keys. If enabled, you will be prompted when opening Settings.

 

10. Conversation log

The Log tab in Settings shows recent exchanges for troubleshooting. Administrators can review or export this information from the log screen.

 

11. Trial and license (non-App Store builds)

If you use a trial, a banner may remind you to purchase or activate. Successful completed replies count toward the per-session trial limit; failed requests do not use a slot. Use Enter License or activation in About when you have a key. Mac App Store purchases are validated automatically for the store build.

 

12. Menu commands and shortcuts

• About DeskAgent — App information, version, and links (from the app menu).

• Clear messages history — Clears the current chat (Command + L).

• Help menu: FAQ, bug report, and feature request links to Elonovo support pages.

 

13. Shortcuts (Siri & Shortcuts)

DeskAgent can expose a shortcut such as Start DeskAgent Chat to open the app and restore focus to the chat area.