FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Direct answers about Finch's product, models, capabilities, and privacy.
Product basics
- What kind of AI agent is Finch?
- Finch is a lightweight, easy-to-use desktop AI agent for macOS and Windows. You work with it in natural language; it reads local files you authorize, retains memory across sessions, and extends through mini tools, skills, and MCP.
- Is Finch free?
- The Finch desktop app is free, permanently. Cloud model token usage and some optional cloud services are billed separately, depending on the model provider you connect.
- Can I use Finch without knowing how to code?
- Yes. Coding is Finch's capability foundation, not a requirement for using it—you don't need to learn programming, prompt engineering, or agent terminology first. Describe what you want in plain language.
- What platforms does Finch support?
- Finch runs on macOS (Apple Silicon and Intel) and Windows 10/11. There is no mobile app yet.
Models
- Which AI models does Finch support?
- Finch works with 13+ cloud model providers, including Claude (Anthropic), ChatGPT (OpenAI), DeepSeek, Kimi For Coding, and MiniMax, plus local models. See the models documentation for the full list.
- Can I use my existing Claude or ChatGPT subscription?
- Yes. Finch supports logging in with an existing Claude or ChatGPT subscription account, no separate API key required. Pay-as-you-go API keys are also supported, and both methods can be used together.
- Does Finch support DeepSeek?
- Yes. Finch includes built-in support for DeepSeek V4 Pro and DeepSeek V4 Flash via API key.
- Can I connect a local model?
- Yes. Besides cloud models, Finch supports adding a custom provider to connect a locally hosted model for privacy needs.
Capabilities and extensions
- How does Finch's memory work?
- Finch retains important information about you, projects, and spaces across sessions, so a new conversation can continue earlier work without re-explaining context.
- What are mini tools? How are they different from MCP?
- Mini tools are Finch's code-level extension mechanism, handing deterministic logic to code; MCP is a standard protocol for connecting external services and data sources. Both extend Finch's capabilities and can be combined as needed. Read the mini tools docs →
- Can Finch run tasks on a schedule automatically?
- Yes. Finch supports scheduled automation for fixed tasks such as information collection, operational summaries, and monitoring reports.
- Is Finch suitable for enterprise AI adoption?
- Yes. Finch Enterprise offers cloud, hybrid, or on-premise deployment for organizations, connecting AI agents, team knowledge, and collaboration workflows to help teams adopt AI across existing work. See Finch Enterprise →
Privacy and security
- Does Finch read my local files?
- Only directories you explicitly authorize. Finch follows local-first, minimal-necessary principles and does not access other files without authorization.
- Are file writes, shell commands, and similar actions safe?
- These actions are governed by tiered permission confirmations; sensitive actions require your explicit authorization and are never run automatically without confirmation.
Comparisons
- How is Finch different from OpenCode?
- OpenCode is a terminal-based AI coding agent built for developers who work in the command line. Finch is a desktop GUI app that covers a broader range of tasks beyond coding, without requiring terminal familiarity. See Finch vs OpenCode →
- How is Finch different from OpenClaw?
- OpenClaw is a self-hosted personal-assistant gateway that you deploy and connect to chat apps like WhatsApp and Telegram. Finch is a download-and-use desktop app that works directly in a local interface, with no server or messaging-channel setup required. See Finch vs OpenClaw →
- How is Finch different from Claude Desktop?
- Claude Desktop is Anthropic's official client, built mainly around Claude models. Finch is model-agnostic, supporting 13+ providers including Claude (you can log in with your Claude subscription directly), plus cross-session memory, mini tools, and automation. See Finch vs Claude Desktop →
- How is Finch different from Codex?
- Codex is OpenAI's official coding-agent product line, built primarily around OpenAI's own models. Finch is a model-agnostic desktop agent that switches freely across 13+ model providers and covers more than coding. See Finch vs Codex →
- How is Finch different from DeepSeek Harness?
- DeepSeek Harness is DeepSeek's official open-source "everything is a plugin" agent framework for developers to assemble their own runtime. Finch is a download-and-use desktop app with no framework to set up first. See Finch vs DeepSeek Harness →
- How is Finch different from Pi?
- Pi is a minimal terminal coding agent for developers; permission confirmation and cross-session memory require writing your own extensions. Finch is a ready-to-use desktop agent where these capabilities are built in by default. See Finch vs Pi →