Frequently asked questions

Does GOAT run the model?

No. Your configured engine runs it. GOAT provides the workspace, context, tool coordination and interface. See Models and engines.

Do I need an account?

GOAT does not require a GOAT account. An engine, MCP service, Hindsight deployment or external funding provider may have its own authentication.

Can everything stay on my Mac?

Local engines and local memory providers can keep that processing and storage on your Mac. Configured remote services, previews and approved network-enabled commands can communicate externally. Local servers may also make their own connections. See Privacy.

Is every OpenAI-compatible server supported?

Compatibility depends on actual endpoints, streaming and feature behavior. The engine reference distinguishes presets from live-tested combinations. A preset alone is not a compatibility certification.

Does a Pen send all my files to the model?

No. Binding a folder does not automatically ingest its contents. Context depends on the instructions, selected content and tools in use.

Does memory train the model?

No. Memory supplies retained context to later requests. Its storage and retrieval depend on the selected provider.

Can GOAT run a terminal or background server?

Native command jobs are non-interactive, bounded and confined to a Pen. Detached services are unsupported. External MCP tools have independent behavior and permissions.

Which Macs are supported?

Kid targets Apple Silicon and macOS 26 or later. Model memory requirements depend on the model and engine. Intel builds are not provided.

Where is the download?

Download 0.1.1 (Kid) from GitHub Releases. The Mac app is signed and notarized; it requires Apple Silicon and macOS 26 or later. Follow Getting started for installation and engine setup. Source build instructions remain available in Contributing.

Do rendering caches contain my only copy of a chat?

No. Chats use durable SQLite storage and attachments use files. Rendering caches are bounded, disposable work; evicting them is not deletion of the saved transcript. See Storage.

For a specific failure, start with Troubleshooting.

Is 0.1.1 the M7 release?

No. 0.1.1 is a Kid maintenance release covering sidebar fixes, preference reset, recoverable uninstall and the Finder installer. M7 remains the broader polish plan for a possible Yearling release. See the roadmap.