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Surf

Surf is an open-source desktop AI notebook that organizes local files and web sources into notebooks and uses selected language models to generate research notes and interactive applets.

Explore the practical guide ↓

Independent OpenViST project profile, based on linked sources.

Surf — OpenViST project profile in RAG & Knowledge Systems.
OpenViST project illustration. See the linked sources for product details.
Understand the project

Practical overview

When it fits

Use Surf when research spans files and web sources and you want to collect, compare and turn that material into notes without moving repeatedly between a browser and a document editor.

Who it is for

  • Researchers and students who want to collect web and file-based material in a single workspace.
  • People synthesizing PDFs, webpages, videos and other sources into notes.
  • Users who want a choice of hosted or local language models for notebook features.

Documented uses

  • Organize local files, websites and web links into notebooks.
  • Ask questions about a PDF or YouTube video and generate notes from sources.
  • Search the web and bring results into research notes.
  • Create interactive applets to visualize or explore concepts and data.
Before you choose

Requirements & limits

The project describes Surf as a desktop application for macOS, Windows and Linux. Its repository links an installation guide. Model options include bringing a key, adding a cloud model or using a local language model.

  • Surf's library is stored locally in open formats using its Surf Flat File System.
  • The project says much of the library can be used offline; it does not claim that every AI feature works offline.
  • Model access varies by choice: the project describes bring-your-own-key, cloud and local-model options.
  • The source code is Apache 2.0 by default, with specified licensing exceptions.
  • The listed implementation stack is primarily Svelte, TypeScript and Rust.

Check current requirements in the official documentation. Source-based guidance does not mean OpenViST has run or independently tested this project.

Source-based practical guide

Organize research materials in a Surf notebook

Collect local files and web links in a notebook and use them as sources for notes.

Before you start

  • Surf installed on macOS, Windows, or Linux.
  • Local files or web pages/links to organize.

Steps

  1. Add local files, websites, or web links to Surf’s library.

  2. Organize library materials into notebooks.

  3. Open a resource or tab and use an @-mention to generate notes from it.

Expected outcome

A notebook organizes research materials, and generated notes can draw on a selected library resource or tab.

Guide limitations

  • The library can be used offline only for much of its content.
  • The repository points to separate installation and Smart Notes documentation for detailed instructions.
Documentation 1 ↗
Source-based practical guide

Create notes from a PDF or YouTube video

Ask a question about a PDF or YouTube video and use Surf to create notes.

Before you start

  • Surf installed.
  • A PDF available to open, or a YouTube video to visit.

Steps

  1. Open the PDF in Surf, or visit a YouTube video.

  2. Ask a question about the resource to create notes.

Expected outcome

Surf can generate notes in response to a question about the opened PDF or visited video.

Guide limitations

  • The README identifies these as things to try but does not provide detailed steps or model setup instructions.
Documentation 1 ↗
Evidence and transparency

Sources & review

Official repository ↗
Source record details
Source availability
Active
Sources checked
10 October 2026
Original website title
deta/surf · Official homepage title · retained in its source language
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