Streamlining Your Writing Process with Cotypist
The engagement with AI technologies tends to be limited for many users, often due to the cumbersome interfaces that accompany them—primarily, the chatbot format. This setup feels awkward and isn’t a natural method for seeking assistance from a computer. It raises an important question: why can’t AI seamlessly integrate into the platforms where users are already active?
Enter Cotypist, a free application designed specifically for Mac systems. Created by Daniel Gräfe, this innovative tool provides a mobile-like autocomplete feature across all installed applications on a Mac. Notably, it operates using a standalone language model stored locally on your device, requiring an Apple Silicon processor for optimal performance (with 16 GB RAM recommended).
As you type, suggested text appears adjacent to the cursor in a subtle gray, regardless of the application in use. Users can accept suggestions by pressing “Tab” or the “`” key for taking the next option. This interactive feature aims to enhance writing speed by presenting probable words you intend to use—embracing those suggestions you like and skipping the irrelevant ones. Gräfe poetically describes this interaction as “dancing with the AI,” a concept that adds a charming perspective to the writing process.
The installation and setup process is user-friendly. Following the download, you’ll encounter a brief tutorial guiding you through enabling necessary permissions. The app will automatically select and download a suitable large language model tailored to your device capabilities. Once these steps are completed, word suggestions will start populating as you write.
Credit: Justin Pot
Customization options are accessible via the menu bar icon, allowing users to disable suggestions in specific applications either temporarily or permanently. This feature proves beneficial for those who may find suggestions distracting in certain contexts while still valuing them in others. Users can also modify keyboard shortcuts to manage how they accept suggestions effectively.
Credit: Justin Pot
Another intriguing feature of Cotypist is the ability to set personalized instructions for the AI, effectively configuring a foundational text to guide its suggestions. This block can contain essential particulars such as your name, job title, and any specific guidance you want the AI to adhere to while crafting content.
Using Cotypist over the span of a week has revealed its potential. Occasionally, it successfully anticipates the words and concepts meant for a sentence, resulting in a tangible reduction in keystrokes. However, it can also become a source of distraction, especially for fast typists who have a clear vision of their intended text.
Writing remains a deeply personal endeavor, with each individual possessing their unique style. Cotypist might cater to those who think differently or find typing challenging. For anyone intrigued about how this tool could integrate into their writing routine, exploring its capabilities is definitely worthwhile.
