Summarizes, extracts, and rewrites content from files.
BeaconFind
About BeaconFind
BeaconFind is a desktop application for Windows that indexes files on a user’s machine and allows them to search by natural language descriptions rather than filenames. The tool uses on-device AI to analyze the content of documents, images, screenshots and other file types, enabling users to find files even when they only remember fragments of their content. It supports semantic search across over 50 languages and can retrieve files based on visual content in images. The application runs entirely locally with no cloud processing or telemetry, keeping all file contents and searches private. Users can control which folders are indexed and adjust background indexing behavior. Search results appear instantly via a keyboard shortcut, and the tool offers multiple filter modes and saved views for refining searches. It also provides direct answers to questions about file contents with citations to the source documents.
Key features
- Local AI processing with no cloud dependency
- Semantic search across documents and images
- Multi-language support (50+ languages)
- Instant search via keyboard shortcut
- Folder and metadata filtering options
- Direct answers to questions about file contents
- Customizable background indexing
- Citation links to source documents
Use cases
- Finding documents when only partial content is remembered
- Locating images by visual content rather than filename
- Answering specific questions about file contents with citations
Pros
- Indexes files locally without uploading to cloud
- Searches by meaning across documents, images and notes
- Supports semantic search in over 50 languages
- Provides direct answers to questions about file contents
- Offers multiple filter modes and saved views
Cons
- Windows-only application
- No free tier available
- macOS support listed as coming soon
- Requires local installation and indexing
BeaconFind videos
Frequently asked questions about BeaconFind
What is BeaconFind and how does it work?
BeaconFind is a desktop application for Windows that indexes files on a user’s machine and enables searching by natural language descriptions rather than filenames. It uses on-device AI to analyze the content of documents, images, screenshots, and other file types, allowing users to find files even when they only remember fragments of their content.
Who is BeaconFind designed for?
BeaconFind is designed for anyone who needs to quickly locate files on their Windows PC, especially when they only remember fragments of the content or context. It suits professionals, researchers, students, or anyone managing large collections of documents, images, or notes.
Does BeaconFind send my files or searches to the cloud?
No, BeaconFind operates entirely locally on your device. All file indexing, analysis, and searching occur on your machine, and nothing is sent to the cloud or shared externally, ensuring your data remains private.
Can BeaconFind search across different languages?
Yes, BeaconFind supports semantic search across over 50 languages. Users can type a query in one language and find files written in another without needing to translate or re-type the search terms.
How do I get started with BeaconFind?
Getting started with BeaconFind involves three simple steps: add the folders you want to index, allow the local AI to analyze the files, and then use the keyboard shortcut (Ctrl+K) to search by describing what you remember in plain language.
Can BeaconFind find files based on visual content in images?
Yes, BeaconFind can retrieve files based on visual content in images, screenshots, and scans. For example, searching for a 'whiteboard sketch' will surface photos of whiteboard diagrams without relying on filenames.