project
Open CoDesign - Open source desktop AI design tool
Open CoDesign is an open-source alternative to Claude Design, a desktop AI design tool built on Electron. It supports BYOK (with built-in API Key) integration with Claude, GPT, Gemini, DeepSeek, K...
What is Open CoDesign?
Open CoDesign is an open-source alternative to Claude Design, a desktop AI design tool built on Electron. It supports BYOK (with built-in API Key) integration with over 20 models including Claude, GPT, Gemini, DeepSeek, Kimi, and Ollam, and allows one-click import of Claude Code/Codex configurations. Users can generate interactive prototypes, slideshows, marketing pages, and other design deliverables using natural language prompts. All data is stored locally (SQLite) and can be exported in HTML, PDF, and PPTX formats.
Main functions of Open CoDesign
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Multi-model compatibilitySupports Claude, GPT, Gemini, DeepSeek, Kimi, GLM, Ollam, and any OpenAI-compatible endpoint, without being tied to a single vendor.
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One-click import configurationAutomatically reads existing configurations and API keys from Claude Code or Codex, and completes initialization within 90 seconds.
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Prompt Generative DesignAfter inputting a description, the AI Agent automatically generates a complete interactive prototype including hover state, tabs, and empty state.
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Local precise rewritingAdd a comment by clicking on any element in the preview interface. AI will only rewrite that area instead of regenerating the entire page.
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AI Adjustment SliderThe model automatically extracts adjustable parameters such as color, spacing, and font, allowing users to fine-tune the visual style in real time by dragging and dropping.
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Multi-device response previewSupports side-by-side preview of desktop, tablet, and mobile phone screens at their actual sizes, allowing you to verify the responsive layout effect in advance.
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Local version snapshotThe iteration history based on SQLite is stored on the local disk, and it supports rollback, fork, and difference comparison.
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Design system synchronizationScan the local codebase to extract Tailwind Token and CSS variables to ensure that subsequent generation conforms to existing specifications.
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Multi-format local exportSupports exporting HTML (inline CSS), PDF, PPTX, ZIP, and Markdown without requiring third-party tools.
How to use Open CoDesign
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Download and installObtain the Electron desktop client installation package for your system from the GitHub Release and complete the installation.
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Import KeyAfter startup, you can import the Claude Code / Codex configuration with one click, or manually enter the API Key of any OpenAI-compatible service.
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Select templateChoose from 15 built-in templates (landing pages, dashboards, presentations, etc.), or enter a custom prompt.
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Generate prototypeAfter submitting the description, the AI Agent plans, writes, and renders interactive design drafts in a sandbox iframe.
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Local optimizationClick on a specific element in the preview to add a comment, and the AI will accurately rewrite and adjust that area.
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Parameter fine-tuningUse AI-tuned Sliders to drag and adjust visual parameters such as color, spacing, and font until you are satisfied.
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Preview and Acceptance: Switch between desktop, tablet, and mobile phone views to verify the responsiveness of different devices.
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Export DeliveryChoose from formats such as HTML, PDF, and PPTX to export to your local device with one click and complete the design delivery.
Key information and usage requirements of Open CoDesign
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licenseUnder the MIT open-source license, the application itself is completely free; users only need to pay for their own API token.
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Operating environmentDesktop application (Electron), supports Windows / macOS / Linux.
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Data storageLocal SQLite + encrypted TOML configuration file, no mandatory account registration or telemetry upload by default.
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Model RequirementsYou must provide your own API Key (BYOK). Free model calls without a Key are not supported.
Open CoDesign's core advantages
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Zero subscription lockIn contrast to the monthly fee model of Claude Design / v0 / Lovable, it only charges based on the actual amount of tokens used, with no platform subscription fee.
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Multi-model freedomIt allows you to switch between 20+ models, including Claude, GPT, Gemini, and local Ollama, at any time, avoiding vendor lock-in.
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Data sovereigntyAll design drafts, prompts, and historical versions are stored on the local disk, eliminating data exposure and privacy risks in the cloud.
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Open source and scalableThe MIT license supports secondary development and private deployment, and allows the injection of custom design specifications through the SKILL.md file.
Open CoDesign project address
- Project official websitehttps://opencoworkai.github.io/open-codesign/
- GitHub repositoryhttps://github.com/OpenCoworkAI/open-codesign
Comparison of Open CoDesign with similar products
| Dimension | Open CoDesign | Claude Design | v0 by Vercel | Lovable |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open source license | MIT | Closed source | Closed source | Closed source |
| Operating mode | Desktop version (Electron) | Web cloud | Web cloud | Web cloud |
| Model support | 20+ (BYOK) | Claude only | GPT-4o | Multiple models |
| Local/Offline | Completely local | cloud | cloud | cloud |
| Data privacy | Local SQLite | Cloud processing | cloud | cloud |
| Export format | HTML/PDF/PPTX/ZIP | Limited | Limited | Limited |
| Version History | Local snapshot | none | none | none |
| Pricing Model | Free + Token Cost | subscription model | subscription model | subscription model |
Application Scenarios of Open CoDesign
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Rapid prototypingProduct managers and designers can quickly generate interactive, high-fidelity prototypes using natural language, shortening the requirements verification cycle.
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Marketing material productionGenerate product landing pages, pricing pages, blog layouts, and email templates with one click, and export them directly as HTML or PDF.
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Presentation generationConvert text outlines into exportable PPTX or PDF business presentations, reducing typesetting time.
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Front-end UI developmentDevelopers can use the design system based on their local codebase to generate UI components and pages that conform to the Tailwind / CSS variable specification.
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Offline/Confidential DesignIn environments without network access or in data-sensitive scenarios, design work can be completed independently using the local Ollama model.