AI-powered task automation for everyone
Complete tasks like developers use Claude Code, Codex, or Gemini CLI - but with a friendly interface designed for non-technical users.
Problem: Powerful AI coding tools like Claude Code, Codex, and Gemini CLI are built for developers. Non-technical users miss out on AI-powered task automation.
Solution: OpenWork brings the same power to everyone through a simple desktop app.
| Feature | Claude Cowork | OpenWork |
|---|---|---|
| License | Proprietary | MIT (Open Source) |
| Price | $200/month | Free |
| Models | Claude only | Any provider (Claude, GPT, Gemini, Local) |
| Self-hosting | No | Yes |
| Customization | Limited | Full source access |
Get running in under 2 minutes:
- Node.js 20+
- pnpm 9+ (
npm install -g pnpm) - API key from any provider (or use Ollama for free local models)
# Clone the repo
git clone https://github.com/openwork-ai/openwork.git
cd openwork
# Install dependencies
pnpm install
# Set up your API keys
cp .env.example .env
# Edit .env and add at least one API key
# Launch the app
pnpm dev:desktop- Select a folder - Choose where OpenWork can read/write files
- Pick a provider - Claude, Gemini, OpenAI, or Ollama
- Try a quick action - Click "Create a file" or type your own request
| Capability | Description |
|---|---|
| File Management | Read, write, edit files in a sandboxed directory |
| Task Planning | AI breaks complex requests into actionable subtasks |
| Progress Tracking | Visual checklist showing real-time completion |
| Browser Automation | Complete web tasks with browser-use + Playwright |
| MCP Connectors | Connect to Google Calendar, Slack, Notion, and more |
Pre-built templates to get started instantly:
- Create a file - Generate documents, spreadsheets, presentations
- Crunch data - Analyze files, extract insights, create summaries
- Make a prototype - Design mockups and wireframes
- Prep for the day - Review calendar, summarize meetings
- Organize files - Sort, rename, categorize documents
- Send a message - Draft and send emails or messages
Use the AI provider that works best for you:
| Provider | Models | Setup |
|---|---|---|
| Anthropic | claude-sonnet-4, claude-opus-4.5 | Get API key |
| gemini-2.5-pro, gemini-3-pro | Get API key | |
| OpenAI | gpt-5, gpt-5-codex, o3 | Get API key |
| Ollama | llama3.3, qwen2.5, deepseek-r1 | Install Ollama (free, local) |
OpenWork Desktop App
+----------------------------------------------------------+
| React/Electron Frontend |
| +------------+ +---------------+ +------------------+ |
| | File | | Task Engine | | Context | |
| | Browser | | + Progress UI | | Manager | |
| +------------+ +---------------+ +------------------+ |
+----------------------------------------------------------+
|
+----------------------------------------------------------+
| OpenWork Core (TypeScript) |
| - Task planning and decomposition |
| - Tool selection and execution |
| - Progress tracking and reporting |
+----------------------------------------------------------+
|
+----------------------------------------------------------+
| SDK Integration Layer |
| +--------+ +--------+ +--------+ +------------------+ |
| | Claude | | Gemini | | OpenAI | | Ollama (Local) | |
| +--------+ +--------+ +--------+ +------------------+ |
+----------------------------------------------------------+
openwork/
├── apps/
│ └── desktop/ # Electron desktop application
├── packages/
│ ├── core/ # Agent orchestration engine
│ ├── file-tools/ # Sandboxed file operations
│ ├── browser-tools/ # Browser automation
│ ├── sdk-adapters/ # Multi-provider adapters
│ ├── mcp-connectors/ # MCP server integrations
│ └── ui/ # Shared UI components
├── docs/ # Documentation
└── scripts/ # Build and release scripts
- Getting Started Guide - Detailed setup instructions
- Architecture Guide - How the prompting and workflow system works
- Testing Guide - Manual testing checklist
- Troubleshooting - Common issues and solutions
# Run all packages in dev mode
pnpm dev
# Run tests
pnpm test
# Build all packages
pnpm build
# Type check
pnpm typecheck
# Format code
pnpm formatWe welcome contributions! Here's how to get started:
- Fork the repo and create your branch from
main - Make your changes and add tests if applicable
- Run tests with
pnpm test - Submit a pull request
See our Contributing Guide for detailed guidelines.
Look for issues labeled good first issue to get started.
OpenWork builds on these amazing projects:
- Claude Agent SDK - Anthropic
- Gemini CLI - Google
- OpenAI Codex - OpenAI
- browser-use - Browser automation for AI
- Playwright - Microsoft
MIT License - see LICENSE for details.
Star us on GitHub to support the project