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nicedreamzapp/claude-code-local

Runs open AI models locally on Apple Silicon Macs via MLX and serves them through an Anthropic-API-compatible server so Claude Code works offline.

Open-source alternative to:Claude Code

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What is it?

Claude Code Local is a small Python server (proxy/server.py) that runs open models on a Mac's chip using Apple's MLX framework and answers Claude Code in Anthropic's Messages API format. Because Claude Code talks to the local server directly, no cloud model or API key is needed, and prompts and code stay on the machine.

The server converts each supported model's own tool-call format, including Gemma 4, Qwen and Llama JSON, into Claude Code tool calls, repairs malformed tool JSON, and reuses the prompt cache between turns. Setup checks the Mac's memory and selects a model that fits, from Gemma 4 E4B on 8 GB machines up to Qwen 3.8 27B on 96 GB and larger.

The project also includes launchers for coding, a lightweight terminal agent, a browser agent, voice mode, and a free cloud fallback called keep going for continuing a conversation when Claude usage runs out. It is MIT licensed and requires Apple Silicon with Python 3.12.

Key features

  • 01Serves the Anthropic Messages API with streaming for Claude Code on a local MLX model.
  • 02Converts model-specific tool-call formats into Claude Code tool calls.
  • 03Reuses the prompt cache between turns to speed up long sessions.
  • 04Selects a local model based on the Mac's available memory.
  • 05Offers a keep-going option to continue a conversation with a free cloud or local model.

Use cases

  • Keep using Claude Code when a Claude usage limit has been reached.
  • Work with source code offline or in an airgapped environment on a Mac.
  • Keep prompts and code off third-party servers for sensitive work such as legal or healthcare projects.
  • Experiment with open models inside the Claude Code workflow on Apple Silicon.

Quick start

  1. 1

    Install with one command

    curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/nicedreamzapp/claude-code-local/main/install.sh | bash
  2. 2

    Or clone the repo and run setup

    git clone https://github.com/nicedreamzapp/claude-code-local && cd claude-code-local && bash setup.sh
  3. 3

    Double-click Claude Local.command on your Desktop to start coding locally

Things to know

  • Requires a Mac with Apple Silicon (M1 or newer); it does not run on other platforms.
  • Larger models need substantial unified memory, and 8 GB Macs get a model with known tool-use problems.

Topics

#local-llm#apple-silicon#mlx#claude-code#anthropic-api#offline-ai#on-device-ai#privacy#abliterated#ai-privacy

FAQ

What is claude-code-local?
Runs open AI models locally on Apple Silicon Macs via MLX and serves them through an Anthropic-API-compatible server so Claude Code works offline. Claude Code Local is a small Python server (proxy/server.py) that runs open models on a Mac's chip using Apple's MLX framework and answers Claude Code in Anthropic's Messages API format. Because Claude Code talks to the local server directly, no cloud model or API key is needed, and prompts and code stay on the machine.
Is claude-code-local free to use? What license does it have?
claude-code-local is open source under the MIT license. Check the license terms before using it in commercial products.
Is claude-code-local still maintained?
Actively maintained. The last commit to claude-code-local was on Oct 15, 2026.
What can I use claude-code-local for?
Keep using Claude Code when a Claude usage limit has been reached. Work with source code offline or in an airgapped environment on a Mac. Keep prompts and code off third-party servers for sensitive work such as legal or healthcare projects. Experiment with open models inside the Claude Code workflow on Apple Silicon.
How do I install claude-code-local?
Install with one command: curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/nicedreamzapp/claude-code-local/main/install.sh | bash Or clone the repo and run setup: git clone https://github.com/nicedreamzapp/claude-code-local && cd claude-code-local && bash setup.sh Double-click Claude Local.command on your Desktop to start coding locally
Where can I get claude-code-local?
The source code and installation instructions are on GitHub: https://github.com/nicedreamzapp/claude-code-local

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