lynxoffice word <file> --extract and extract_docx_structure.How the AI Works
Two layers run entirely on your Mac. The third is optional and stays off until you set it up.
1. Apple's On-Device Model
On macOS 26 with Apple Intelligence turned on, LynxOffice uses the foundation model built into macOS to write document summaries in the document's language and draft replies to comments in the comment's language. It runs on your Mac, and your documents never leave it.
2. The Document Engine
A built-in parser and formula engine work without any AI model. The engine reads structure, headings, comments, and tracked changes directly from the file and calculates cell values and formula results, so the answers are consistent every time and work on macOS 13.
3. Your Own Assistant (Optional)
The same engine is available through MCP, so your AI assistant can work with your files directly. It stays off until you configure it. Content leaves your Mac only if you use Hand off, which copies a prompt to your clipboard, or connect an MCP client yourself, and what that assistant does with it is governed by that assistant, not by us.
All six Home tools work without Apple Intelligence. Without it, they run on the document engine and Apple's language framework, giving the same analysis on every run. Written summaries and drafted replies appear when Apple Intelligence is available.
Four Ways to Use the Engine
The same document engine behind each: on your Mac with LynxOffice, or inside your own app with the SDK.
Six Tools on the Home Screen
Find out what a document is about, summarize its review, evaluate a formula, make a scan searchable, or hand a document to your assistant.
Built into the app
Learn moreMCP Server
Let Claude Desktop, Claude Code, Codex CLI, or any MCP client read and edit your files on your Mac.
19 local tools
Learn moreCommand Line
Query workbooks, accept tracked changes, and merge or split PDFs from Terminal or a script.
Terminal and scripts
Learn moreComOfficeKit SDK
Build the engine into your own iPhone, iPad, or Mac app to read, edit, save, and render Office files on the device.
For developers
Learn moreFrequently Asked Questions
Do the AI tools need Apple Intelligence?
No. All six Home tools run on the document engine and Apple's language framework without it, and give the same analysis on every run. Written summaries and drafted replies appear when Apple Intelligence is available on macOS 26.
Does connecting an agent send my documents somewhere?
It can. The server runs locally and uploads nothing, but a connected assistant reads file contents through it, and a cloud-based assistant sends what it reads to its service. The connection stays off until you set it up. The only other way content leaves your Mac is Hand off, which copies a prompt to your clipboard.
Do I have to install anything else?
No. The six AI tools on the Home screen and all of the editors work with nothing else installed. The MCP server and the command-line tool are separate helpers, for when you want an AI assistant or a script to use the document engine, and you install them with Homebrew.
What is the difference between the MCP server and the command line?
They run the same document engine. The MCP server is for your AI assistant, which calls its 19 tools for you when you ask. The command line is for you and your scripts: you run a command and get plain text, TSV, or JSON back.
Free During Early Release
Download LynxOffice, open any document, and try the six AI tools.