01What Is Claude Code Local and How It Works
Claude Code Local is an open source project that lets you run Claude Code on your own machine for free. It works with local AI models like Gemma 4, Llama 3.3, and Qwen 3.5. This means you do not need to pay for cloud usage or depend on an internet connection.
Everything runs right on your Mac, so your data stays on your device.
It uses a method called Google TurboQuant to get more performance out of local models. This also helps the agent harness work better, which means the AI can use tools more effectively. Normally, local models struggle with tool calling, but Claude Code Local fixes that.
It runs in a different process and order, making it smarter when using tools.
You can switch between models based on what you need. Gemma 4 is fast and light, Llama 3.3 is a middle option, and Qwen 3.5 is the most powerful. The amount of RAM you have on your Mac affects how quickly it responds and how powerful it runs.
02Main Features: Offline, Free, and Full Claude Code Access
Claude Code Local gives you three big advantages: it is free, it works offline, and it keeps everything local. You can use it on a plane or anywhere without internet. That is something you cannot do with the regular cloud Claude Code.
You get the full Claude Code functionality. You can type forward slash commands, ask side questions while the main process runs, and press Control and O to see exactly what it is doing. You can also create apps and run tasks like redesigning a website or building an SEO calculator.
Here are some cool extra features:
- Hands-free voice control – you can speak to it and it replies in your voice.
- iMessage control – you can control it from your phone, and it works offline.
- Browser control – you can use it to control your browser.
- Multiple model options – switch between Gemma 4, Llama 3.3, and Qwen 3.5.
It is designed for Mac, and you can choose different engines like Olama, Llama CPP, or MOX native for speed.
03How to Set Up Claude Code Local
Setting up Claude Code Local is straightforward. You do not need to be a technical expert. The project gives you a quick start method that uses Claude Code itself to help you install everything.
- Find the quick start instructions in the project's documentation.
- Copy and paste those instructions directly into your Claude Code chat.
- Claude Code will then configure the setup for you, including checking that it is using the right local model like Gemma 4.
- It will verify that everything is working correctly.
- Once set up, you will have a desktop shortcut that runs Claude Code with your local models.
If you get stuck, you can ask Claude Code to help you fix the setup. In the episode, it had no problems configuring itself and confirming that Gemma 4 was running.
This makes it easy even for beginners. You do not have to manually edit config files or install complex dependencies.
04How to Use Claude Code Local: Walkthrough and Examples
Once Claude Code Local is running, you use it just like regular Claude Code, but everything is local. In the episode, Julian tested it by asking it to create a nice SEO calculator as a simple HTML page. It responded quickly and worked well.
You can also ask side questions while the main process is running. For example, you can type 'by the way, what day is it?' and it will answer without stopping the main task. This is a handy feature for multitasking.
To see what the AI is doing in the background, press Control and O. This shows you exactly what tasks it is working on, which is useful for understanding its progress.
You can also use the voice feature. Speak into it, and it will reply in your voice. This is great for hands-free use.
And if you want to control it from your phone, use iMessage. That works offline too, so you can send commands even without internet.
You can switch between models depending on your need. Use Gemma 4 for fast, lightweight tasks. Use Qwen 3.5 for more powerful work.
Llama 3.3 is a balanced middle option.
05Results and Comparisons: Speed and Tool Use
In the episode, Julian compared Claude Code Local with other ways of using local models. Olama with Claude Code is okay, but not great. Claude Code Local runs differently, in a different process and order, so it uses tools better and is smarter overall.
When it comes to speed, the engine choice matters. MOX native is the fastest, giving more tokens per second. Olama is slower.
Llama CPP is a bit slower too. So if you want maximum speed, pick MOX native.
The test with the SEO calculator showed that Claude Code Local is responsive and can complete real tasks, not just simple chats. It made the HTML page without issues.
Tool call reliability is a big win. Local models typically struggle with tool calling because they are not designed to be agentic. Claude Code Local fixes this, so it works like a proper agent.
Performance depends on your Mac's RAM. An M1 Pro can run Gemma 4. A Max chip can run Gemma 4 or Qwen 3.5.
An Ultra chip can run all three models.
06Tips, Limits, and Mistakes to Avoid
One limit is that it is designed for Mac only. If you are on Windows or Linux, you may not be able to use it easily. Also, the power of the models depends on your RAM.
More RAM means you can run bigger models like Qwen 3.5, but less RAM restricts you to smaller ones like Gemma 4.
Do not expect the same power as the full cloud Claude Code. Gemma 4 is fast but not that powerful. If you need heavy reasoning, switch to Qwen 3.5.
For simple tasks, Gemma 4 is fine.
Another tip: use the quick start method to let Claude Code set up everything for you. This avoids manual errors. Also, pick the right engine for speed.
MOX native is fastest, so use it if you want quick responses.
Be aware that local models may still have limits compared to the hosted version. But for free, offline use, it is a great trade-off.
- Use MOX native for speed.
- Use the right model for your task size.
- Keep your data local for privacy.
07Who Is Claude Code Local For and Why It Matters
Claude Code Local is for anyone who wants to use Claude Code without paying for cloud usage. It is also great for people who need to work offline, like travelers or remote workers. If you care about privacy, this keeps everything on your Mac, so your data never leaves your device.
It is also good for developers and AI hobbyists who want to experiment with local models. You can try different models like Gemma 4, Llama 3.3, and Qwen 3.5, all for free. This makes it accessible to people who cannot afford expensive subscriptions.
For businesses, it means lower costs and more control. For individuals, it means you can build projects without ongoing fees. The fact that it works offline and from your phone adds even more flexibility.
In the episode, Julian highlighted that it gives you full Claude Code functionality, which means you are not missing out on features. So it matters because it makes powerful AI coding tools available to everyone, even without internet or a big budget.
08Additional Resources and Community Support
If you want to learn more about Claude Code Local, there is a 30-day roadmap inside the AI Puffer Boarding. This community helps you save time and scale with AI automation. You also get a standard operating procedure, which is a step-by-step guide for using and installing it.
Inside the community, you can ask questions and get support anytime. There are weekly coaching calls where you can go deep on tools like Claude Code, AI agents, Hermes, and OpenClaude. You can share your screen and ask about your specific setup.
You can also meet people in your local city who are doing similar AI projects. The community has a classroom with new tutorials almost every day. These cover advanced topics with step-by-step processes.
If you want the full guide, visit AIPufferBoarding.com or check the link in the description. This is a great way to stay updated and get help if you run into issues.
