Appearance
Install Pencel
Pencel is a desktop app for macOS, Windows and Linux. Installing it takes a few minutes. When you're done, you'll be signed in and looking at Home, ready to pick your first Room.
What you need
| Requirement | |
|---|---|
| macOS | macOS 12 (Monterey) or later, on Apple Silicon or Intel |
| Windows | Windows 10 or later, 64-bit |
| Linux | 64-bit, Ubuntu 20.04 or later (AppImage) |
| Memory | 8 GB RAM |
| Disk space | 2 GB free |
| Internet | Needed to sign in and for anything that uses AI or your connected accounts |
You don't need an API key or a paid plan to start. New accounts get free starter credits. See Accounts, plans and credits.
1. Download
Go to pencel.ai/download and pick your platform.
- macOS: choose .dmg (Apple Silicon) for M-series Macs or .dmg (Intel) for older Macs. Open the file and drag Pencel into your Applications folder.
- Windows: click Download for Windows. A small installer from the Microsoft Store downloads. Open it, and Pencel installs and opens on its own. You can also search for Pencel in the Microsoft Store app.
- Linux: download the .AppImage file, make it executable (right-click ▸ Properties ▸ allow running as a program, or run
chmod +xon it), then open it.
First launch on a Mac takes about a minute
The first time you open Pencel, macOS checks the whole app before it starts. You'll see only a bouncing Dock icon for about a minute. Every launch after that is quick. If macOS asks whether you're sure you want to open an app downloaded from the internet, click Open.
Windows PCs that block the Microsoft Store
Some work computers don't allow the Microsoft Store. On those, click Download the .exe instead under the Windows button, run it and follow the steps. You can choose where to install it. If Windows shows a SmartScreen screen the first time you run it, click More info, then Run anyway.
2. Sign in
Pencel opens on a Welcome to Pencel screen. Sign in one of three ways:
- Continue with Google
- Continue with GitHub. Pencel shows a short code. Enter it on the GitHub page that opens, then come back to Pencel.
- Email and password. Click Sign up, fill in your name, email and a password, then click Create account. Forgot your password? Click Forgot password? and Pencel emails you a 6-digit reset code.
Signing in is required, even if you plan to use your own API key.
If you signed up with email, Pencel also sends a 6-digit code to verify your address. Enter it under Settings ▸ Account. Google and GitHub accounts are verified automatically. You need a verified email to get the free starter credits.
3. Accept the terms
Next you'll see Before you continue.
- Tick I have read and agree to the Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
- Leave Share anonymous usage analytics ticked if you want the free starter credits. Pencel never collects your conversations, documents or keys. You can change this later in Settings ▸ Privacy.
- Click Agree & continue.
Decline & sign out signs you out. You must accept the terms to use Pencel.
4. Land on Home
After a short welcome animation, Pencel opens on Home. The first time, Home shows a few setup cards, starting with What should Pencel find for you? Pick one and Pencel sets up a working room for you. You can skip any card.
Your free starter credits are added in the background once your email is verified and analytics sharing is on.
Next: follow the Quickstart to get your first real result.
Updates
Pencel updates itself. It checks for a new version when it starts and every few hours after that, and downloads it in the background.
- When an update is ready, a bar at the top of the window says so. Click Restart & Install, or Later to finish what you're doing. If you choose Later, the update installs the next time you quit Pencel.
- To check by hand, open Settings ▸ Account and scroll to Version & Updates. Click Check for Updates. When the download finishes, click Install & Restart.
Your workspace, documents and history are kept through every update.