79% of ChatGPT level
Short drafts on a small computer
Runs in:
Fits on:
· needs ~2 GB · Free to download · License: Llama 3.2 Community License
Write emails and letters
Draft replies, complaints and formal letters fast.
The tools below run on your computer. Most of them are free, and the local work stays on your machine.
Works offline · Free options
Your computer
Describe your computer
Pick the closest line. Office PC and Mini PC are estimates. Linux and a home server stay in the list. We guess the specs, then hide models that would not fit. The guess stays cautious.
2 results
Most tools here are free.
Writing
HONEST COMPARISON
Local or cloud: Write emails and letters?
Reviewed Oct 2026
- Privacy: Local winsPrivate mail stays on your PC
- Cost: Local winsA free small model handles a letter
- Quality: TieBoth write a decent short email
- Ease: Cloud winsThe browser is open already
Local AI
Short letters and emails are a comfortable job for a small local model.
- Personal letters stay on your computer
- A 3B model is enough for a short note
- No account required
Where it falls short
- Tone can sound generic
- It will not know your mailbox or calendar
Cloud & apps
Cloud writers are faster to open and a bit better at matching a formal tone.
- CChatGPTCloud AIFreemiumPopular choice
Quick drafts for a reply when you paste the thread.
Best for: RepliesFormal tone
The email text is uploaded
- CClaudeCloud AIFreemium
Careful with a longer, more delicate letter.
Best for: Sensitive wording
The letter is uploaded
Our take
Write ordinary and private mail locally. Use the cloud when you want a more polished tone and the text is not sensitive.
Choose local if…
- The letter is personal
- You send a lot of similar notes
Choose cloud if…
- You want a formal tone checked
- You are already in a browser
How to do it in 3 steps
- Open the model page and pick any app under Runs in, for example AnythingLLM, GPT4All or Jan. Each app page links to that maker's own guide.
- Open the Llama 3.2 3B page and check the traffic light for a few kinds of computer.
- Follow that official guide. This site does not add its own install steps.
Questions
- Does this upload my files?
- The local tools on this page don't upload your files. The cloud options in the comparison do.
- What does it cost?
- Most options are free. A few apps are a one-time purchase, and a few models need a computer with more memory.
- What if it will not fit?
- Use Check my computer, or turn on the lighter memory filters. A red light on the model page means the file is too big.
Not into local AI? Try these instead
Ordinary apps for writing. These are normal links to the maker's site.
Scrivener
A long-form writing desk for drafts, chapters, and research notes.
ScrivenerUlysses
A focused writing app for essays, posts, and books on a Mac.
UlyssesHemingway Editor
An editor that flags long sentences and dense wording.
Hemingway Editor