Install the App
Getting Started with TensorFold on macOS (GUI Install)
TensorFold is an easy to use platform that lets you run large language models on your own computer without needing any advanced setup. Even if you're new to LLMs, you can get started quickly and see results in minutes. Be sure to watch Prompt Engineering For Beginners also. Let’s get to it.
Download the TensorFold macOS App
Open your preferred web browser and go to https://tensorfold.dev and click the “Download for Mac” button. The page will look just like the image below.
In your downloads folder double click the downloaded .dmg file for TensorFold; a Finder window will appear showing the TensorFold app icon and a shortcut to the Applications folder.
Drag the TensorFold icon into the Applications folder. In the left pain of your finder window click “Applications” and scroll to the newly installed Tensorfold.app, double click it. A box should pop- up like the one below that says “Tensorfold is an app downloaded from the internet”, your options are “Cancel” or “Open”. Click open.
Once the install is complete, eject the .dmg volume located in the left side of the finder window. You can send it to the trash.
Launch TensorFold
Navigate to your Applications folder (Finder → Applications) and double‑click the TensorFold app.
Once you are at the Welcome Screen you should see something similar to the image below. Follow the three step setup. First, choose your language and either "Minimal" or "Full" setup after you read each description.
Step 2: Choose Your Model
As seen in the image below, you can choose a recommended model based on your system specs, or you can click the "Get another model" button. Then click "Discover". If you see "Supported" next to a model then you can probably run it on your system. After you make your choice click "Continue".
*We won't go over cloud providers in tutorial. We'll only focus on running LLMs locally on your machine.
Step 3: Get Started With Your First Chat
What Is Tensorfold
Step 1: Choose Your Workspace
As you can see in the image below, you should be in the "Get Started" tab on the left. Over to the right, scroll down until you see "Choose a small first task". In this section choose "Start with an empty draft". Then click "Open Tensorfold" on the bottom right.
Now You're Ready To Go
In the chat box at the bottom type something like "Hello, how are you today?' and your chat model will respond with something pleasant and let you know it is ready to go to work.
Congratulations!
You now have a complete, beginner‑friendly roadmap for installing TensorFold on macOS using the native app and running a local LLM all without opening a terminal.
Next Steps
Once you’re comfortable with the GUI workflow, try exploring some of the different options available in Tensorfold. The TensorFold How-To Guide goes pretty in-depth and is packed with information beyond the scope of this blog post.