# Open CoDesign — Open-Source AI Design Tool with Multi-Model Support

> A local-first, open-source alternative to commercial AI design tools that generates prototypes, slides, and PDFs from prompts using Claude, GPT, Gemini, or local models via Ollama.

## Install

Save in your project root:

# Open CoDesign — Open-Source AI Design Tool with Multi-Model Support

## Quick Use
```bash
git clone https://github.com/OpenCoworkAI/open-codesign.git
cd open-codesign
npm install && npm run build

# Start the desktop app
npm run start

# Or run the web version
npm run dev
# Open http://localhost:5173
```

## Introduction
Open CoDesign puts AI-powered design generation on your own machine. Instead of sending designs through third-party services, you bring your own API key for any supported model and generate UI prototypes, presentation slides, and exportable documents locally. The MIT-licensed codebase ensures full transparency and customization.

## What Open CoDesign Does
- Generates web, desktop, and mobile UI prototypes from text prompts
- Creates presentation slides with consistent visual themes
- Exports to HTML, PDF, PPTX, and MP4 formats
- Supports multiple LLM providers including Claude, GPT, Gemini, Kimi, GLM, and Ollama
- Provides a desktop app via Electron and a browser-based interface

## Architecture Overview
Open CoDesign is built as a TypeScript Electron app with a Vite-powered web frontend. The prompt engine parses design requests and routes them to the selected LLM provider. Generated designs render in a sandboxed preview iframe. A template system provides reusable design components and layout primitives. Export pipelines convert the rendered output to various formats using Puppeteer for PDF and HTML capture.

## Self-Hosting & Configuration
- Requires Node.js 18+ for the web version or the Electron binary for desktop
- Bring your own API key for any supported provider via the settings panel
- For offline use, configure a local Ollama endpoint with a capable model
- Design templates are stored as JSON files and can be customized or extended
- All generated designs stay on your machine unless you choose to export

## Key Features
- BYOK (Bring Your Own Key) for any supported LLM provider
- Local-first architecture with no data leaving your machine
- Multi-format export (HTML, PDF, PPTX, MP4)
- Cross-platform desktop app and web interface
- Extensible template system for consistent design output

## Comparison with Similar Tools
- **Claude Design** — proprietary and cloud-only; Open CoDesign is open source and local-first
- **Figma** — manual design tool; Open CoDesign generates designs from prompts
- **v0 by Vercel** — generates React components; Open CoDesign targets broader design artifacts including slides and PDFs
- **Penpot** — collaborative design tool; Open CoDesign focuses on AI generation rather than manual drawing

## FAQ
**Q: Which LLM works best for design generation?**
A: Claude and GPT-4 class models produce the highest quality designs. Smaller local models work for simpler layouts but may struggle with complex multi-component pages.

**Q: Can I use my company design system?**
A: Yes, you can add custom CSS themes and component templates that the AI will use as building blocks.

**Q: Is the generated code production-ready?**
A: Generated HTML and CSS is clean and semantic, but treating it as a starting point for production rather than final output is recommended.

**Q: Does it work fully offline?**
A: Yes, with Ollama or another local LLM provider, the entire workflow runs without internet access.

## Sources
- https://github.com/OpenCoworkAI/open-codesign

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Source: https://tokrepo.com/en/workflows/asset-b894a9e1
Author: AI Open Source