Beam
Beam is a native macOS ChatGPT launcher with a pay-what-you-want model. Press a hotkey to chat with AI from any app without losing context.
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What is Beam?
Beam is a native macOS application designed as a ChatGPT launcher, allowing users to access ChatGPT instantly via hotkeys without disrupting their workflow. It features a floating chat panel that overlays other applications, enabling seamless interaction with AI directly in context, such as chatting about selected text, screenshots, or PDFs. Key features include customizable AI profiles for specialized system prompts, macros for quick prompt shortcuts, templates with variables for reusable prompts, and extensions to guide model responses in tone, language, or format. It supports all OpenAI GPT models, PDF chatting, conversation history, and system actions like summarizing websites or translating text. Beam is ideal for Mac users, developers, writers, researchers, and professionals seeking to boost productivity by integrating AI into daily tasks without context switching.
The app emphasizes native macOS design for low memory usage, snappiness, and familiar UI, with full sandboxing for security and local data storage for privacy—no logins or subscriptions required from Beam itself. Users can create profiles like 'SwiftUI Developer' for code-only responses, run macros for tasks like summarization, and use command palette (⌘K) for all actions. Hotkeys like ⌃⌥Space toggle the floating panel, while features like screen capture chat (⌘⇧S) and text selection macros enhance usability.
Targeted at productivity-focused Mac users tired of browser tabs or Electron apps, Beam eliminates copying/pasting and window juggling. It's perfect for those needing quick AI assistance in coding, writing, analysis, or learning, with ongoing updates based on user feedback ensuring it evolves with needs.
Beam pricing
Pricing model: Paid
Pay What You Want model—users choose their price, including free option with full trial access. 7-day refund policy for purchases if usability issues arise (not for dislike, as free trial exists). No subscriptions or recurring fees; one-time payment unlocks the app.
Beam pros
- Hotkey-activated floating chat panel
- No workflow context switching
- Native macOS for low memory usage
- Supports all OpenAI GPT models
- Custom AI profiles with system prompts
- Macros for repeated prompt shortcuts
- Templates with variables and clipboard
- Extensions for tone, language, format
- Chat with selected text or screenshots
- PDF document chatting and analysis
- Copy last code block instantly
- Conversation history and saving
- Command palette ⌘K for all actions
- Fully sandboxed for security
- Local data storage only
- No Beam subscriptions or logins
- Frequent updates from developers
Beam cons
- Mac-only, no Windows or Linux support
- Requires own OpenAI API key
- Limited to OpenAI models
- No mobile or web version
- Pay-what-you-want may confuse pricing
- 7-day refund with strict criteria
- No iOS or iPadOS app
- Dependent on OpenAI service uptime
- Features require learning hotkeys
Frequently asked questions about Beam
What is the main hotkey to open Beam?
Press CTRL + SPACE (configurable) to open the floating chat panel over any app without leaving your context. For selected text, use CTRL + SHIFT + SPACE; screenshot chat is ⌘⇧S.
How do AI Profiles work in Beam?
Press CMD + 2 or type @ to switch profiles. Profiles are custom system prompts, e.g., 'SwiftUI Developer' for code-only replies, ensuring consistent behavior per use case.
What are Macros used for?
Macros are shortcuts for common prompts like 'translate to French' or 'summarize'. Type !, press space if input empty, or CMD+SHIFT+M on selected text.
How to use Templates?
Type / or press ⌘3 to open templates. Create by wrapping variables in [], clipboard in [clipboard], extensions as [#extension]. Fill blanks for reuse.
What Extensions does Beam offer?
Extensions guide responses; type # or ⌘E. Includes tone, language, format (e.g., table). Add to templates via [#name] for combinations.
Can I chat with PDFs?
Yes, press ⌘O to open PDF files and use ChatGPT to summarize, ask questions, or extract info directly within Beam.
Is Beam secure and private?
Fully sandboxed with no system access. All data saved locally; Beam interacts only with OpenAI API—no server storage or third-party sharing by Beam.
What pricing model does Beam use?
Pay What You Want—no fixed price, free trial included. 7-day refunds for functionality issues, not preference, since trial allows evaluation.
How to copy code blocks quickly?
Use ^⇧C to copy the last code block. ⌘⇧⏎ inserts it; general copy last message is ^C.
What global hotkeys are available?
⌃⌥Space toggles floating chat with context/macro; ⌘K opens command palette; model switch ⌘1, profile ⌘2, clear chat ⌘R, history ⌘H.