Dyad
Generate full-stack web applications from natural-language prompts locally on your own machine with no vendor lock-in
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What is Dyad?
Dyad is a local, open-source AI app builder that helps you create apps from natural-language prompts on your own machine. It is positioned as an alternative to tools like v0, Lovable, Bolt, and Replit, but with zero lock-in and full user control. The site emphasizes that you can use your favorite AI models and tools while keeping your code and workflow portable.
The product is built for end-to-end app creation, not just code generation. It supports full-stack workflows with Supabase for database, auth, and server functions, built-in security reviews for common issues like SQL injection and XSS, and publishing to GitHub and Vercel or your own cloud. Dyad also highlights flexibility through support for different AI models, MCP servers, and JavaScript frameworks.
Because Dyad runs locally and is open source, it focuses heavily on privacy, ownership, and transparency. The website says you can inspect, fork, and extend the codebase, and that the app runs on your computer so you are not dependent on a proprietary platform. This makes it especially appealing for developers who want control, offline-capable workflows, and freedom to move between tools.
It is aimed at builders who want to move quickly without being locked into a hosted SaaS environment. The quickstart and marketing copy suggest it is also suitable for beginners who want guidance, since it provides setup steps, suggestions for first apps, and a simple approve-and-run flow after generation.
Dyad pricing
Pricing model: Freemium
Dyad Free is free and includes the local open-source AI app builder, downloadable macOS and Windows apps, no sign-up required, bring-your-own API key support, and community support. Dyad Pro costs $20/month and adds exclusive Pro modes for large codebases, 200 AI credits/month, and full Dyad Academy access. Dyad Max costs $79/month and includes everything in Pro plus 900 AI credits/month, prioritized office hours access, and the ability to reload credits at the same price.
Dyad pros
- Runs locally on your machine
- Open-source and inspectable codebase
- No sign-up required for the free tier
- Zero lock-in
- Supports bringing your own API keys
- Works with multiple AI providers
- Compatible with free AI models
- Can import existing apps
- Can export code anytime
- Supports Supabase integration
- Built-in security reviews
- Can deploy to GitHub
- Can deploy to Vercel
- Supports custom MCP servers
- Works with JavaScript templates and frameworks
- Full-stack app builder
- Preview runs on your computer
- Agnostic to model choice
- Offline-capable workflow
- Community-driven development
Dyad cons
- Importing apps is experimental
- Importing only supports Node.js JavaScript apps
- Non-JavaScript frameworks are not supported for import
- Requires Node.js setup before use
- AI access usually requires external API keys
- Some features are reserved for Pro plans
- Pro plan includes usage limits on AI credits
- Max plan is relatively expensive
- Windows users must bypass a Microsoft warning
- Local setup may be harder for non-technical users
Frequently asked questions about Dyad
Is Dyad free?
Yes. Dyad Free is free to use and is meant for getting started and building apps locally. The free plan includes the local open-source app builder, downloadable macOS and Windows versions, no sign-up required, bring-your-own API key support, and community support.
What can you build with Dyad?
Dyad is designed for building web apps end to end from natural-language prompts. The website highlights full-stack apps with Supabase, custom JavaScript-based apps, apps that can be imported and exported, and projects that can be deployed to GitHub, Vercel, or your own cloud.
Does Dyad run in the cloud?
No. Dyad is built to run locally on your machine. The website emphasizes that this gives you more privacy, ownership, and control, and avoids lock-in to a hosted platform.
Do I need my own AI account?
Usually yes. Dyad is built to work with your favorite AI models and tools, and the quickstart says you typically set up AI access through providers like Google Gemini, Anthropic Claude, or OpenAI. You can bring your own API key instead of depending on a bundled account.
Which AI models does Dyad support?
The website says Dyad works with OpenAI, Google, Anthropic, and free models. It also says you can add almost any model in seconds, which reflects the app's model-flexible design.
Can I import an existing app into Dyad?
Yes, but the feature is experimental. Dyad supports importing existing JavaScript apps, including projects built with tools like Lovable, v0, or Bolt, but it currently only supports Node.js-based JavaScript apps.
What kinds of apps are not supported for import?
Dyad does not currently support importing apps built with non-JavaScript frameworks. The website specifically notes that frameworks like Laravel or Ruby on Rails are not supported for import.
Does Dyad support deployment?
Yes. The website says you can publish or deploy to GitHub and Vercel in a few clicks, or connect your own cloud. It presents deployment as part of the end-to-end workflow.
What setup do I need before building?
You need to install Node.js and set up access to an AI provider before creating apps. The quickstart explains that Dyad shows a setup banner on first launch and guides you through these steps before you start generating code.
Is Dyad safe to use?
The website frames Dyad as open source so users can inspect the code that runs on their machine. It also stresses local execution and built-in security reviews, which are meant to catch critical issues before they become problems.