FAQ
Questions, answered
Everything we get asked most, in plain language. If something is missing, email us at socialdesignlab.ph@gmail.com.
Is my data really private?
Yes, by default. SDL AI Studio runs local AI models on your own machine, so your prompts and documents stay there. Cloud models and web search are optional and stay off until you turn them on.
Do I need internet to use it?
No, not for the core local features. Once the app and your models are installed, local chat, image generation, and your projects work offline. Internet is only needed for optional cloud tools, web search, and downloading models.
Is it a subscription?
No. Free is free forever, with daily limits. Pro is a one-time purchase of ₱1,499 that you own, covering up to 2 of your own devices, with a commercial-use license.
What is the difference between Free and Pro?
Free gives you local chat up to 20 messages a day, image generation up to 5 a day, 3 AI Roles, and personal use, with no account needed. Pro adds unlimited chat and image generation, all AI Roles, Agent Mode and Deep Research, a larger private knowledge base, and a commercial-use license, on up to 2 of your own devices.
What are AI Roles?
AI Roles are reusable roles you switch into, such as researcher, writer, planner, or coder. Each one is a ready-made persona and prompt setup that changes how the AI responds. They are tools you choose to use, not autonomous agents acting on their own.
Can I use it for my business, including commercial work?
Free is for personal use. Pro includes a commercial-use license, so you can use it for client work and other business purposes on up to 2 of your own devices.
Which operating systems does it support?
SDL AI Studio runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux. All three are available to download now from the download page.
Do I need a powerful computer or a GPU?
A modern CPU is enough to get started, and more RAM helps when you run larger models. A GPU is optional, but it makes local chat and image generation noticeably faster.
How do payments work?
At launch, Pro is paid through GCash. You open Upgrade in the app, pay the ₱1,499 shown, upload your receipt and reference number, and we email you a license key to activate.
How many devices can I use Pro on?
Up to 2 of your own devices per license.
What is Agent Mode and Deep Research?
Both are Pro features for more involved work. Deep Research runs a multi-step research process that gathers and checks sources before writing an evidence-grounded report. Agent Mode works through a multi-step task using your AI Roles and tools, with less back and forth from you, while staying inside the workspace you control.
Can I use cloud models?
Yes, if you choose to. Cloud models and web search are optional add-ons you turn on yourself. They stay off until you enable them, so you control what, if anything, leaves your machine.
Is my license transferable? How do I move to a new device?
Your Pro license works on up to 2 of your own devices. If you need to move to a new device, contact us and we will help you shift your activation.
How do updates work?
Updates are included. When a new version is ready, you will be able to update SDL AI Studio to get improvements and fixes at no extra cost.