What it does
Brigade runs a 'crew' of AI agents on your own computer or server. The agents are arranged on an org chart, delegate work to each other, and share one long-term memory, called Tideline, so what one learns the others can use.
The agents can act inside many everyday apps, such as Gmail, Slack, GitHub, Notion and calendars, and can read and create Word, Excel, PowerPoint and PDF files. You can talk to them from the terminal or from WhatsApp, Telegram, Slack, Discord or iMessage.
You can use almost any AI model, including local ones through Ollama, or sign in with an existing Claude, ChatGPT or Copilot subscription. Its makers say actions that need permission wait for your approval, and your keys and data stay on your machine with no tracking.
Who it's for
Tech-savvy people and teams who want a private, always-on set of AI assistants under their own control.
Can I use it without coding?
With some setup. A one-line installer sets it up on Mac or Linux, but you use it from the terminal at first. New to this? Start here.
Can I run it?
- Cost
- Free, but needs an AI accountThe software is free, but it uses an online AI service (like OpenAI or Anthropic), which usually charges for use.
- Runs on
- Mac, Linux, Server
- Computer
- An ordinary computer is fine
- Privacy
- Your choice: run it on your device or use an online service
- API key
- Not needed
Try it
- Start Brigade in your terminal to open its chat screen.
- Connect an AI model by signing in with a Claude, ChatGPT or Copilot subscription, adding an API key, or using local Ollama.
Using Claude Code, Cursor or another AI coding assistant? Paste the prompt and it will walk you through the setup.New to this?
Before you install
- Only download from the official GitHub page. Copies with similar names exist for many popular projects.
- License (MIT): Very permissive: free to use, change and share, including for business.
- More on staying safe