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New to open-source AI? This page explains the basics in plain words, so the rest of the site makes sense. Read it once; come back whenever a word confuses you.

What is this?

GitHub is a website where people share the code for software, a bit like a public library for programs. Each project lives in its own repository ("repo"): a folder holding its code, its instructions and its history.

Open source means the code is public. Anyone can read it, use it and usually change it, often for free. Many of today's most useful AI tools are open source, but they're scattered across GitHub and described in technical language. Plain-AyI gathers a good number of them in one place, including some you might find fascinating. For each one, it shows the public numbers (like stars, downloads and contributors) and explains it in everyday words.

Is it free?

The software itself is usually free. Each project page shows a Cost line so you know what to expect:

Free: nothing to pay or sign up for.
Free, but needs an AI account: the tool is free, but it uses an online AI service (like OpenAI or Anthropic) that charges for what you use. You'll need an API key.
Free, with optional paid extras: the makers also sell a hosted or "pro" version.

Some tools also need a powerful computer (one with a good graphics card) to run well. The project page says so under Computer.

How do I try one?

Every project page tells you "Can I use it without coding?":

Yes: there's an app to download and use, like any other program.
With some setup: it takes a few steps, often typing commands into the terminal or using Docker. The Try it section lists the first steps.
Developers only: it's a building block for programmers.

Not sure where to begin? Use the "I want to…" buttons on the home page. They show tools that match everyday goals, easiest to start first.

Using an AI coding tool ("vibe coding")

AI coding assistants like Claude Code, Cursor and GitHub Copilot can set up and use these projects for you while you watch and approve each step. That's sometimes called vibe coding.

On any project page, press "Copy a prompt for your AI coding tool".
Paste it into your AI coding assistant. It asks the assistant to use only the official instructions, explain each step, and tell you about any costs first.
Read what it plans to do before saying yes, especially anything that asks for your password or deletes files.

You can also let your AI assistant search this whole guide for you. See Use with AI assistants.

Staying safe

Download only from the official links on each project page. Copies with similar names exist for many popular projects.
Keep API keys private. Treat them like passwords: never post them online, and set a monthly spending limit with the AI service.
Check where your data goes. The Privacy line says whether a tool runs on your device or sends what you give it to an online service. Don't share private or sensitive information with online tools.
Read the license if it's for business. Each project page explains its license in plain words; some are for personal use only.
Be careful with tools that copy faces or voices. Only use them with permission from the people involved.
Our summaries are drafted with AI from each project's own documentation. Each page says whether a person has checked it. Spot a mistake? Use "Report a problem" on that page.

Words you'll see

AI model: The "brain" an AI tool uses, trained on lots of examples. Some are online services (like ChatGPT); open ones can be downloaded and run yourself.
LLM (large language model): An AI model for understanding and writing text, the kind behind chat assistants.
API: A doorway one program offers so other programs can use it, like a restaurant's takeaway window.
API key: A password-like code an online AI service gives you, so a tool can use the service on your account. Usage is usually charged to you, so keep it private.
Terminal (command line): A text window for giving your computer instructions by typing, instead of clicking. On a Mac it's the "Terminal" app; on Windows, "PowerShell" or "Terminal".
Docker: A free tool that runs software in a sealed box, so it works the same on any computer. Many self-hosted tools are installed with it.
GPU (graphics card): A computer part originally for graphics that also makes AI run much faster. Many image and video tools need a good one.
Self-hosted: Running a tool on your own computer or server, instead of using someone else's online service.
AI agent: An AI that takes actions, like clicking through websites or using apps, not just answering questions.
MCP (Model Context Protocol): A standard way to plug tools and information into AI assistants, like a universal adapter. Plain-AyI has one; see Use with AI assistants.
License: The rules for using a project's code: whether you can use it for business, change it, or share it.
GitHub stars: Bookmarks GitHub users give projects. A rough sign of interest, not proof that something is good or safe.