FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Everything you need to know about Orbit.
What is Orbit?
Orbit is a free, open-source AI assistant for macOS. It lives in your menu bar, sees your screen when you ask, listens to your voice, and helps you learn software, complete tasks, and get work done — all powered by your existing ChatGPT subscription.
Do I need to know what Codex is?
No. Orbit is built on OpenAI's Codex under the hood, but you never need to interact with Codex directly. Think of Orbit as the friendly front door — you just talk to it and it handles the rest.
What can Orbit actually help with?
Learning unfamiliar software (video editors, design tools, CAD, spreadsheets), navigating complex interfaces, handling browser tasks like research and form filling, creating documents and presentations, and anything else where seeing your screen helps the AI give better answers.
How does voice work?
Orbit supports two voice modes. Local Voice uses Apple's built-in speech engines — completely on-device, no data leaves your Mac. Cloud Voice uses OpenAI transcription and GPT TTS for speech — higher quality, but requires your own OpenAI API key. You can switch anytime.
What does it cost?
Orbit itself is completely free and open source (MIT license). It requires a ChatGPT subscription to power the AI. If you use Cloud Voice, that uses your own OpenAI API key with standard OpenAI pricing.
When does Orbit capture my screen?
Only when you explicitly activate it — by pressing the shortcut or clicking the menu bar icon. It captures only the current active display, uses it for that single interaction, then discards it. There is zero background recording.
Is my data private?
Orbit itself contains zero tracking SDKs, zero analytics, and zero crash reporters that phone home. Local Voice stays entirely on-device. With Cloud Voice, audio goes to OpenAI via your API key. Screen captures are transient and not stored.
What model does Orbit use?
By default, Orbit uses gpt-5.4-mini for all assistant actions — fast, capable, and optimized for desktop tasks. The model can be changed from the Orbit panel if needed.
Can it control my computer?
Orbit can guide you by pointing to controls on screen, interact with your browser for web tasks, and use connected tools and skills. It cannot arbitrarily control your entire computer — actions are scoped and intentional.
Is it open source?
Yes. Orbit is released under the MIT license. You can inspect every line of code, build from source, audit the privacy claims, or contribute. The repository is public on GitHub.
Why isn't it on the Mac App Store?
Orbit requires Screen Recording and Accessibility permissions and runs a bundled local runtime — all of which conflict with App Store sandbox restrictions. Direct download ensures full functionality.
How do I update Orbit?
Download the latest PKG from the website for the simplest upgrade path, or use the DMG if you prefer a manual install. Your settings, API keys (stored in Keychain), and preferences persist across updates.