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What Is NeoTavern

NeoTavern is a local-first AI chat and roleplay platform that runs on your own computer. You create or import characters, talk to them through any AI model you connect, and keep every message, character card, and setting on your machine.

Local-First by Design​

  • Your data lives in a local data directory on your computer. There is no account, no mandatory cloud sync, and no telemetry by default.
  • You can browse your library, edit characters, and review settings while offline. Only generation needs a reachable provider.
  • Before anything is sent to an external AI service for the first time, the app shows you exactly which provider will receive the request.

How It Runs​

  • The desktop app is available for Windows, macOS, and Linux. It bundles Node.js and SQLite, so you never install a runtime yourself.
  • The app starts its own local backend, an embedded Node.js sidecar that listens on 127.0.0.1:8000 by default and shuts down with the window.
  • A responsive PWA lets phones and tablets connect to a backend running on your PC or home server.

What You Need​

  • A supported 64-bit desktop OS. No terminal, Git, or package manager is required at any point.
  • A provider to generate replies: a local model server or a remote API with your key. The built-in Echo provider lets you verify the whole flow offline, without any external service.
  • Optional but useful: an existing SillyTavern data backup to migrate your characters, chats, lorebooks, and personas.

Where to Go Next​

  • Installation — download and set up the app on your OS.
  • Quick Start — connect a provider and send your first message.
  • Upgrading — how updates work and why your data stays safe.
  • Troubleshooting — fixes for common install and run problems.
  • User Guide — in-depth pages on chatting, characters, lorebooks, memory, themes, and plugins.
  • FAQ — short answers to frequent questions.