Jan ​

Jan is a privacy-first desktop AI application where everything runs locally by default — models, conversations, and data stay on your machine in a portable folder structure. You can move your entire Jan data directory between machines, back it up, or inspect it manually. MCP tools add targeted external access: the model stays local, but specific queries go to external systems when you explicitly allow it.

Jn
Jan
Open-Source · jan.ai
TRANSPORT
Streamable HTTP ✓
PLATFORM
Windows · macOS · Linux
MCP VIA
Settings

Privacy-First Architecture with Controlled External Access ​

Jan's data architecture is uniquely transparent. Conversations, model configs, and settings live in a plain folder structure you can inspect with any file manager. No database, no encrypted blobs — just JSON files. This makes Jan fully portable and auditable.

MCP adds external access in a controlled way. Local models handle reasoning, and when external data is needed, you decide which MCP servers are accessible. The model can call your monitoring system but can't reach anything else — privacy by design.

Jan CLI enables automation: run conversations, manage models, and invoke tools from scripts and CI pipelines.

Features:

  • Portable data — plain JSON folder structure, fully inspectable
  • Privacy-first — everything local by default, MCP for explicit external access
  • Jan CLI — command-line automation for scripting and pipelines
  • OpenAI-compatible API — local server for third-party app integration
  • Model hub — download models from within the app
  • Extension system — install extensions for additional capabilities
  • Open-source — AGPLv3, community-driven

Setup ​

1. Create a Token ​

In Vinkius Cloud, go to your server → Connection Tokens → Create. Copy the URL.

2. Add MCP Server ​

Go to Settings → MCP → Add Server. Paste your Vinkius URL.

3. Local + External ​

Models run on your machine. MCP tools provide the specific external data access you permit.

FAQ ​

Can I inspect my Jan data? Yes. Everything is stored as JSON files in a regular folder. No hidden databases.

Does Jan work without internet? Yes. With local models. MCP tools require internet for external data access.

What is Jan CLI? A command-line interface for automating Jan: run conversations, manage models, and invoke MCP tools from scripts.

Is Jan free? Open-source under AGPLv3. Free to use.