Cherry Studio is a powerful, cross-platform AI productivity desktop client built for seamless interaction with a wide array of large language models (LLMs) and AI web services. Whether you're a developer, writer, researcher, or tech enthusiast, Cherry Studio provides a unified interface to supercharge your workflow on macOS, Windows, or Linux.

This guide walks you through installing, configuring, and using Cherry Studio on a Mac—complete with setup tips, advanced features, and troubleshooting advice.

What is Cherry Studio?

Cherry Studio offers an all-in-one desktop environment for AI interactions. Its key features include:

• Multi-model support: Connect to OpenAI, Gemini, Anthropic, Claude, Perplexity, Poe, and more.
• Local models: Run models locally using Ollama.
• 300+ built-in AI assistants: Customize or create your own.
• Robust document handling: Process text, images, PDFs, Office files, and more.
• File management: Backup and manage with built-in WebDAV support.
• Visualization tools: Render Mermaid charts.
• Code syntax highlighting: Ideal for developers.
• Advanced UI features: Global search, theme switching, and content sharing.

Cherry Studio requires no complex environment setup and supports both light and dark themes.

System Requirements

Ensure your Mac meets the following prerequisites before installation:

• macOS version: macOS 11 (Big Sur) or later
• Processor: Supports both Intel and Apple Silicon (M1/M2/M3) chips
• Disk space: Several hundred MB for the app; more for storing local models or files

Step 1: Identify Your Mac’s Chip Type

Cherry Studio provides different installers for Intel and Apple Silicon Macs. To find your chip type:

1. Click the Apple logo in the top-left corner.
2. Select “About This Mac.”
3. Check the processor:
   • Intel: Download the Intel version.
   • Apple M1/M2/M3: Download the Apple Silicon version.

Step 2: Download Cherry Studio for Mac

Option A: Official Website

• Visit the Cherry Studio official website or documentation.
• Choose the appropriate installer for your architecture:
  • Intel (x64)
  • Apple Silicon (ARM64)

Prefer official download links for the latest secure versions.

Option B: Install via Homebrew

If you use Homebrew, install Cherry Studio via terminal:

brew install --cask cherry-studio

This method auto-detects your chip type and simplifies future updates.

Step 3: Install Cherry Studio

Manual Installation (DMG File)

1. Open the downloaded .dmg file.
2. Drag the Cherry Studio icon into the Applications folder.
3. Eject the disk image after installation.

Verify Installation

• Go to Applications and launch Cherry Studio.
• If macOS blocks it, right-click the app and choose Open to bypass Gatekeeper.

Step 4: Initial Setup and Configuration

Launch Cherry Studio

Open the app from Applications or Launchpad. A welcome screen or dashboard should appear.

Add Model Providers

To connect with AI services:

1. Navigate to Settings → Model Providers.
2. Add your desired providers:
   • Name (e.g., “OpenAI”)
   • Provider type
   • API Key (from the provider's website)
   • Optional API Host (e.g., https://chat.d.run)
3. Save the configuration.

Cherry Studio will detect and list the available models for easy switching.

Step 5: Using Cherry Studio

Choose or Create an AI Assistant

• Use one of 300+ built-in assistants or create your own tailored to writing, coding, translation, research, and more.

Start a Conversation

• Enter your prompt.
• Select a model (e.g., GPT-4, Claude, Gemini).
• Cherry Studio supports multi-model conversations in a single thread.

Document and File Handling

• Drag and drop files including PDFs, Word documents, or images.
• Use AI to summarize, translate, or analyze content.

Code and Visualization

• Write and visualize code with syntax highlighting and Mermaid chart rendering.

File Management and Backup

• Use integrated WebDAV for backup and organization.

UI Customization

• Toggle between light and dark themes.
• Customize window opacity and layout.

Step 6: Advanced Features

• Global Search: Search across all conversations and files.
• Drag-and-Drop Sorting: Organize assistants, models, and settings.
• Content Sharing: Share generated outputs directly from the app.
• Mini-Programs: Extend functionality with built-in plugins and extensions.

Step 7: Troubleshooting

Check Console for Errors

To investigate bugs or API issues:

1. Focus on the Cherry Studio window.
2. Press Command + Option + I to open the developer console.
3. Go to the Network tab.
4. Look for red “×” marks (e.g., failed completions).
5. Check the Response tab for error details.

For help, screenshot the console and contact support.

Common Issues

• App not opening: Use right-click → Open to bypass security blocks.
• Model errors: Double-check your API key and endpoint.
• Update problems: Reinstall from the latest release or use Homebrew.

Step 8: Keeping Cherry Studio Updated

• Manual: Download updates from the official website.
• Homebrew: Run the command:

brew upgrade --cask cherry-studio

Summary Table: Installing Cherry Studio on macOS

Conclusion

Cherry Studio empowers Mac users with an intuitive interface to harness the capabilities of modern AI models—both local and cloud-based. With easy installation, wide model support, and a wealth of productivity tools, it’s a top-tier choice for anyone integrating AI into their daily workflow.

FAQ

References

1. How to Run Gemma 3 on a Mac: A Comprehensive Guide
2. How to Run Gemma 3 on Windows: A Comprehensive Guide
3. How to Run Gemma 3 on Ubuntu: A Comprehensive Guide