Sidekick
ChatGPT at your fingertips, like Spotlight for AI
What is Sidekick? Complete Overview
Sidekick is a macOS application that brings the power of ChatGPT directly to your desktop, making it as accessible as Spotlight search. Designed for seamless integration into your workflow, Sidekick allows users to quickly access conversational AI without switching between applications. It's ideal for professionals, students, and anyone who needs instant AI assistance. The tool solves the pain point of cumbersome AI access by providing a lightweight, always-available interface. Sidekick requires an OpenAI API key to function, ensuring users have control over their AI usage while maintaining privacy.
Sidekick Interface & Screenshots

Sidekick Official screenshot of the tool interface
What Can Sidekick Do? Key Features
Instant Access
Sidekick launches instantly from anywhere on your macOS system, similar to Spotlight search. This eliminates the need to open a browser or switch applications to access ChatGPT, saving valuable time and streamlining your workflow.
Lightweight Design
The application is designed to be minimal and unobtrusive, consuming minimal system resources while providing powerful AI capabilities. It runs smoothly in the background, ready to assist whenever needed.
Privacy Focused
Sidekick doesn't store your conversations or API keys locally. All interactions are processed directly through OpenAI's API, giving you control over your data and ensuring your privacy is maintained.
Seamless Integration
The tool integrates naturally with macOS workflows, supporting keyboard shortcuts and quick activation. This makes it feel like a native part of your operating system rather than a separate application.
Customizable Experience
Users can personalize their Sidekick experience with preferred activation methods and settings. The interface is clean and distraction-free, focusing solely on delivering AI assistance when you need it.
Best Sidekick Use Cases & Applications
Quick Information Lookup
Instead of opening a browser to search for information, users can instantly query Sidekick for definitions, explanations, or facts, getting concise answers without leaving their current workflow.
Writing Assistance
Authors, students, and professionals can use Sidekick for real-time writing help, including grammar checks, rephrasing suggestions, or creative inspiration, all while working in their preferred text editor.
Coding Help
Developers can quickly access coding examples, debug errors, or get explanations for programming concepts without interrupting their coding environment or IDE.
Task Automation
Users can leverage Sidekick to generate scripts, formulas, or commands for automating repetitive tasks, making their workflow more efficient.
How to Use Sidekick: Step-by-Step Guide
Download and install Sidekick from the official website or the provided download link for macOS.
Obtain an OpenAI API key from your OpenAI account if you don't already have one.
Launch Sidekick and enter your OpenAI API key when prompted to authenticate the application.
Use your configured keyboard shortcut or activation method to bring up the Sidekick interface from anywhere in macOS.
Type your query or request into the Sidekick interface and receive instant responses from ChatGPT.
Close the interface when done - your conversation history isn't stored locally for privacy.
Sidekick Pros and Cons: Honest Review
Pros
Considerations
Is Sidekick Worth It? FAQ & Reviews
Yes, Sidekick requires a valid OpenAI API key to function. The application itself is free, but you'll need to provide your own API key which may incur costs based on your usage through OpenAI's pricing.
Currently, Sidekick is only available for macOS. There are no announced plans for Windows or Linux versions at this time.
No, Sidekick doesn't store your conversations locally. All interactions are processed directly through OpenAI's API, and the application doesn't retain any chat history for privacy reasons.
Yes, Sidekick supports customization of activation methods, allowing you to choose your preferred keyboard shortcut or activation sequence to bring up the interface.
No, Sidekick is currently designed as a desktop application for macOS only. There isn't a mobile version available.