Writer Studio
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
Rewrite isn't working / says it can't reach Ollama:
The default "Local" engine needs Ollama installed and running on your Mac (download free at ollama.com). Open the Ollama app from Applications — the background service needs to be running, which you can confirm by looking for the small llama icon in your menu bar near the clock. If you don't have any AI models installed yet, Writer Studio can download one for you directly from the AI Engine settings — no Terminal needed. Or switch to a cloud engine (OpenAI, Anthropic, or Gemini) instead — each needs your own API key.
A cloud engine (OpenAI / Anthropic / Gemini) shows an error:
This is almost always a billing issue on that provider's side. API access is billed separately from any consumer subscription you may have, such as ChatGPT Plus or Claude Pro, and needs its own funded account. Check your account status directly on that provider's own developer console (platform.openai.com, console.anthropic.com, or aistudio.google.com).
Do I need an account to use Writer Studio?
No. Writer Studio never requires sign-in. The free Local engine works immediately with no account of any kind.
Is my writing private?
With the Local engine, your text never leaves your Mac. With a cloud engine, it goes directly from your Mac to the provider you chose — never through Writer Studio's own servers, since there aren't any. See the full Privacy Policy for details.
Dictation isn't responding:
Check System Settings, then Privacy & Security, then Microphone and Speech Recognition, and make sure Writer Studio is allowed access under both.
Can Writer Studio translate text into other languages?
Yes. Choose a target language in the sidebar's Language section, and the revised text will be translated into that language while still applying your chosen Mode, Reading Level, and Tone.
Rewrites feel slow:
A few things can help. First, try a cloud engine (OpenAI, Anthropic, or Gemini) instead of Local — cloud engines run on powerful remote servers regardless of your Mac's age or specs, so they're often noticeably faster than the local option, especially on older Macs. Second, turn off "Include Style Analysis" in the sidebar's Speed section — this makes every rewrite generate a shorter response, which is faster on any engine.
Say what you mean. Better.
Before you read the rest of the Support document - this is probably the first thing you may enquire about.
Re-writing is taking a while (a couple of minutes) to show results? Well, there are slower ways and faster ways. It is important to understand the following:
To do all re-writing for free and completely 100% private - older Macs, it uses Ollama - which you may have to download and set up (also free!).
Ollama is pretty slow for an AI - it is an older method, but it does mean that you can do the re-writing on an older Mac - back to OS 14.
To do re-writing on Macs with OS 26 and above - Apple Intelligence is faster - and also totally free and 100% private.
The fastest way to re-write is to use Anthropic-Claude, Open Ai or Google Gemini. They all require you to purchase tokens. A little purchase goes a very long way.
This does use an 'outside source' rather than your in-built Mac system. Generally considered 'private' - but remember that it is not then only using your own system.
My advice, if you want total privacy - use Apple Intelligence (or Ollama for older Macs).
If you want best speed - select an AI engine from the list in the app (top-left of screen) and purchase some tokens.
WRITER STUDIO - SUPPORT
Need help with Writer Studio, or found something that isn't working right? Get in touch and I'll get back to you.
Email: support@marimbaaustralia.com