Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about HuluChat.
Is HuluChat free?+
Yes! HuluChat is completely free and open source. You can download it from GitHub and use it without any cost. You only need to provide your own API keys for the AI providers you want to use.
Does HuluChat collect my data?+
No. HuluChat is privacy-first. We don't collect any telemetry, analytics, or usage data. All your conversations are stored locally on your device. Your data never leaves your computer unless you explicitly share it.
Which AI models are supported?+
HuluChat supports OpenAI (GPT-4, GPT-3.5), Anthropic (Claude), DeepSeek,ζΊθ°± AI (GLM), and any OpenAI-compatible API including local models through Ollama. You can also add custom providers.
How do I get an API key?+
You can get API keys from each provider's website: OpenAI (platform.openai.com), Anthropic (console.anthropic.com), DeepSeek (platform.deepseek.com), and others. After getting your key, add it in HuluChat Settings.
Can I use HuluChat offline?+
For cloud AI providers (OpenAI, Claude, etc.), you need an internet connection. However, you can use local models through Ollama for completely offline operation. HuluChat itself works offline - only AI requests need connectivity.
Where is my data stored?+
All data is stored locally on your device. Chat history, settings, and knowledge base files are saved in your application data directory. You can export your data at any time.
Can I sync my chats across devices?+
Currently, HuluChat doesn't have built-in cloud sync. Your data stays on your device. You can export and import sessions manually if needed. Cloud sync may be added in a future version.
What platforms are supported?+
HuluChat runs on Windows (64-bit), macOS (Intel and Apple Silicon), and Linux (x64). We provide installers for all platforms on our GitHub Releases page.
How do I update HuluChat?+
HuluChat checks for updates automatically. When a new version is available, you'll see a notification. You can also manually download the latest version from GitHub Releases.
Can I contribute to HuluChat?+
Yes! HuluChat is open source on GitHub. You can report bugs, suggest features, submit pull requests, or help with documentation. We welcome all contributions!
How does RAG (knowledge base) work?+
Upload documents to your knowledge base, and HuluChat will search through them when you ask questions. The AI uses relevant sections from your documents to provide accurate, contextual answers. All processing happens locally.
What file formats are supported for RAG?+
HuluChat supports PDF, TXT, Markdown (.md), DOCX, CSV, and JSON files for the knowledge base. More formats may be added in future updates.
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