Important notes on using Gatterie
Last updated: 1 August 2026 · applies to Gatterie from the Mac App Store
Gatterie is a photo and document library for the Mac. You grant access to existing folders, and Gatterie presents them as a gallery, folder tree and timeline. Processing takes place on your Mac.
Your folders stay your folders
Gatterie sees only folders you explicitly select in the macOS dialog. There is no import and no separate archive. Your files stay in place and keep their names and structure; Gatterie does not move or reorganise them.
Inside a granted folder, Gatterie may create a hidden technical helper file so analysis results can be reused. You can delete it; Gatterie will rebuild it when needed. Previews and settings may also be stored in the protected app area managed by macOS.
When you save metadata
You can have Gatterie write tags, descriptions, recognised text and a rotated orientation into supported image files. This only happens when you explicitly trigger it. Gatterie cannot undo the write. A backup and an initial trial with copies are therefore advisable.
Text recognition
Gatterie recognises text in images with Apple Vision on your Mac. It requires no additional software and no internet connection.
Optional image descriptions and tags
For automatically generated image descriptions and suggested tags, you can install and run LM Studio or Ollama yourself on the same Mac. Gatterie then connects only to that program over the local loopback interface. Those programs and their models come from other vendors; their availability and results may change. Every other feature works without them.
What Gatterie does not do
No account, no sign-in, no mandatory cloud, no advertising and no telemetry. Feedback reaches the developer only if you send a prepared email yourself.
Third-party components
Licences and copyright notices for bundled open-source components are available in the app under “About Gatterie → Open-source licences”.
System requirements
A Mac with Apple silicon running macOS 12 or later.