Void
Open source AI code editor with local model support
Quick Take: Void
NaNInstall with Homebrew
brew install --cask voidWhat is Void?
Void is an open-source AI code editor that provides a privacy-first alternative to commercial AI IDEs like Cursor and Windsurf. Built as a fork of VS Code, Void gives you the familiar editing experience with integrated AI capabilities—but with a critical difference: you control which AI models you use and where your code is processed. Void supports connecting to any LLM provider (OpenAI, Anthropic, Google, Mistral) or running completely local models through Ollama, ensuring that sensitive code never leaves your machine. This makes Void the go-to choice for developers at companies with strict data policies, open-source contributors who want AI assistance without vendor lock-in, and privacy-conscious developers who want AI coding without sending their code to third-party servers. Void offers inline completions, chat with codebase context, multi-file editing, and diff-based review—covering the essential AI coding features that developers rely on daily. Being open source means the community can audit the code, contribute features, and ensure no telemetry or data collection happens without consent.
Key Features
Bring Your Own Model (BYOM)
Void lets you connect any LLM provider—OpenAI, Anthropic, Google, Mistral, Groq, or any OpenAI-compatible API. You're not locked into a specific vendor or pricing tier. Switch models per task: use a fast model for completions, a powerful model for complex refactoring, or a local model for sensitive code.
Local Model Support (Ollama)
Run AI completely locally through Ollama integration. Models like CodeLlama, DeepSeek Coder, and Qwen process your code entirely on your machine. Zero data leaves your computer, zero API costs, zero privacy concerns. Ideal for proprietary codebases, compliance-sensitive environments, and air-gapped development.
AI Chat with Codebase Context
Chat with an AI that understands your project. Void indexes your codebase and provides context-aware answers when you ask questions about your code. Reference files, functions, and symbols using @ mentions for precise, grounded conversations.
Inline Completions & Editing
Get AI-powered code completions as you type, with support for multi-line suggestions. Use the inline edit feature (Cmd+K) to describe changes in natural language and see a diff preview before applying—similar to Cursor's core editing experience.
Full VS Code Compatibility
As a VS Code fork, Void supports the entire VS Code extension marketplace, themes, keybindings, and settings. Import your existing setup with one click and add AI capabilities without any workflow disruption.
Who Should Use Void?
1Enterprise Developer
A developer at a healthcare company works with HIPAA-regulated patient data. They can't send code to external AI services, ruling out Cursor and Windsurf. With Void and a local Ollama model, they get AI code completions, refactoring suggestions, and code explanations—all processed entirely on their laptop with zero data exfiltration risk.
2Open Source Contributor
An open source developer wants AI coding assistance but refuses to use closed-source tools on principle. Void is fully open source (MIT license), uses no telemetry, and can run with free local models. They get the same AI coding experience as commercial tools without compromising their values or contributing to vendor lock-in.
3Budget-Conscious Developer
A freelance developer can't justify $20/month for Cursor Pro. With Void, they connect their own API keys and pay only for actual usage—or use free local models for zero cost. They get 90% of the commercial AI IDE experience at a fraction of the price.
Install Void on Mac
Void is available through Homebrew. It's free and open source. You'll need an LLM provider API key or Ollama installed for local models.
Install Homebrew
If you don't have Homebrew, open Terminal and run: `/bin/bash -c "$(curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/Homebrew/install/HEAD/install.sh)"`
Install Void
Run: `brew install --cask void`
Configure AI Provider
Launch Void, go to Settings → AI Provider, and either add your API key (OpenAI, Anthropic, etc.) or connect to a local Ollama instance. For local models, install Ollama first: `brew install ollama && ollama pull deepseek-coder`.
Configuration Tips
Set Up Ollama for Privacy
Install Ollama and pull a coding model like DeepSeek Coder or CodeLlama. Configure Void to use the local endpoint. This gives you AI coding with zero data leaving your machine.
Use Different Models for Different Tasks
Configure multiple providers in Void. Use a fast, cheap model (GPT-4o mini, Claude Haiku) for inline completions and a powerful model (Claude Sonnet, GPT-4o) for complex refactoring and code review conversations.
Import VS Code Settings
On first launch, import your VS Code extensions, themes, and keybindings. Void is a VS Code fork so everything transfers directly.
Alternatives to Void
Void competes with commercial AI code editors by offering similar features with privacy and cost advantages.
Cursor
Cursor is the market leader with more polished AI features (Composer, Cursor Tab), a larger community, and tighter model integration. Void's advantages are open source transparency, local model support, and no subscription requirement. Cursor is better for AI power; Void is better for privacy and control.
Windsurf
Windsurf offers similar AI IDE features with its Cascade agent. Like Cursor, it requires a subscription for full features. Void provides comparable functionality with model flexibility and zero vendor lock-in.
VS Code + Continue
Continue is an open-source AI extension for VS Code that offers similar BYOM capabilities. Void provides a more integrated experience as a purpose-built fork, while Continue works within standard VS Code.
Pricing
Void is **completely free and open source** (MIT license). There are no subscription fees, no usage limits, and no telemetry. You provide your own LLM API keys (pay-per-use) or use free local models through Ollama. This makes Void the most cost-effective AI code editor available.
Pros
- ✓Free and open source with no subscription or telemetry
- ✓Local model support ensures complete code privacy
- ✓Connect any LLM provider—no vendor lock-in
- ✓Full VS Code extension compatibility
- ✓Community-driven development with transparent codebase
Cons
- ✗Less polished AI features than Cursor (no Composer equivalent yet)
- ✗Local models are slower and less capable than cloud models
- ✗Smaller community and fewer resources
- ✗Requires more setup than commercial alternatives
Community & Support
Void is an open-source project with an active GitHub repository and Discord community. Contributors add features, fix bugs, and maintain model integrations. The community is passionate about privacy-first AI development and actively helps new users with setup and configuration.
Frequently Asked Questions about Void
Our Verdict
About the Author
Expert Tips for Void
Set up Ollama with DeepSeek Coder 33B if your Mac has 32GB+ RAM. The local model quality is surprisingly good for daily coding tasks and eliminates all privacy and cost concerns.