What is Deta Surf?

Deta Surf is an AI-powered personal notebook application that helps users organize files, webpages, and research into a local knowledge base. It runs as a desktop app on macOS, Windows, and Linux, storing all data locally in open formats via a custom storage engine called SFFS. Features include a multi-media library with notebooks, smart notes with AI-powered generation and citations linked to sources, split-view tabs for side-by-side research, Surflets for AI-generated interactive applets, web search integration, and support for multiple LLM providers including OpenAI, Anthropic, Ollama (local), OpenRouter, and Hugging Face. The app is built with Electron, Svelte, TypeScript, and Rust, offers dark mode, and works offline for previously saved content.

Should you self-host Deta Surf?

Deta Surf scores 59/100 on selfhost.directory (how scoring works) and ranks #21 of 81 in Notes & Editors. It has 3 612 GitHub stars.

There was no stable release in the past 12 months, so check the repository's recent activity before you rely on it.

Setup is easy: most people get it running in one sitting. It is Apache-2.0-licensed and written mostly in Typescript.

Its closest alternative on selfhost.directory is Memos (86/100, 64 136 stars). It scores higher overall, so compare the two before you pick. See Deta Surf vs Memos side by side.

Features

Bring Your Own Key (BYOK)
Local LLM Support
Multi-media library
Offline Support
Rich Text Editing
Smart notes with citations
Split-view tabs
Surflets (AI app generation)
Web search integration

FAQ

Will my favorite features return?

Yes, fan favorites like Vision and more personalization are on the roadmap. The Beta is a starting point, not the finish line.

Why does the Beta feel different from the Alpha?

The Alpha was full of experiments (desktops, Surflets, vision, live contexts). The Beta is a rebuild focused on performance and simplicity, so some Alpha features are paused but planned to return.

Is Surf built on Electron?

Yes, Surf uses Electron to work across Mac, Windows, and Linux. The team believes Electron is a good technology for rethinking web interactions.

Is Surf a browser? An "AI browser"?

Surf takes inspiration from the personal notebook, not the web browser. It's built to help people explore, think, and create using web pages as material, not to automate consumption.

How is my data kept secure?

Surf is local-first — all notes, notebooks, and resources are stored directly on your device. Web content runs in an isolated Electron sandbox. AI features send in-context pages to LLMs (hosted or local).

What is Beta?

Surf is currently in Beta, meaning the core foundation is in place but it's still evolving. Some features from early demos and alpha are missing intentionally as the team focuses on essentials first.