Questions
- How do I install LM Studio on my Mac?
- How do I run an AI model locally on my computer without sending data to the cloud?
- How do I download and set up LM Studio for the first time on macOS?
- How do I download AI models inside LM Studio?
- How do I start chatting with a locally running AI model on my Mac?
- How do I update LM Studio and my downloaded models?
Environment
This article applies to people using a Mac running macOS Sequoia (15.x) or Tahoe (26.x) who want to install LM Studio and run AI language models locally. It covers both Bowdoin-managed Macs (using Jamf Self Service for installation) and personal Macs with permission to install software.
- Who: Bowdoin faculty, staff, and students with access to a Mac
- What: LM Studio — a desktop application for downloading and running AI models locally
- Not covered: Windows installation of LM Studio; cloud-based AI tools (see Access AI at Bowdoin with LibreChat in the Related Articles section)
Storage requirement: LM Studio itself takes over 1.5 GB of disk space. Each AI model you download may add several additional gigabytes. Make sure you have at least 5–10 GB of free disk space before beginning. Model performance is significantly better on Macs with Apple Silicon (M1 or later).
Resolution
Install LM Studio on your Mac
On a Bowdoin-managed Mac (recommended)
- Open Self Service on your Mac. You can find it in your Applications folder or search for it with Spotlight (Command + Space).
- In the Self Service search bar, type LM Studio.
- Click Install. Wait for the installation to complete.
On a personal Mac
- Go to lmstudio.ai and download the macOS installer.
- Open the downloaded file and drag LM Studio to your Applications folder.
- Open LM Studio from Applications. If macOS shows a security prompt, go to System Settings > Privacy & Security and allow the app to open.
Download an AI model
- Open LM Studio. In the left sidebar, select Discover (or Models).
- Use the search box to find a model. Common starting points include Llama (Meta), Mistral, or the models highlighted as recommended by LM Studio.
- Review the model details:
- Model size — larger models require more memory and storage
- Recommended hardware — models optimized for Apple Silicon run faster on M-series Macs
- Click the model name to open its detail page, then click Download. Download times vary depending on your internet speed and model size.
- Wait for the download to complete before continuing.
Start a chat with your model
- In LM Studio, select Chat (or New Chat) from the left sidebar.
- In the model selector at the top of the window, choose the model you just downloaded.
- Type a message in the text box at the bottom of the window — for example: "Explain photosynthesis in simple terms."
- Press Return or click the send button. The model's response will appear in the main window. Response speed depends on your Mac's processor and the model size.
Adjust settings
Open LM Studio > Settings (or Preferences) from the menu bar to configure:
- How much system memory the model is allowed to use
- Whether to keep or clear past chats
- Whether to send usage data to external services — choose the local-only option if you prefer to keep everything on your Mac
Keep LM Studio and models up to date
- Update LM Studio: From the menu bar, select LM Studio > Check for Updates and follow the on-screen steps.
- Update a model: Go to the Discover section — if an update is available for a downloaded model, an Update button will appear next to it.
Additional Help
If you need further assistance, you have several options:
- Bowdoin Bot: Chat with Bowdoin Bot directly from any KB page for instant answers.
- Phone: Call the Bowdoin College Service Desk at (207) 725-3030.
- In person: Visit the Tech Hub in Smith Union during business hours.
- Submit a ticket: Request assistance through the Service Catalog.
Additional Resources