Install LM Studio and Run Models on Your Mac

Questions

  • How do I download and install LM Studio on my Mac?
  • How do I set up LM Studio the first time I open it on macOS?
  • How can I download and run AI models inside LM Studio on my Mac?
  • How do I update LM Studio and my models on a Mac?

Environment

This article applies to people using a Mac computer (macOS 12 “Monterey” or later is recommended) who want to install and use LM Studio to run AI language models locally. It assumes you are using a standard Bowdoin-managed Mac or a personal Mac with permission to install apps, and that you have a reliable internet connection to download LM Studio and any models you want to use.

Resolution

  1. Install LM Studio on your Mac
    1. Open Self Service +, search for LM Studio and click the Install button. 
    2. In the left sidebar of the Finder, click "Applications", then double-click "LM Studio" to open it.
    3. If you see a message that macOS downloaded the app from the internet, click Open to confirm you want to run it.
  2. Handle first-time security prompts
    1. If macOS blocks the app the first time, do the following:
      1. Click the Apple menu and choose "System Settings".
      2. In the sidebar, click "Privacy & Security".
      3. Scroll down until you see a message about LM Studio being blocked.
      4. Click "Open Anyway", then confirm in the pop-up window.
    2. Open LM Studio again from the "Applications" folder if needed.
  3. Explore the LM Studio main window
    1. When LM Studio opens, you will see a main window with a sidebar and a main area where conversations appear.
    2. Look for a section in the sidebar labeled something like "Models" or "Discover". This is where you can find and download AI models.
    3. You may also see a "Chat" or "New Chat" area, where you will type your questions or prompts.
  4. Download a model to run locally
    1. In LM Studio, click the section that lists available models (often called "Models", "Discover", or something similar).
    2. Use the search box to look for a model, such as “Llama” or another recommended model shown by LM Studio.
    3. Review details such as:
      • Model size (larger models may need more memory).
      • Recommended hardware (for example, works better on Apple Silicon like M1 or M2).
    4. Click the model name to open its details page.
    5. Click the "Download" button. The download may take a while, depending on your internet speed and the size of the model.
    6. Wait until the download is complete. LM Studio will usually show progress, such as a bar or percentage.
  5. Start a chat with a local model
    1. Once the model finishes downloading, go to the "Chat" or "New Chat" section in LM Studio.
    2. Look for a drop-down list or button that lets you choose a model. It may be labeled something like "Model" or show the current model’s name.
    3. Click the list and select the model you just downloaded.
    4. In the text box at the bottom of the window, type a simple message, such as:
      • Explain photosynthesis in simple terms.
    5. Press Return (Enter) on your keyboard or click the **Send** button (usually a paper-plane or arrow icon).
    6. Wait a moment for the model to respond. The answer should appear in the main area of the window.
  6. Adjust basic settings for performance and privacy
    1. In LM Studio, look for a menu like "Settings" or "Preferences". On a Mac, this may be under the LM Studio menu next to the Apple menu.
    2. Open the settings window. Common options include:
      • How much of your computer’s memory the model can use.
      • Whether to keep or clear your past chats.
      • Whether to send any data to external services (if available). Choose the option that keeps everything on your Mac if you prefer local use.
    3. Change settings using simple sliders or checkboxes if you want to limit how hard the app works your computer (for example, if the Mac feels very warm or slow).
    4. Close the settings window when you are done. Your changes are usually saved automatically.
  7. Update LM Studio and models
    1. To keep LM Studio up to date:
      1. From the LM Studio menu bar at the top of the screen, look for an option like "Check for Updates".
      2. If an update is available, follow the on-screen steps and click "Install" or similar to update.
    2. To update a model:
      1. Go back to the "Models" or "Discover" section.
      2. If an update is available for a model you already downloaded, it will usually show an "Update" or similar button.
      3. Click "Update" and let the download finish.
    3. For general information about LM Studio features and updates, you can review: LM Studio official documentation.

Additional Help

If you need further assistance, you can chat with Bowdoin Bot of contact the Bowdoin College Service Desk by phone at (207) 725-3030 or in person at the Tech Hub in Smith Union.

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