Substage
Substage is a Mac productivity app that provides a command bar beneath Finder windows, allowing users to control files and perform various operations using natural language commands.
https://substage.app/?ref=aipure
Product Information
Updated:May 16, 2025
What is Substage
Substage is an innovative Mac application that bridges the gap between natural language and command line operations. It integrates seamlessly with the macOS Finder interface by adding a command bar underneath Finder windows, enabling users to perform file operations, conversions, calculations, and system tasks using simple English commands rather than complex terminal syntax. The app requires macOS 15 Sequoia or newer and offers both subscription-based access to various AI models and a one-time purchase option for users who prefer to use their own AI providers.
Key Features of Substage
Substage is a Mac productivity app that provides a command bar docked beneath Finder windows, allowing users to control files and perform tasks using natural language commands. It translates user prompts into Terminal commands using AI models (like GPT), executes them, and summarizes the results, making command-line operations accessible to non-technical users while maintaining powerful functionality for file conversion, organization, and system operations.
Natural Language Command Interface: Converts everyday language into Terminal commands, making complex operations accessible without requiring technical knowledge
AI-Powered Translation: Uses various AI models (OpenAI, Anthropic, Google, Mistral) to interpret commands and generate appropriate Terminal instructions
Safety Confirmation System: Evaluates command risk levels and requests user confirmation for potentially dangerous operations
Flexible AI Integration: Supports both cloud-based AI services and local AI models through Ollama or LM Studio for privacy-conscious users
Use Cases of Substage
Media File Management: Quickly convert video formats, resize images, and process audio files using simple natural language commands
Document Processing: Convert between document formats, count words, create new files, and organize documents efficiently
Developer Workflow: Perform version control operations, analyze code, and manage development files using natural language
System Administration: Check system specifications, toggle settings, and manage file metadata through simple commands
Pros
Makes command-line operations accessible to non-technical users
Offers both subscription and one-time purchase options
Supports multiple AI providers and local AI models
Cons
Requires macOS 15 or newer
Complex multi-step operations can be unreliable
Limited to single-step commands without conversation history
How to Use Substage
Download and Install: Download Substage from substage.app and install it on your Mac (requires macOS 15 Sequoia or newer)
Select Files: In Finder, select the file(s) you want to work with
Enter Natural Language Command: Type what you want to do in natural language in the Substage command bar that appears below the Finder window (e.g. 'convert to mp4', 'make a jpg', 'zip these up')
Review Generated Command: Substage will convert your natural language request into a Terminal command. For potentially risky operations, it will ask for confirmation before proceeding
Execute Command: Once confirmed, Substage will execute the command and provide a summary of what happened
Choose Subscription: Use free trial with mini AI model, or subscribe monthly/yearly for access to all AI models. Alternatively, purchase permanent 'Bring Your Own AI' license to use your own API keys and models
Configure AI Settings (Optional): If using 'Bring Your Own AI' license, configure your own API keys for OpenAI, Anthropic, Google, Mistral or set up local AI models via Ollama or LM Studio
Substage FAQs
Substage is a command bar tool for Mac that sits below Finder windows and allows users to interact with files using natural language. It converts natural language prompts into terminal commands to perform various file operations.
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