Local Agent & Setup
Updated May 13, 2026
Learn how the Local Agent connects Cerise Scholar to your trusted laptop, local tools, research folder, and safety checks.
Guide summary
What local setup needs before private source-file work starts.
What the Local Agent does
Why local setup matters
What stays local
Local Setup checks
Connect a research folder
Ollama or local AI readiness
Troubleshooting readiness
Best practices
Where to go next
1. What the Local Agent does
The Local Agent is a lightweight helper that runs on your trusted laptop. It helps Cerise Scholar connect to selected local folders, local indexes, and local AI tools for source-file workflows. It should only work with folders and tools you explicitly choose.
2. Why local setup matters
Cerise Scholar is designed for research work that may involve private papers, notes, drafts, or source files. Local setup helps keep that work tied to your own device instead of treating every research file like a cloud upload.
3. What stays local
Your PDFs, drafts, notes, local indexes, source folders, and local AI outputs are intended to stay on your trusted device unless you choose a hosted feature that clearly states what information is used.
4. Local Setup checks
The Local Setup page checks whether your research environment is ready. The expected checks are Local Agent running, Ollama or selected local provider available, Research Folder connected, Knowledge Base available, File Index up to date, and Safety check configured.
5. Connect a research folder
Choose a research folder that you control and understand. You can change, pause, or remove folder access later. Do not connect shared, public, borrowed, school-lab, cafe, library, or employer-controlled folders unless you have permission and understand the privacy risk.
6. Ollama or local AI readiness
Ollama or another selected local provider may support private research help. If local AI is unavailable, Cerise should show that status clearly and explain what still needs attention. Some setup steps may happen outside Cerise, so review installers and permissions carefully.
7. Troubleshooting readiness
Common blockers include Local Agent not connected, Ollama unavailable, research folder missing, permissions blocked, file index outdated, or safety check failed. Open Settings > Local Setup to see which item needs attention.
8. Best practices
Use a trusted laptop, keep the Local Agent updated, review folder access regularly, avoid shared computers, and do not send private research files to support. If you are unsure whether a device is appropriate for private research work, do not connect your source folder yet.
9. Where to go next
After Local Setup is ready, return to Dashboard or Research Desk. For privacy questions, read Privacy & Protection. For account questions, read Account & Access. For bugs or setup issues, use Contact Us.