How to Use BigIdeasDB Desktop: Local Research With Your Own AI

Step 1: Install and activate

Download the installer from your Desktop account, open it, press Sign in to activate and sign in on bigideasdb.com. One licence covers up to 3 computers. On Windows, SmartScreen may warn about the unsigned installer: click More info, then Run anyway.

• Mac: Apple Silicon and Intel installers, signed and notarised.
• Windows: 64-bit installer, not code-signed yet.
• Included with Basic and Pro, or a one-time add-on.

Step 2: Connect your AI

In Settings, AI agent, pick Claude Code, Codex, OpenCode or Ollama. To use Claude Desktop, Cursor, Windsurf or ChatGPT desktop instead, press Connect in Settings, Connect your AI. Desktop runs one local MCP server with 280+ tools. BigIdeasDB provides no AI credits, so your agent runs on your own plan.

Step 3: Pair Clipper for Reddit

Press Connect Clipper in Desktop, then type the 6 digit code and the port in the Desktop tab of the Clipper extension. Reddit is then read through your own logged-in browser at a normal pace.

Step 4: Research and group complaints

Ask your AI, for example: What are people complaining about in invoicing apps? Check Reddit and app store reviews. Results land on the Evidence board. Press Find complaints and your AI groups them while the app counts every group itself. Turn the top group into an idea card with one click.

Step 5: Try the App Store Lab

Open the Lab, press Create the sample project to see it with data, then add your own app and keywords. Ranks are checked in the countries you pick. Volume and difficulty are labelled estimates, not Apple's numbers.

FAQ