AI tools that never see your image
Most AI image tools send your photo to a server. On-device tools download a model once and run it in your browser, so the image never leaves. How to tell which kind you are using, what on-device AI can and cannot do, and the five tools in the Editor.
Beginner2 min readUpdated 27 September 2026Editor · AI on this device
On this page
Check any AI tool in a minute
- Open the browser's developer tools, Network tab, and run the AI tool on a large photo.
- An upload the size of your photo (several MB) going out means the image went to a server.
- A large download the first time only (the model), and nothing going out on later runs, means it runs on your device.
- Turn the Wi-Fi off and run it again. An on-device tool still works.
The five on-device tools in the Editor
| Tool | Model | Download, once |
|---|---|---|
| Remove background | MODNet (people) or BiRefNet lite (any subject, needs WebGPU) | About 26 MB or 115 MB |
| Select subject | MODNet | About 26 MB |
| Object select | BiRefNet lite with WebGPU, otherwise MODNet | About 115 MB or 26 MB |
| Remove object | LaMa | About 208 MB |
| Expand with AI fill | LaMa | About 208 MB |
The models are open (Apache-2.0 and MIT licences) and come from public hosts. Before each first download the browser asks, with the model's name and size. Help, AI on this device lists them and has Remove downloaded models to reclaim the space. Voidcanvas records that a model ran and how long it took, never the image.
What on-device AI does not do
- Generate images from a prompt. The models edit what is there; they do not invent new pictures.
- Upscale photos. See How to fix a blurry image.
- Run as fast on an old laptop as on a new one. WebGPU helps a lot where the browser has it.
Is on-device AI good enough for client work?
For cut-outs, selections, object removal and modest expansions, yes, and it is the only kind you can use on material you are not allowed to upload.
Why does it need the internet the first time?
To download the model. After that it runs offline, and nothing about your image is ever sent.