Photo via Fast Company
Glaze, a new Mac application from the team behind Raycast, is reshaping how non-technical professionals can create custom software. The platform uses artificial intelligence to transform simple text descriptions into fully functional desktop applications, eliminating the need for coding knowledge or expensive developer resources—a potential game-changer for Atlanta-based startups and small businesses looking to build internal tools or productivity solutions.
Unlike competing no-code platforms such as Lovable and Bolt that generate web-based applications, Glaze creates software that runs locally on a user's computer. This approach offers tangible advantages for Atlanta businesses concerned with data security and offline functionality: applications work without internet connectivity, user data remains on-device rather than in cloud storage, and apps integrate seamlessly with Mac's file system and background processes, functioning more like traditional software than browser-based tools.
The tool operates on a freemium model, offering limited free usage with the option to upgrade to $20 monthly for additional development credits. Getting started involves a straightforward four-step process: planning the app's features, allowing Glaze to build a draft, refining the design and functionality, and either keeping the app private or publishing it to a shared marketplace. Users report building functional applications in as little as 10-15 minutes, though more complex projects may require iteration and additional credits.
For Atlanta's growing technology and services sectors, Glaze presents opportunities to rapidly prototype internal applications—from process automation tools to employee wellness apps—without lengthy development timelines or substantial capital investment. However, prospective users should note current limitations: the platform is Mac-only with no Windows timeline announced, and applications cannot be deployed across multiple devices or to mobile platforms, making it best suited for single-machine productivity needs.
