> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://openworklabs.com/docs/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Work in desktop apps

> Approve a Mac app window and choose how OpenWork can help

Computer Use is a preview for macOS 14 or later. It can read a window, use
accessible app controls, or work with mouse and keyboard in the foreground.
Use the built-in browser for websites and a dedicated connection when an app
provides one.

## Set up

1. Open **Settings → Library → Computer Use** and enable it.
2. Open **Permissions and session controls**.
3. Grant **Accessibility** and **Screen Recording** to **OpenWork Computer Use**
   in macOS settings. OpenWork cannot grant these permissions for you.
4. Return to OpenWork and check readiness. Reconnect Computer Use if macOS asks
   you to restart the helper or if you are upgrading from the previous version.
5. Open the app you want to use and mention it in your message.

For example: “In @TextEdit, review the document in the open window and suggest
clearer wording.”

## Approve the session

When OpenWork needs an app, a native approval window names the app and requested
task. You choose a window and approve one of three scopes:

* **Read a window:** text and screenshots; no clicks or typing.
* **Use app controls:** read and operate controls exposed by the app's
  accessibility support. Your pointer remains available.
* **Use mouse and keyboard:** operate the approved window while it is in
  front. Bring it forward and click **Resume** in the floating panel to start.

App approvals are separate from macOS permissions. Each approval lasts for one
session, up to 15 minutes. OpenWork must ask again to change the app or scope.

## Stay in control

The floating **Computer Use** panel shows the app, scope and selected window.
Use **Pause**, **Resume**, or **Stop** at any time. In mouse and keyboard mode,
your input or switching to another app pauses the session. In app-controls
mode, input in the target app pauses it. Idle sessions pause after two minutes.
Only you can resume from the panel.

The helper's setup window also offers **Stop all Computer Use sessions**.
Windows remain open when a session stops; stopping does not undo completed
changes.

If a window moves, changes, becomes unavailable or no longer matches the last
observation, OpenWork must look again before sending input. An app without
usable accessibility information may require visual control or your help.
Animations can cause visual input to pause for another observation.

## Privacy and availability

OpenWork reads and captures the selected window. That content is processed by
your selected model provider and follows your host's conversation-retention
settings. Standard password fields are omitted and masked when the app marks
them correctly; custom controls may not do so. Enter passwords and handle
security prompts yourself.

Computer Use does not operate terminal apps, system permission settings or
OpenWork itself. App access can still allow meaningful changes within that
app, including saved files or sent messages, so describe your intended task
clearly and remain present for sensitive work.

Desktop control on Windows and Linux, locked-desktop use, background mouse and
keyboard input, arbitrary keyboard shortcuts, and persistent app approvals are
not available in this preview. The OpenWork Browser remains available for
website tasks on supported desktop platforms.