Comfy Desktop

Comfy Desktop is Comfy Org's desktop launcher and installation manager for ComfyUI, the node-based generative AI engine. It is intended for artists, researchers and workflow builders who want to run local image, video or audio workflows without manually assembling every Python dependency. Desktop version numbers describe the launcher, not the separately managed ComfyUI engine or model versions.

Workflows and installation management

Create independent ComfyUI installations with their own engine versions, custom nodes, models and settings, then launch the selected installation from one dashboard. The official project describes isolated, relocatable Python environments with PyTorch and GPU wheels, one-click engine and custom-node updates, snapshots and rollback, adoption of existing installations and built-in Desktop updates. Its bootstrap includes Python and pygit2, so system Git is not generally needed merely to create an installation.

Inside ComfyUI, connect nodes into reusable generation workflows. Actual capabilities depend on the selected models, nodes and workflow; installing Desktop does not supply an unrestricted license to every model or guarantee that every workflow runs on your hardware. Additional model weights and environments require downloads and disk space beyond the launcher. Follow each model's license, access restrictions and memory requirements.

Mac installation and hardware

Install the comfy Homebrew Cask, or use the official platform download and place Comfy Desktop in Applications. The current official Mac guide requires macOS 13 Ventura or later and Apple Silicon M1 or later. The recorded Cask declares ARM64 and macOS 12 or later, a lower metadata minimum; use the current vendor requirement when planning support. This Cask is not an Intel Mac build, and Rosetta does not turn an Intel Mac into supported Apple Silicon hardware.

The overview specifies at least 8 GB RAM, recommends 16 GB, and lists at least 4.85 GB disk space per standalone installation. Models and generated outputs can require considerably more. The repository recommends a dedicated GPU or Apple Silicon for good performance, but does not make a discrete NVIDIA GPU a Mac prerequisite. CPU-only execution and model compatibility depend on the engine and nodes; do not assume arbitrary GPU workflows will work or perform acceptably on a CPU. Windows 10+ and Linux packages are separate distributions.

The managed installation downloads its runtime and dependencies after the launcher is installed. Node.js and pnpm in the repository's development instructions are source-build tools, not general requirements for using the packaged application. Custom nodes may introduce additional dependencies and execute third-party code with your local user's access. Review their origin before installing them. File and network access follows the selected workflow; no universal Screen Recording or Accessibility requirement is documented. Existing legacy Desktop data can be migrated, and the Mac guide states that the legacy installation is retained as a backup.

Local use, accounts and services

Local model execution uses your machine and can be used separately from hosted services. Downloads, updates, remote nodes and cloud workflows still use the network. Do not treat all workflows as offline or assume inputs remain local when a workflow calls an external API. Partner Nodes send API requests to hosted models, require a Comfy account and a positive purchased credit balance, and have service-specific terms. Comfy Cloud is a separate subscription service; installing Desktop does not include unlimited cloud compute or paid API credits. The official account documentation supports email, Google and GitHub login.

License and version scope

The current Comfy-Desktop project, including the exact v1.1.6 license file, is dual-licensed under AGPL-3.0-or-later or a commercial license from Comfy Org. The open-source option has copyleft obligations, including its network-use source-disclosure provision; a commercial option is offered for users who do not wish to comply with those terms. ComfyUI, model weights and third-party nodes have their own licenses. Do not apply the archived predecessor's GPL license to this current Desktop project.

The official promotional image shows a Mac multi-installation dashboard labeled Desktop 2.0 Beta; it illustrates the project rather than the exact recorded installer build.

Official sources: Desktop project, Desktop overview, Mac guide, Partner Nodes, License.