---
title: "See where Cardboard works"
description: "You can use Cardboard in your browser or through the Mac app. This article explains how they differ so you can choose the right option for your workflow."
canonical: "https://www.cardboard.ai/learn/see-where-cardboard-works"
---

# See where Cardboard works

You can use Cardboard in your browser or through the Mac app. This article explains how they differ so you can choose the right option for your workflow.

## What's the difference?

### Cardboard on the web

[Typing a prompt on the cardboard.ai home page](https://www.cardboard.ai/images/learn/where-cardboard-on-the-web.mp4)

Cardboard runs in your browser, which means there's nothing to install. Upload your footage and tell the AI agent, what you want to make and it will put the edit together for you.

### Cardboard for Mac

[Downloading Cardboard for Mac from the Mac page](https://www.cardboard.ai/images/learn/where-cardboard-for-mac.mp4)

The Mac app lets you work with Cloud or connect your own AI agent, such as Claude Code or Codex. You also get access to more powerful models and can work with larger amounts of footage.

The web app runs in Chrome on any computer. The Mac app requires Apple Silicon (M1 or later) and works with local footage. The Director edits on both; the Mac app also lets you connect Claude or Codex.

## When should I use the web app?

The web app is the quickest way to get started with Cardboard. It’s a good fit if:

- You want simple edits, like adding captions to a talking-head video or making quick cuts
- You want to edit from anywhere, on any computer
- You use a Windows device or an Intel Mac
- You don’t have a paid Claude or ChatGPT subscription

## When should I use the Mac app?

The Mac app gives you access to more powerful models for more demanding edits. It’s a good fit if:

- You want to create cinematic videos or more complex edits
- You have a large amount of footage to work through
- You already have a paid Claude or ChatGPT subscription and want to bring your own agents

### What does “bring your own agent” mean?

If you have a paid Claude or ChatGPT subscription, you can connect your agent to Cardboard and use it to edit your videos.

Cardboard gives your agent the tools to work with video. It can see and hear your footage, read the transcript, understand how the sound and visuals fit together, and build an edit on a timeline.

[Turning on Claude Code and Codex in Settings, Agents in Cardboard for Mac](https://www.cardboard.ai/images/learn/connect-your-agent.mp4)

## Which one should I pick?

If you have a Mac with Apple Silicon (M1 or later), start with the desktop app. You get the Lite plan free for a limited time and faster results. Otherwise, the web version works just as seamlessly.

## Can I use both?

Yes. You log in to both with the same Cardboard account.