Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about Alyph below. If you need more help, feel free to reach out.
What problem does Alyph solve?
Standard AI chat interfaces are linear, like a transcript. This works for simple questions but fails for complex brainstorming. When you explore multiple ideas, compare outputs, or refine a concept over dozens of messages, you end up scrolling endlessly, losing context. Alyph replaces the linear thread with a spatial canvas, allowing you to organize your thoughts visually, manage context explicitly, and see the entire picture of your exploration at once.
What is Guest Mode?
Guest Mode allows you to try Alyph instantly without an account or an OpenAI API key. It uses a limited, free model (gpt-5-nano) and is rate-limited to 3 messages per minute. It's a perfect way to experience the spatial canvas and core features before committing to using your own key.
Is my data and OpenAI API key secure?
Yes. When you use your own key (Pro Mode), it is stored locally in your browser's storage and never touches our servers. We have no backend database for user conversations, ensuring your work remains private to you. All API calls are made directly from your browser to OpenAI via our secure proxy.
Can I use Alyph for coding?
Absolutely. Alyph is designed with developers in mind. It supports multi-file code generation, syntax highlighting, and easy copy/download for code blocks. You can ask the AI to scaffold an entire component with separate HTML, CSS, and JS files, and Alyph will present them as distinct, manageable blocks on the canvas. This makes it far superior to wrestling with markdown in a standard chat window.
How is Alyph different from Miro or FigJam?
While Miro and FigJam are excellent general-purpose whiteboards, Alyph is an AI-native tool. Every element on the canvas is a 'Glyph' that is part of a context-aware conversation. Its core features, like visual context rewiring and first-class code generation, are built specifically for interacting with large language models in a way traditional whiteboards cannot.
How much does it cost?
The Alyph interface is completely free to use. In Guest Mode, it's totally free. In Pro Mode, you only pay for what you use directly to OpenAI via your API key. For most users, this is radically cheaper than a typical $20/month subscription, as you're paying raw API token costs instead of a flat fee.
What AI models can I use?
When using your own API key, Alyph supports a wide range of OpenAI models. You can choose from cutting-edge models like GPT-5.2 Pro for maximum power, or more cost-effective models like GPT-5-Nano for speed and efficiency. You can switch between models at any time.