What does the local Companion actually do?

It is an app running on your machine that executes the heavy work: transcription, proxy generation, stabilization, reframing and export. The server only orchestrates and stores metadata, it does not process your video.

Are my files uploaded to the cloud?

Original footage stays on your disk. Only lightweight proxies and project metadata are backed up so you can resume work from another browser or machine.

When is a local-first model NOT a good fit?

If your internal policy requires a fully managed cloud-only workflow and you cannot install software on team machines, another model fits better.

Why does this lower monthly cost?

Because compute you would normally rent by the hour runs on hardware you already own. That keeps the subscription predictable even when you process many hours of footage.

Local video editor with Companion: speed and privacy

The Companion runs transcription, proxies, stabilization and export on your own machine, so heavy footage never leaves your disk and your subscription stays predictable no matter how many hours you process.

Architecture for users

Why local Companion improves cost and speed

This page explains the architecture in user terms: heavy compute runs locally, cloud handles orchestration.

Real problem

Sending every heavy operation to cloud increases costs and latency.

How Max Editor solves it

Companion handles local transcription, preview, and export while cloud focuses on coordination and lightweight metadata.

User steps

Install Companion once.
Run heavy editing tasks locally.
Sync only what is needed.

Expected outcome

Lower total operating cost.
Faster heavy workflows.
Better control over local media.

Frequently asked questions

What does the local Companion actually do?: It is an app running on your machine that executes the heavy work: transcription, proxy generation, stabilization, reframing and export. The server only orchestrates and stores metadata, it does not process your video.
Are my files uploaded to the cloud?: Original footage stays on your disk. Only lightweight proxies and project metadata are backed up so you can resume work from another browser or machine.
When is a local-first model NOT a good fit?: If your internal policy requires a fully managed cloud-only workflow and you cannot install software on team machines, another model fits better.
Why does this lower monthly cost?: Because compute you would normally rent by the hour runs on hardware you already own. That keeps the subscription predictable even when you process many hours of footage.

What is Max Editor

You recorded an hour-long show. Walk out with the clean cut and the vertical clips, without editing a timeline.

Max Editor transcribes, finds the best moments, removes filler and repetition, builds the sequences and reframes them to vertical with captions. You edit by deleting words. The heavy lifting runs on your PC or your Android: no credits, no cloud minutes.

Import & transcribe. Drag in your video or paste a YouTube link. It's transcribed word by word on your own PC or phone, with exact per-word timing.
AI builds your sequences. The editor reads the script and proposes ready-made thematic sequences: it groups the best moments by topic, with no manual assembly.
Refine by text. Delete fillers, silences and repetitions by selecting text. AI cleanup trims the video for you, keeping the pace.
Reframe, captions & export. Vertical 9:16 reframe tracking the subject, 24 caption styles, AI-suggested B-roll and batch export. Ready for YouTube, TikTok or Reels.

14 days free · No credit card · Windows & Android

Fair pricing, no surprises

14 days free. No card to start. Cancel anytime.

Basic · $15/mo
Your PC does all the work.
- Transcript-first editing with Max Companion
- Transcription, reframe and export with no minute limits
- Your own OpenAI key (BYOK), no markup
- 10 projects · 1 device
Pro · $45/mo
For active creators: edit from anywhere.
- Everything in Basic
- Full web editor from any browser
- Cloud: upload, download and remote backup
- 100 projects · 2 devices
Unlimited · $65/mo
For teams and agencies.
- Everything in Pro
- Remote export across devices
- Shared workspaces and supervision
- Unlimited projects · 5 devices

Every plan includes a 14-day trial, transcription, reframe and export with no minute limits on your own devices, and AI cleanup with your own OpenAI key at no markup.