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Macro

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Privacy-first AI workspace for deep document analysis and seamless team collaboration.

#privacy-centric#AI-powered#workspace#document management#deep PDF analysis#collaborative editing#workflow automation#technical research#high-stakes teams#accurate outputs#traceable outputs#inline citations#Markdown#ideas#communication#threaded chat#zero data retention#SOC 2 Type II# ISO 27001#security#auditability
Inputs: text, file, imageOutputs: text, file
Type
Saas

About Macro

Macro is a privacy-first, open-source workspace that consolidates email, chat, documents, tasks, calls, and CRM into a single application. Designed for teams that require deep document analysis and secure collaboration, it offers AI-powered features such as inline citations, threaded chat, and an infinite canvas for connecting Markdown notes and ideas. The platform emphasizes data security with zero data retention policies and SOC 2 Type II and ISO 27001 certifications, making it suitable for high-stakes technical research and enterprise environments. Based on the website, Macro also includes a shared AI memory that provides full context across all tools and agents, and it is built in the open on GitHub for auditability and extensibility.

Key Features

AI-powered PDF reader with inline, traceable citations
Smart Documents for summarizing and analyzing complex files
Fine-grain text selection with instant definitions
Connected Notes with Markdown and backlinks
Infinite Canvas for visual mapping and diagrams
Real-time multiplayer collaborative editing
Threaded chat with @mentions and document sharing
Automatic file syncing across teams
Zero data retention with model providers
SOC 2 Type II and ISO 27001 certified security

Pros & Cons

Pros
  • Privacy-first approach with zero data retention and strong security certifications
  • Open-source codebase allows for transparency, auditing, and self-hosting
  • Unified workspace reduces tool switching and centralizes context
  • AI features appear to provide inline citations and shared memory for improved accuracy and continuity
  • Keyboard-first design may enhance productivity for power users
Cons
  • Pricing model is contact-based; exact costs and free tier availability should be verified
  • As a relatively new all-in-one platform, feature depth may vary compared to specialized tools
  • Requires internet access for most functionality; offline capabilities are not specified
  • Open-source nature may require technical expertise for self-hosting or customization
  • AI output quality and reliability depend on underlying models and should be tested for specific use cases

Best For

Legal teams: Review, summarize, and compare long contracts with AI citations for auditability.Research analysts: Ingest technical papers and generate traceable summaries and term definitions.Financial analysts: Analyze earnings reports and filings, extract insights, and collaborate in real time.Compliance officers: Centralize policies, cross-link procedures, and document evidence with source traceability.Product managers: Plan projects, map ideas on the infinite canvas, and connect specs to research notes.Consultants: Build client workspaces, analyze PDFs, and co-edit deliverables with threaded discussions.Academic researchers: Annotate literature, link notes in Markdown, and maintain citation-backed summaries.Operations teams: Automate document-heavy workflows and keep conversations contextual to files.Security & IT: Manage audits with privacy-first controls, SOC 2/ISO documentation, and compliant collaboration.Sales & BD: Compile RFP responses by analyzing source docs, coordinating contributors, and tracking changes.

Alternatives to Macro

FAQ

What is the main purpose of Macro?
To unify everything you do into a single system: email, messages, docs, tasks, calls, and CRM, all with one login, a keyboard-driven interface, and unified context for AI agents.
How does Macro compare to Notion?
Macro replaces Notion by offering purpose-built modules for each job (email, messaging, file storage) instead of a markdown/database approach. Notion can still be connected via MCP for importing docs.
How does Macro compare to Superhuman?
Macro Mail is like Superhuman but supports multiple email accounts in one inbox and a shared omni-box across messages, email, @mentions, and tasks with the same keyboard shortcuts (j/k/e). It integrates directly with Gmail.
How does Macro compare to Slack?
Channels in Macro are quieter and more organized, showing inline replies to reduce thread opening. Access follows @mentions, and Slack can still be connected via MCP.
Does Macro have its own email or integrate with my email?
Macro Mail is an email client, not a server. It integrates with Google Workspace or Gmail. Outlook and custom IMAP/SMTP are coming soon.
Can I self-host Macro?
Yes, under the AGPL license. The hosted version is the primary focus and includes the iOS app, SOC 2 Type II audit, and runs on AWS. For HIPAA/FedRAMP, contact self-host@macro.com.
Is Macro fully open source? What is the license?
Yes, fully open source under the AGPLv3 (copyleft) as of May 31, 2026. For a different license (e.g., closed-source), contact licensing@macro.com.
How do you make money if Macro is open source?
From the hosted version (SaaS) and from companies that build on Macro under a license other than AGPLv3.