Client trust and usage - Shape

The desktop app runs on the user’s machine. Only the authenticated account on Shape Cloud decides whether an AI request is allowed.

Official builds

Shape Cloud AI requires an official release. Local editing still works in any build. Contributors building from source can work without Cloud AI. See Troubleshooting.

Rules of thumb

Kind	Meaning
Display	Client may show cached usage for UX. Never the authority.
Client gate	Client may require sign-in before sending. Not the only check.
Server authoritative	Server allows or denies against real account state.