Don’t allow AI to dilute your unique writing style or charge you for the privilege! With LanguageTool, you can have a robust grammar and word usage checker that remains entirely offline and private right on your device.

In today’s fast-paced digital world, writing can be challenging. Thankfully, there’s a solution that not only protects your privacy but also offers the benefits of advanced AI-powered editing—all without the risk of your work being used to train AI models.

As a copywriter, I often shied away from AI writing assistants because I feared the resultant work would adopt a generic "AI tone." Authenticity is crucial, especially as the line between human and AI-generated content continues to blur. This is where LanguageTool shines, providing an AI-based grammar check that prioritizes your privacy.

What is LanguageTool?

LanguageTool is a formidable grammar checker that you can host locally on your computer, alleviating concerns over the confidentiality of your documents. Since all your writing remains on your device, there’s no risk of it being accessed by third-party AI tools. Whether you’re in your home office or on the move, LanguageTool’s offline capabilities ensure that your work remains private.

How to Set Up LanguageTool on Windows Using Docker

Docker is an innovative platform that allows applications to run in isolated environments, known as containers. This encapsulation means you can deploy software without the hassle of managing individual components.

Step 1: Install Docker Desktop

To get started, download and install Docker Desktop for Windows. It operates on both Windows 10 and 11, utilizing either Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) or Hyper-V mode. For Home editions, WSL is the preferred method since it offers broader compatibility with various containers. Additionally, installing the Windows Terminal App will facilitate your command-line interactions.

Step 2: Download and Launch the LanguageTool Docker Image

Before diving into the installation process, download the n-gram data which enhances LanguageTool’s context understanding. Simply unzip the data into your user profile directory (e.g., %USERPROFILE\LanguageTool\ngrams%). Though optional, investing a few extra minutes and ensuring you have 10GB of free disk space could significantly improve grammar checks on nuanced contexts.

Once you’re ready, run the following command in Windows Terminal to initiate the LanguageTool Docker image: ```bash docker run --name langtool -p 8010:8010 -d -e langtool_abTest=null -e langtool_abTestClients=null -e langtool_languageModel=/ngrams -v c:\Users\username\LanguageTool\ngrams:/ngrams:ro erikvl87/languagetool ```

This command initiates the LanguageTool container, mapping necessary ports and setting it to function without needing internet access.

Step 3: Integrate LanguageTool with Firefox

Now that LanguageTool is operational, it's crucial to enable its features in your preferred applications. Start by installing the LanguageTool extension in Firefox. Type about:addons in the address bar, navigate to the Extensions Tab, and search for "LanguageTool."

Once found, ensure you’re installing the official extension and install it. Grant any necessary permissions, including the option for it to run in private windows.

After the installation, access the LanguageTool setting and adjust it to direct traffic to your local version at http://localhost:8010/v2. This step is essential for proper integration with any other software requiring LanguageTool support.

The Future of Writing with Docker and LanguageTool

Congratulations! You’ve successfully created your own writing assistant that remains entirely under your control. Test it out by entering text in Google Docs or any other text-input platform, and witness LanguageTool’s intelligent feedback transform your writing.

LanguageTool also offers plugins for Chrome, Edge, and a variety of desktop applications, expanding its usability. With privacy, efficiency, and independence in mind, your writing has never been more secure and enhanced.

This hands-on guide ensures that you can protect the authenticity of your written work while benefitting from powerful language-checking technology. Embrace the future of writing—on your terms!