# Desktop Guides The Biosimulant desktop app is the local workbench for editing labs, working with local packages, and running simulations on your machine. It consumes the same open-source `biosimulant` Python CLI and runtime used by local terminals, Cloud Studio, CI, and servers. **Info:** New here? Start with the [Desktop App](/overview/desktop-cli) for install, then [References > CLI](/references/cli) for terminal usage. To extend the desktop app itself with plugins, see [Build a Desktop Plugin](/how-to/desktop/build-desktop-plugin). ## What you can do here - Work with local models and labs. - Export and import package artifacts. - Use the `biosimulant` CLI against the same local state as the app. - Install and build desktop plugins. ## Guides - [Build a Desktop Plugin](/how-to/desktop/build-desktop-plugin): package and test your own desktop extension. - [CLI](/references/cli): install, auth, and script local workflows with JSON-friendly command output. - [CLI Command Reference](/references/cli/command-reference): full raw command catalog. - [Desktop Plugin Reference](/references/desktop-plugins): manifest, runtime, packaging, and UI contributions.