zmail

Synchronizes IMAP mail to local maildir and SQLite for fast, private search.

Updated Aug 27, 2026

Search Tags:#cli #email #sqlite #ai-assistant #local-storage #imap

Ready to run

npx skills add https://github.com/cirne/zmail --skill zmail

💬 Prompt for ChatGPT / Claude Chat▼

Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: zmail
Source: https://github.com/cirne/zmail/tree/main/skills/zmail
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/cirne/zmail --skill zmail

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

💡 This Skill includes references (resource) components.

What problem does it solve?

Local-first email for agents: syncs IMAP messages to a local maildir and SQLite index with FTS5, enabling private, fast AI-driven queries.

Core Features & Use Cases

Local-first storage: IMAP sync to maildir + SQLite (FTS5) for fast, private access.
CLI surface: search, read, thread, who, attachments, and MCP server.
AI-assisted workflows: ask, hydrate, and surface actionable summaries from your mailbox.

Quick Start

Install globally and run zmail setup to configure IMAP credentials and OpenAI API key.

Frequently Asked Questions about zmail

High-intent search queries and answers about installing and using this skill.

FAQPage Schema

How do I sync IMAP email to a local SQLite database for AI agents?▼

You can sync IMAP email to a local SQLite database by running a setup command with your IMAP credentials. The tool imports messages into a local maildir and an FTS5-enabled SQLite index for private, fast search.

What is local-first email for AI workflows and why do I need it?▼

Local-first email for AI workflows synchronizes IMAP messages into a local store, enabling AI agents to query, summarize, and hydrate messages privately. It keeps all data local while providing fast agent-assisted interactions.

Can I search and read local maildir messages using a command line interface?▼

Yes, you can search and read local maildir messages using a command line interface. The CLI provides commands for searching, reading, threading, and extracting attachments directly from your local SQLite index.

Do I need an OpenAI API key to use AI-assisted email queries?▼

Yes, an OpenAI API key is required for AI-assisted email queries and summaries. While local IMAP sync and SQLite indexing function without it, AI features like asking questions and hydrating messages require the key.

Does this local email sync tool work without uploading my data to the cloud?▼

Yes, this local email sync tool keeps data entirely local by storing messages in a maildir and SQLite index. Your emails remain private and are never uploaded to external cloud servers during search or AI queries.

What are the limitations of using SQLite FTS5 for email search and indexing?▼

Using SQLite FTS5 for email search requires local storage proportional to your mailbox size and limits queries to the local index. Additionally, AI-assisted features depend on an active OpenAI API key and internet connection.