Set up providers and models

Vixl does not host models. Add a provider, store a key if it needs one, then pick a default model. You cannot send a chat until a model is selected.

Add a provider

1. Open Settings in the left sidebar footer.
2. Open Providers.
3. Click Add provider.
4. Pick a catalog provider, or Custom OpenAI-compatible.
5. Save an API key if you are asked for one.
6. On the provider row, use Test connection.

Ollama and LM Studio skip the API key step. Default URLs and the rest of the catalog are on Providers. Adding a provider does not pick a default model for you.

A 401 or 403 on test means the key is wrong.

Set a default model

1. Open Models in Settings.
2. Set Default.

Every other role uses Default until you override it. You do not need those overrides for a first chat. Role defaults, Auto-title, and per-chat picks are on Models and Models and roles.

Starting a chat from the sidebar is blocked until Default or Agent is set. Sending from the home input requires a model on the picker.

Next, add a project, or skip that and send a chat.