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Model Picker

The model picker in the composer chooses which model answers in the current conversation. It is where provider setup becomes visible in day-to-day use.

Row-Bot model picker open in the composer, grouped by provider with search.
The model picker lists every available model in one place, grouped by provider, with how each is paid for and a search box.

Where Models Come From​

Models appear after Row-Bot discovers them from a connected provider or local runtime:

  • Local Ollama models come from the Ollama service running on your computer.
  • Subscription models come from a ChatGPT, Claude or Grok account you signed in to.
  • Pay-per-use models come from a provider connected with an API key in Settings › Providers.
  • Custom endpoint models come from the compatible endpoint details you provide.
  • Models you pin in Settings › Models appear first.

The same list is used everywhere a model is chosen: the composer, and the Brain, Vision, Image and Video pickers in Settings › Models.

Using The Picker​

  • Search models narrows long lists; Recent shows the models you used last.
  • Models are grouped by provider, each marked Connected or Not connected, and tagged with how they are paid for: Subscription, Pay per use, Credits, or Local · free (runs on this device).
  • A model that can't be used right now, for example because its provider is disconnected, shows as Unavailable with the reason.
  • Chat only marks models that can't use tools.
  • The choice applies to this conversation only; it doesn't change your default model in Settings › Models.

Choosing Well​

Use a smaller or local model for quick private chats. Use a stronger tool-capable model for workflows, designs, code folders, long context, or multi-step tool use. For local and self-hosted endpoints, prefer a context window large enough for Row-Bot's instructions and tool schemas.

Reasoning choices belong to the exact provider-qualified model, not just its display name. After choosing a supported model, use the conditional Thinking control described in Reasoning Controls.

Pinning Models​

Open Settings › Models, find a model in the Catalog, and pin the ones you use often. Pinning doesn't create a new model; it puts an existing one at the top of every picker.

Troubleshooting​

  • If the picker says there are no models yet, choose how Row-Bot thinks in Setup, or connect a provider in Settings › Providers.
  • If a model is missing, refresh the provider in Settings › Providers, then refresh the catalog in Settings › Models.
  • If a model shows as unavailable, read its reason; reconnecting its provider usually fixes it.
  • If a model appears but fails with tools, choose a model that isn't marked Chat only.
  • If custom endpoint models look duplicated, use the provider-qualified name.