> ## Documentation Index > Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://openworklabs.com/docs/llms.txt > Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further. > ## Agent Instructions > For agents: install the OpenWork desktop app with `brew install --cask openwork` (macOS) or from https://openworklabs.com/download. Do not run `npx openwork`; the npm package named `openwork` is a different project. > Connect an agent to OpenWork with the MCP Gateway: `claude mcp add --transport http openwork https://api.openworklabs.com/mcp/agent`. Teams sign up at https://app.openworklabs.com?mode=sign-up. > Step-by-step agent guide: https://openworklabs.com/docs/start-here/use-openwork-from-an-ai-agent.md > OpenWork in Slack is private alpha for approved organizations. Setup guide: https://openworklabs.com/docs/slack/overview.md. Agent skill: https://openworklabs.com/.well-known/agent-skills/set-up-openwork-slack/SKILL.md. # Use local models (Ollama, LM Studio) > Run OpenWork with a local model such as Qwen, Llama, or Gemma through Ollama or LM Studio, with no API key and no cloud account. Yes, OpenWork can run on a model that lives entirely on your computer. For Ollama, open `Settings > Ollama`, pick a model, and click `Add to workspace`. For LM Studio or any other local server with an OpenAI-compatible API, add it as a provider in your workspace's `opencode.jsonc`. > [!NOTE] > > **Free and local.** Local models need no API key, no OpenWork Cloud account, and no internet connection once the model is downloaded. Your prompts and files stay on your machine. ## Use Ollama OpenWork has a built-in Ollama setup screen. It talks to Ollama at `http://localhost:11434`. 1. Install [Ollama](https://ollama.com/download) and start it. 2. In OpenWork, open `Settings` and choose `Ollama`. 3. Wait for the status to show `Ollama running`. If it shows `Ollama isn't installed or running`, start Ollama and click the refresh button. 4. Under `Available models`, select a model you already downloaded. If you have none, click `Pull a model` (or `Add a custom model`), type a model name from the [Ollama library](https://ollama.com/library), such as `qwen2.5-coder:7b`, and wait for the download to finish. 5. Leave `Use as default model in workspace` checked if new chats should use this model. 6. Click `Add to workspace`. OpenWork saves the provider as `Ollama (local)` and reloads the workspace. 7. Start a chat and confirm the model name in the model picker. OpenWork checks whether the model can read images. Models with vision support accept image attachments; text-only models do not. OpenWork also reads the thinking levels the model supports, such as `low`, `high`, or `max`, and lists them in the model picker's thinking menu. Models that cannot think show no levels. To use more than one Ollama model, repeat the steps for each model. Models you added earlier stay in the model picker. Adding a model again refreshes its image support and thinking levels, for example after you update Ollama. To match OpenWork to everything in Ollama at once, click `Sync all models` under the model list. OpenWork adds every model Ollama has, removes models you deleted from Ollama, and refreshes each model's image support and thinking levels. ## Use LM Studio or another local server LM Studio, llama.cpp's server, vLLM, and similar tools expose an OpenAI-compatible API. OpenWork connects to them the same way it connects to any [custom LLM](https://openworklabs.com/docs/start-here/connect-your-stack/add-a-custom-llm.md). 1. Start the local server in your tool and load a model. In LM Studio, start the local server from its developer view; by default it listens on `http://localhost:1234`. 2. Copy the model identifier the server reports (for LM Studio, the name shown for the loaded model). 3. Open your workspace folder and edit `opencode.jsonc` in its root (create it if it does not exist). 4. Add a provider that points at the server's `/v1` endpoint: ```jsonc theme={null} { "provider": { "lmstudio": { "npm": "@ai-sdk/openai-compatible", "name": "LM Studio (local)", "options": { "baseURL": "http://localhost:1234/v1" }, "models": { "qwen2.5-7b-instruct": { "name": "Qwen 2.5 7B Instruct" } } } } } ``` 5. Replace `qwen2.5-7b-instruct` with the exact model identifier from step 2. 6. Run `Reload OpenCode config` from the command palette (or restart OpenWork), then pick the model in the chat model picker. The same pattern works for any local server: change the provider key, `name`, `baseURL`, and model IDs. ## Pick a model that can use tools OpenWork is an agent: it reads files, runs tools, and calls MCP servers. Small local models often chat well but struggle to call tools reliably. If a task stalls or the model ignores your files, try a larger model or one that is advertised for tool or function calling. Keep a cloud model connected as a fallback for long, multi-step tasks. ## FAQ > **Is OpenWork free with local models?** > > Yes. OpenWork is free and open source, and running a local model adds no OpenWork cost. You only need hardware that can run the model. > **Does OpenWork send my data anywhere when I use a local model?** > > Model requests go to the local server you configured, such as `http://localhost:11434`. Connectors and MCP servers you add still talk to their own services. > **The Ollama screen says Ollama is not reachable.** > > Make sure Ollama is running on the same machine and listening on port `11434`. Then click the refresh button on the `Ollama` settings screen. > **I can't add a local provider on my work computer.** > > Your organization may allow only the models it provides (**AI Gateway › Who can use models › Only models you provide** in OpenWork Cloud). Ask your OpenWork admin. > **Can my whole team share one self-hosted model?** > > Yes. Run the model behind an OpenAI-compatible endpoint your team can reach, then add it once in OpenWork Cloud as a [custom LLM provider](https://openworklabs.com/docs/cloud/share-with-your-team/custom-llm-provider.md). ## Related * [Add a custom LLM or AI gateway](https://openworklabs.com/docs/start-here/connect-your-stack/add-a-custom-llm.md) * [Use Gemini and Google Vertex AI](https://openworklabs.com/docs/start-here/connect-your-stack/use-gemini-and-vertex-ai.md) * [Migrate from Claude Cowork](https://openworklabs.com/docs/start-here/migrate-from-claude-cowork.md) This documentation is built and hosted on [Mintlify](https://mintlify.com), a developer documentation platform.