Choosing providers and models
Pick the model for each role, switch models mid-session, use local models, and test what a model can do.
Belai uses more than one model. The main model does the work. The fast tier handles quick jobs: picking the mode, naming the session, the goal and plan evaluators’ verdicts, tidying dictated text. Code mode can have its own model.
Picking models
/model opens the picker: a provider and model for each role. Typed, it switches this session:
/model anthropic claude-sonnet-5 high
/model code smart
/model code openrouter deepseek/deepseek-v4ctrl+q swaps between the main model and the fast tier. f6 or /effort sets the reasoning effort. A model must be one you have credentials for. Add providers and keys in /providers. See Providers and keys.
From the command line: belai -provider P -model M -effort E.
Local models
ollama and llama-server run models on your own machine, and any OpenAI-compatible server works as a custom provider. /providers report probes your local model servers and lists what they offer.
Built-in models in a Pix Sandbox
In a Pix Sandbox, Pix Smart and Pix Fast are available as providers with no key. See Built-in models.
Decision models
Classification and decisions (the security classifier, the mode classifier, the goal evaluator) use decision backends, not chat models: the embedded classifier, Jev, Clef on Workers AI, or the local strands-decider. They are never routed through an AI Firewall. See Guardrails.