Providers and Models

A provider gives Kowork access to AI services. A model is the specific AI you use for a task. Connect at least one provider before choosing its models.

Connect a provider

1. Select Settings in the sidebar.
2. Select Providers.
3. Find a provider under Popular, or select Show more providers for the full list.
4. Select Connect.
5. Follow the instructions shown. Depending on the provider, Kowork may ask for an API key, open an authorization page, or offer more than one sign-in method.

After setup, the provider appears under Connected, and its models become available in Kowork.

Note

API keys and account access come from the provider, not Kowork. Follow the provider’s instructions if you need to create a key or choose an account.

For a more detailed first-time walkthrough, see Connect an AI Provider.

Choose a model for a task

1. Open or create a task.
2. Select the current model name below the message box.
3. Search or browse by provider, then select a model.

Your choice applies to the task you are working in.

Choose which models appear

A provider can offer many models. You can keep the model menu focused without disconnecting the provider.

1. Open Settings and select Models.
2. Search by provider or model name if needed.
3. Turn a model on to show it in the task model menu, or off to hide it.

You can also open the model menu in a task and select Manage models.

Tip

Hiding a model only removes it from the model menu. It does not disconnect its provider.

Disconnect a provider

1. Open Settings and select Providers.
2. Under Connected, find the provider.
3. Select Disconnect beside it.

Its models will no longer be available. A provider configured through environment variables does not show a disconnect action in Kowork.

Custom providers

The Custom provider option is for services that use an OpenAI-compatible API.

1. Open Settings and select Providers.
2. Under Popular, find Custom provider and select Connect.
3. Enter the provider ID, display name, base URL, and at least one model ID and display name.
4. Add an API key or optional headers if the service requires them.
5. Select Submit.

Use the exact connection details supplied by the service. Most people should connect one of the listed providers instead.