Adding and managing models

Enable a built-in cloud model, or connect your own local model or OpenRouter account so the AI panel has a model to work with.

You need at least one enabled model before the AI panel will respond. Papers AI includes several built-in cloud models, and you can also connect a model you control: one running locally, or a hosted OpenRouter account.

Enable a model

1

Open Manage models

Open Manage models from the model selector in the AI panel.

2

Turn a model on

Turn on a built-in cloud model from the Cloud models tab, or switch to Your models to connect your own.

3

Select the model in the AI panel

Pick the model you want to use from the selector in the AI panel.

Connect your own model

In Manage models, switch to the Your models tab. There are two ways to connect a model you control.

Local models

Run a model on your own machine with Ollama or LM Studio.

1

Switch to Local models

In Your models, switch to the Local models tab.

2

Enter the server address

Enter your server's address, for example http://localhost:1234.

3

Add an API key (optional)

Add an API key if your server requires one.

4

Connect

Click Connect, then select the model in the AI panel and send a test prompt.

OpenRouter

Connect a hosted OpenRouter account instead of running a model yourself.

Connecting an OpenRouter account currently requires a Plus plan.

1

Switch to OpenRouter

In Your models, switch to the OpenRouter tab.

2

Enter your API key

Enter your OpenRouter API key.

3

Connect

Click Connect, then select a model from OpenRouter in the AI panel and send a test prompt.

External models run outside Papers AI's control. Responses may be inaccurate or produce unexpected edits.

API keys are never written to disk. They clear when you close the tab or disconnect.

If privacy is the main reason you're connecting your own model, remember it only covers what you send to the AI. See Using AI for what that includes.

Things to know

• A separate Usage tab in Manage models shows your usage against your plan's quota.

• The OpenRouter option is limited to Plus plans; local models aren't.

Troubleshooting

Connection fails

Check the server address or API key, that your local server is running, and that it allows browser connections.

No models listed

Refresh the server's model list.

The AI only chats and won't take actions

Your server or model doesn't support tool use. Try a different one.

Settings don't persist

Model choice is saved per browser; API keys clear on tab close by design. That's expected, not a bug.

Next steps

• Using AI

• Reviewing AI changes