Choose a model for a chat

Search available models, view their capabilities, and select the right model for a conversation.

Written By Sujeevan Nagarajah

Last updated About 1 month ago

Each Vinaa conversation has its own selected AI model. You can choose a model before the first message or change it later.

Open the model picker

Click the model button in Chat Input, or press Command-L.

Choose a model

  1. Enter part of a model or provider name in Search models.

  2. Review the matching models.

  3. Click the model you want to use.

Switch between simple and detailed modes

The model selector has two display modes. Click the view button in the top-right corner to switch between them.

  • Simple mode shows each model's name and a short description. Use this mode when you already know which model you want.

  • Detailed mode compares models in a table. It can show capabilities, context-window size, supported input and output types, and input and output pricing.

Not every provider supplies every detail. A blank value does not always mean the model lacks that feature.

Filter the model list

Type / in Search models to open model filters.

You can filter by:

  • Connection, such as Anthropic or Codex CLI.

  • Favorites.

  • Capabilities, such as reasoning, tools, attachments, or vision.

  • Context-window size.

  • Pricing range.

Select a filter to add it to the search field. You can combine filters, then enter normal search text to narrow the results further. Remove the last filter with Delete when the search field is empty.

Favorite a model

Click the star beside a model to add or remove it from your favorites. Favorite models are easier to find and may be used as a fallback when no app or project default is set.

Choose a reasoning effort

For models with configurable reasoning, click the > arrow beside the model. Choose Default or another supported reasoning effort, such as Low, Medium, High, or Max.

Default uses the model's normal reasoning level. Higher reasoning can help with more difficult requests, but it may take longer and use more tokens. The available levels depend on the model.

Understand model defaults

Vinaa can choose a model from several levels:

  1. The model selected for the conversation.

  2. The project default model.

  3. The app default model.

  4. A favorite or other available model.

Changing models can change response style, speed, available tools, attachment support, and provider cost.