Model Configuration
Configure your initial AI model within Sypha
Sypha requires an AI model to interpret your instructions and generate code. Consider this analogous to selecting which specialist to collaborate with—each model offers distinct capabilities and pricing structures.
Quick Start: Configure Your Provider
The most straightforward approach is selecting Sypha as your provider:
- Access Sypha Settings: Select the gear icon (⚙️) located in the top-right area of Sypha's chat interface
- Choose "Sypha" from the API Provider dropdown menu
- Select a model from the available options - we suggest beginning with Claude Sonnet 4.5 or DeepSeek V3

That's it! No API keys to manage, and you'll get access to multiple models.
Free models available: Sypha occasionally offers free inferencing through partner providers. When available, you'll see these options in your model dropdown.
Alternative: Use Another Provider
If you prefer to use your own API keys, you can select from providers like:
- OpenRouter - Great value, multiple models
- Anthropic - Direct access to Claude models
- OpenAI - Access to GPT models
- Google Gemini - Google's AI models
- Ollama - Run models locally on your computer
After selecting a provider, you'll need to:
- Get an API key from their website
- Paste it into the API Key field in Sypha settings
- Choose your model
Most providers require payment information before generating API keys.
Which Model Should I Choose?
If you're just getting started, we recommend:
| Your Priority | Choose This Model | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Reliability | Claude Sonnet 4.5 | Most reliable for coding tasks |
| Value | DeepSeek V3 | Great performance at low cost |
| Speed | Qwen3 Coder | Fast responses |
| Privacy | Any Ollama model | Runs on your computer |
You can switch models anytime without losing your conversation.
Next Steps
With your model configured, you're all set! In the next section, we'll walk you through completing your first task with Sypha and show you how to interact with the AI to write, debug, and refactor code.
Deep Dive: Model Selection Guide
Want to understand model pricing, context windows, and advanced selection strategies? Check out our comprehensive Model Selection Guide.