# Models

> Pick a model for a conversation, let Vato route automatically, keep favorites, add custom models and set reasoning effort.

Each conversation runs on one model. You choose it in the message bar, and you can change it between turns.

## Open the model picker

Click the model name below the message field. The picker has a row of tabs at the top:

- **Favorites**: your starred models. The tab appears once you star a model.
- One tab per provider. A greyed-out logo means the provider isn't ready yet.
- **Automatic**: lets Vato pick the model for you.
- **All models / manage**: the gear icon, to organize the list.

Type in **Search models** to filter the current tab, then press Enter to pick the first result.

If a provider isn't connected, its tab explains why and shows a button such as **Sign in** or **Install** that opens a terminal with the right command. See [Connect your AI accounts](connect-ai-accounts.md).

## Keep favorites

Hover a model and click the star to **Add to favorites**. Favorites from every provider are gathered in the **Favorites** tab. Click the star again to **Remove from favorites**.

## Find free models

The **OpenRouter** and **OpenCode** tabs have filters:

- **All**: every model.
- **Tools**: models that can use tools.
- **Free**: free models only.

## Add a custom model

1. Open a provider tab and click **All models / manage**.
2. Type the model ID into **Enter a model ID**.
3. Click **Add custom model**.

In the same mode, you can move models up or down, choose **Hide from picker**, and use **Remove custom model**.

## Reasoning effort and speed

When the selected model supports it, the bottom of the picker shows a **Reasoning effort** slider. The available levels depend on the model, for example **Low**, **Medium**, **High** or **Max**. Higher levels think longer on hard problems.

- The lightning button turns on **Fast**, the provider's fast tier, when the model offers it.
- The arrow button, **Reset effort and speed**, returns to the model's defaults.
- Some models come in several context window sizes. Choose one in the **Context** row.

The current effort and a lightning icon also appear next to the model name in the message bar.

## Automatic routing

With **Automatic**, routing rules pick the model for each turn. On the first turn of a new conversation, they also choose the provider, which then stays the same. Choosing a specific model pins the conversation to it.

The **Automatic** tab appears when automatic routing is turned on. To set it up, go to `Settings → Plugins`, open **Automatic routing** and click **Manage**.

- **Preset**: **Off**, **Economical**, **Balanced** or **Quality**. Economical favors the cheapest models for simple work. Quality never downgrades.
- **Rules**: click **Add a rule**, give it an **Id**, describe when it applies under **Criterion**, then pick a **Provider** and **Model**. Optional **Paths** limit the rule to requests that name matching files.
- **Project file**: click **Create the rules file** to keep rules in the project, versioned with its repository.
- **Allowed providers and models**: limits what Automatic may choose on this computer, including requests from your phone and the web. Click **Save selection** when you are done. Models you pick by hand stay available.

> [!NOTE]
> Routing never switches provider in the middle of a conversation. When no rule applies, your current choice stays in place.

## Team workspaces

In a Team workspace, the models and accounts you can use depend on the team's configuration. Check the model shown in the message bar before you send.

## Next steps

- [Choose how much the agent may do on its own](permissions-and-approvals.md)
- [Start your first conversation](first-conversation.md)

Source: https://vatoide.com/docs/agents/models