# Models and AI providers

Open **Settings → AI Provider** to connect accounts and decide which models Syntheo uses.

## Understand presets

| Preset | Good for |
|---|---|
| **Standard** | Everyday tasks and normal implementation work |
| **Hunter** | Difficult planning, investigation, and debugging |
| **Design** | Product, interface, and visual work |
| **Browser** | Work that depends on web research or interaction |
| **Custom** | A repeated specialist workflow you want to name |

Start with Standard. Add or tune the others when a real task needs them.

## Assign a model

1. Open **Settings → AI Provider**.
2. Find the preset you want to configure.
3. Choose a provider.
4. Choose an available model.
5. Select a thinking level if the model offers one.
6. Sign in or save the requested credential.
7. Test with a small Ask task.

Higher thinking levels may take longer or cost more. Use them for ambiguous or high-risk work, not as a substitute for a clear prompt.

## Use one connection across presets

Several presets can use the same provider account. You can still choose a different model or thinking level for each preset.

For subscription and API-key choices, see [Connect an AI provider](../subscriptions-provider-access.md).

## Create a custom preset

A custom preset is useful when the same kind of work repeatedly needs its own model setup, such as security review or fast documentation work.

Do not create one for a single task. Use Standard, Hunter, Design, or Browser first.

## Set global Behaviour

Open **Settings → Behaviour** to choose response length, personality, and additional instructions.

Good additional instructions are preferences that should apply almost everywhere:

```text
Keep final summaries concise. State what was checked and what remains unverified.
```

Keep project-specific rules in the project and task-specific constraints in the prompt. This prevents unrelated tasks from receiving the wrong instruction.

## If a model is unavailable

- Confirm the provider is connected.
- Select a model currently offered to that account.
- Check that the selected preset has a complete assignment.
- Reconnect if the account or subscription changed.
- Try a small Ask task before retrying a large task.

## Next

Control what tools may do in **[Tool permissions](permissions.md)**.

[← Settings and safety](README.md) · [User guide](../README.md) · [Documentation use notice](../NOTICE.md)