> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.cline.bot/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Local models

> Run Cline with local models using Ollama, LM Studio or Atomic Chat.

Run Cline with local inference on your machine.

## Quick Start

1. Install a local runtime (**Ollama**, **LM Studio** or **Atomic Chat**)
2. Start the local server
3. In Cline Settings, select the matching provider
4. Select a local model
5. Enable **Use Compact Prompt** in Cline Settings → Features

## Hardware Requirements

| RAM     | Typical local setup                      |
| ------- | ---------------------------------------- |
| 16-32GB | Small/quantized models                   |
| 32-64GB | Mid-size coding models                   |
| 64GB+   | Larger models and bigger context windows |

## Runtime Options

<Tabs>
  <Tab title="Ollama">
    ### 1) Install

    * Download from [ollama.com](https://ollama.com)
    * Install for your OS

    ### 2) Find popular local models

    * Browse the Ollama model catalog: [ollama.com/search](https://ollama.com/search)
    * Sort/filter by popularity, model size, and latest updates
    * Open any model page and copy the `ollama pull` command

    ### 3) Pull and run a model

    ```bash theme={"system"}
    ollama pull <model-name>
    ollama run <model-name>
    ```

    ### 4) Configure Cline

    1. Open Cline Settings
    2. Select provider: **Ollama**
    3. Base URL: `http://localhost:11434`
    4. Select your model from the dropdown

    ### 5) Troubleshooting

    * Make sure Ollama is running before sending prompts
    * If connection fails, verify `http://localhost:11434`
    * If model is missing, run `ollama pull <model-name>`
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="LM Studio">
    ### 1) Install

    * Download from [lmstudio.ai](https://lmstudio.ai)
    * Install and launch the app

    ### 2) Find local models

    * Browse the LM Studio model catalog: [lmstudio.ai/models](https://lmstudio.ai/models)
    * Filter by model family, size, and capabilities
    * Pick a model that matches your hardware

    ### 3) Download a model

    * Open **Discover** and download a model

    ### 4) Start server

    * Open **Developer** tab
    * Start server (default: `http://localhost:1234`)

    ### 5) Configure Cline

    1. Open Cline Settings
    2. Select provider: **LM Studio**
    3. Keep Base URL as `http://localhost:1234`
    4. Select your model from the dropdown

    ### 6) Troubleshooting

    * Ensure LM Studio server is running
    * Ensure a model is loaded
    * If connection fails, verify `http://localhost:1234`
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Atomic Chat">
    ### 1) Install

    * Download from [atomic.chat](https://atomic.chat) (macOS Apple Silicon)
    * Or build from [AtomicBot-ai/Atomic-Chat](https://github.com/AtomicBot-ai/Atomic-Chat)

    ### 2) Load a model

    * Open Atomic Chat and download or load a local model from the catalog

    ### 3) Start the local API

    * Atomic Chat exposes an OpenAI-compatible server at `http://127.0.0.1:1337/v1` by default
    * List loaded models: `curl http://127.0.0.1:1337/v1/models`

    ### 4) Configure Cline

    1. Open Cline Settings
    2. Select provider: **Atomic Chat**
    3. Base URL: `http://127.0.0.1:1337/v1` (default)
    4. Select your model from the dropdown

    ### 5) Troubleshooting

    * Make sure Atomic Chat is running before sending prompts
    * If connection fails, verify `http://127.0.0.1:1337/v1/models`
    * If the model list is empty, load a model in Atomic Chat first
  </Tab>
</Tabs>

## Recommended Cline Settings for Local Inference

* Enable **Use Compact Prompt**
* Keep tasks focused (smaller context = faster responses)
* Start a new task when context gets too large