---
title: "Choosing a language model for ToolPiper"
description: "Which language model should I use with ToolPiper, and how do I choose one?"
date: 2026-10-22
author: "ModelPiper"
tags: ["Getting Started", "Models", "Language Model"]
type: "faq"
canonical: "https://modelpiper.com/help/choosing-a-language-model"
---

# Choosing a language model for ToolPiper

> Which language model should I use with ToolPiper, and how do I choose one?

Open **Choose a language model** in the Get started card on ToolPiper's Home pane and take the model it recommends: it is sized for this Mac's memory. ToolPiper offers what you already have first, a suitable model already on your Mac or a cloud provider you have already added, and otherwise a download it recommends. One click uses it. The step is done once the model's files are on your Mac, or once the cloud provider you chose has its key.

## What it recommends

-   **A model already on your Mac.** A chat model from the Gemma 4 or Qwen 3 or later families, imported or found in another app's library, is offered with a **Use** button that names it, and needs no download. ToolPiper picks the largest one that runs well here.
-   **A cloud provider you already added**, with its key and on your plan, is offered next, its **Use** button naming the provider.
-   **Otherwise, a starter download** chosen for this Mac's memory, with its download size and how well it fits.

**Choose another** lists every other model in ToolPiper's catalog this Mac can run, largest first, each with its size and fit. A model too large for this Mac is not offered, and neither is one already on it.

## Using a cloud provider

**Add a cloud provider** (its button reads **Connect**) saves the provider's key in ToolPiper's Credentials and then the provider itself, and a provider that can answer becomes your language model. Requests then go to that provider. Among the providers you already have, one whose key is missing shows **Add key**, because it could not answer yet.

## Using a model file you have

**Import a model from disk** (its button reads **Import…**) adds a GGUF model file you already downloaded, and it can then be used like any other model on your Mac.

## Changing it later

Once the step is done it shows the model's name. **Change** picks another model or provider, and **Clear selection** forgets the choice so the step offers a fresh recommendation. Clearing never deletes a model's files.