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Use this when you want better results for a specific task, not just the default model.

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Quick model selection in chat

1

Open model picker

In Alter, type / to open the model list.
2

Choose the model

Select a model based on your task type, then send your prompt.
3

Favorite frequent models

Click the star next to a model to pin it for faster access.

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Set your default model

Use / in the prompt box to open the model switcher, or press / anywhere in a Hub or QuickHub conversation. The selected model becomes your default immediately and stays active until you choose another one. The switcher groups Current, Favorites, and Other models. Each row shows context length, vision support, and — when the model supports it — a Thinking effort control.

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Thinking effort

Supported models advertise graded thinking levels — typically Low, Balanced, and Max. Choose the level that matches your task: Change thinking effort from:
  • The model switcher in Hub or QuickHub — click the effort badge on a row, or use ← / → while a row is highlighted
  • Action Editor → Model — set effort for a specific action’s pinned model
Alter remembers your choice per model and reuses it in future chats and actions. Reasoning context is preserved across follow-up turns on supported providers, so you can keep iterating without losing depth.
Not every model exposes thinking effort. If a row has no effort badge, the model either runs at a fixed depth or does not advertise graded reasoning.

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Practical model choices

  • Use a fast model for short daily tasks.
  • Use a stronger reasoning model for complex planning or coding.
  • Use a vision-capable model when you add images.
  • Use local or custom models when privacy requirements are stricter.
If you are unsure, start with /best, then switch only when you need lower latency or a specific capability.