Skip to main content
Alter includes two built-in web search tools out of the box. These tools are useful when you use models that do not have native web search, including local models. They let you keep web access inside Alter without adding a third-party provider.
Unlike Tavily, LinkUp, Firecrawl, or Exa, these tools are included in Alter usage and do not require a separate provider account.

​
Tool comparison

Web Search (DuckDuckGo)

No API key required. Free and available immediately. Uses search snippets, so answers are fast but less detailed.

Web Search Gemini

Uses Google search with Gemini 2.5 Flash. Returns more detailed answers and includes source links used for grounding. Requires an Alter Pro or Lifetime subscription.

​
When to use each

  • Use Web Search (DuckDuckGo) when you are on a free Alter account and need quick lookups.
  • Use Web Search Gemini when you have Alter Pro or Lifetime and need deeper synthesis with source links.
If you are on a free account, use Web Search (DuckDuckGo).

​
How to enable

  1. Open Tools Manager.
  2. Go to Local Tools.
  3. Enable Web Search and/or Web Search Gemini.

​
Example prompts

  • “Summarize the latest announcements about on-device AI assistants.”
  • “Compare the last three major updates from provider X and cite your sources.”
Do not keep both search tools enabled by default. Enable one tool for the current task, or write explicit instructions that tell the model exactly which search tool to use.