Getting Started

Jan runs AI locally or connects to cloud services. Combine privacy with powerful AI in one desktop app.

What is Jan?

Jan is an open-source ChatGPT alternative. It runs on your desktop computer. Use local AI models offline. Connect to cloud AI like AskCodi online.

Jan provides hybrid AI. Work privately with local processing. Access powerful cloud models when needed. The interface looks familiar like ChatGPT.

Jan stores all conversations on your device locally. The open-source community contributes to development and security.

Core Capabilities

Local Processing: Runs AI models on your computer. No internet required. Keeps data private. Eliminates API costs for basic tasks.

Cloud Integration: Connects to OpenAI-compatible services like AskCodi. Access advanced AI models with current knowledge and complex reasoning capabilities.

Local History: Stores all chats on your device. Maintains conversation context. Keeps records private without cloud storage.

Provider Management: Configure multiple AI providers. Switch between them as needed. Use local models for privacy. Use cloud for complex tasks.

Installation Process

1. Download Jan from https://jan.ai
2. Run the installer
3. Follow installation instructions

Jan requires no complex dependencies. Launch from applications menu after installation. The first run shows the main interface.

Getting Started with Local Models

Explore Jan's local AI first. These models run entirely on your computer. No internet connection required. Provides privacy and immediate response.

Use local models for:

• Private conversations (data stays local)
• Offline AI tasks
• Testing without API usage
• Learning without cost concerns

Download models through Jan's built-in model manager. The app guides you through download and configuration.

Connecting to Cloud APIs

Connect cloud providers through Settings → Model Providers. Add custom providers that follow OpenAI specifications. Include AskCodi's model selection.

Configuring Model Providers

Add AskCodi: Create custom provider with endpoint https://api.askcodi.com/v1 and your API key. Jan fetches all available models and displays them.

Switch Providers: Jan allows seamless switching. Use local for private work. Use cloud for knowledge-intensive questions.

Select Models: Each provider offers multiple models. Choose based on cost, speed, and capability requirements.

Best Practices

Privacy: Use local models for sensitive information. Keep data off external servers. Reserve cloud APIs for current information needs.

Model Selection: Choose less expensive models for simple tasks. Use powerful models for complex analysis. Monitor API usage to manage costs.

Conversation Context: Use Jan's local history. Maintain context across interactions. Reference previous conversations.

Resource Management: Local models use system resources (CPU, GPU, RAM). Monitor performance when running large models.

Hybrid Workflows: Combine local and cloud AI. Use local for initial work. Use cloud for complex questions requiring current knowledge.

Advantages

Jan's open-source nature provides transparency. You can verify data handling. Contribute to development.

Local processing works without internet. Web-based tools can't do this. Offline functionality provides reliability and privacy.

Local storage keeps data on your device. Not stored by third-party services. Appeals to privacy-conscious users.

Troubleshooting

Model Download Problems:

• Check internet connection
• Verify available disk space
• Some models require significant storage

API Connection Issues:

• Confirm API keys are correct
• Check service accessibility
• Verify firewall settings allow API requests

Performance Problems:

• Check system resources
• Close other applications if needed
• Large models require significant RAM/GPU

Provider Configuration:

• Verify endpoint and key formatting
• Remove extra spaces or invalid characters

Key Points

• Open-source ChatGPT alternative
• Hybrid local and cloud AI capabilities
• Local conversation storage for privacy
• OpenAI-compatible API support (AskCodi)
• Switch between AI providers seamlessly
• ChatGPT-like interface
• Works offline with local models
• Combines privacy and advanced AI

Start using Jan for AI chat with both local privacy and cloud power. Download the desktop app to begin.