1) App startup
LocAi restores your saved chats, settings, API keys, downloaded models, and previously active model information from your device.
Customer Documentation
How LocAi Works and How to Use It
This page explains the real app behavior in plain language for customers: how model selection works, how messages are answered, and how to use each screen effectively.
How It Works
LocAi combines local and cloud AI in one chat experience. The app handles setup, model routing, and saving automatically so daily use stays simple.
2) Smart model choice
When you open chat, the app tries to pick the best available model automatically so you can start quickly.
3) Message routing
If you selected a local model, LocAi runs on-device. If you selected a cloud model, LocAi sends your request to the selected provider.
4) Continuous save
Conversations are saved automatically, so you can leave and come back without losing progress.
Automatic Model Selection Logic
When a chat opens, LocAi follows this priority order to select a usable model automatically:
- Last model you used (if still available).
- Currently active local model (if loaded).
- First downloaded local model.
- First cloud provider with a saved key, then one available model from that provider.
- If none are available, LocAi asks you to download a local model or add a cloud API key.
App Screens
Replace each placeholder image with your real app screenshot to create a complete customer-facing guide.
Home
See your active model status, start a new chat mode, view connected cloud providers, and jump into recent conversations.
Models
Browse model options, see device-fit recommendations, download models, load one into memory, and remove models you no longer need.
Chat
Write prompts, switch local or cloud model from the model picker, stream responses, stop generation, and continue saved conversations.
Settings
Manage theme and response behavior, add/remove cloud API keys, and clear downloaded models when you want to free storage.
Getting Started
Follow this first-time setup path to start using LocAi smoothly.
Open the Models tab
Review available models and pick one that matches your device performance label.
Download a local model
Wait for download to finish, then load that model to enable offline local chat.
Optional: add cloud keys
In Settings, add OpenAI, Anthropic, Google, or Groq key if you want cloud model access.
Start a new chat
Use Home or Chat tab to create a new conversation and begin asking questions.
Pick your model inside chat
Use the model selector pill to switch model at any time. LocAi remembers your latest choice.
Keep conversations organized
Use the Chat tab to search conversations and remove old ones with swipe-to-delete.
Daily Usage Flow
Use these practical habits to get reliable results every day.
- Use local mode when you want private, on-device responses.
- Use cloud mode when you want provider-specific models or remote inference.
- If the selected local model is not loaded yet, LocAi loads it for you before answering.
- You can stop a response while it is generating and continue the conversation afterward.
- Conversation titles are auto-created from your first message, then updated as the chat evolves.