> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://vayl.gitbook.io/vayl-docs/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://vayl.gitbook.io/vayl-docs/help-center/getting-started/how-do-i-use-a-local-model-instead-of-openai.md).

# How do I use a local model instead of OpenAI?

Vayl talks to any OpenAI-compatible endpoint. Point it at a local server (Ollama, vLLM, LM Studio):

```bash
OPENAI_BASE_URL=http://localhost:11434/v1
OPENAI_MODEL=qwen2.5:3b
```

With no LLM environment variables set at all, Vayl defaults to a local Ollama endpoint — so **no data leaves the machine**. For data residency, point the endpoint at a self-hosted or EU-region deployment; the database on disk stays encrypted either way.


---

# Agent Instructions
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## Querying This Documentation
If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter, and the optional `goal` query parameter:

```
GET https://vayl.gitbook.io/vayl-docs/help-center/getting-started/how-do-i-use-a-local-model-instead-of-openai.md?ask=<question>&goal=<endgoal>
```

`ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
`goal` is optional and describes the broader end goal you are ultimately trying to accomplish on behalf of the user. GitBook uses it to tailor the answer towards what is most useful for that goal.

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Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.