# Models and Reasoning Effort

Choose which AI model answers in a chat, and how long it thinks before it answers.

## What it is

Every chat uses one language model (**LLM**), shown with the effort at the bottom right of the input box. Cowork offers Micromeet models as soon as you sign in, and can also use your own ChatGPT (Codex) or Claude account. Pictures use a separate **Image** model.

## When to use it

| Change the model or effort when | Keep the default when |
|---|---|
| A job needs careful reasoning, such as a long analysis | Everyday tasks: summaries, tables, emails |
| You want quicker answers for simple work | You are not sure; the default is chosen for most work |
| You want to use your own Claude or ChatGPT subscription | |

## How to use it

1. Click the model name at the bottom right of the input box to open **Models**.
2. Under **LLM**, click a model for **this chat**. Use the search icon to find one by name.
3. Under **Image**, choose the model for pictures; this applies to **All chats**.
4. Next to the model, choose the effort: **Low**, **Medium**, **High**, **Max** or **Default**, depending on the model. Higher effort thinks longer and answers more slowly.
5. For **Codex** or **Claude**, sign in when asked: a **Login** button appears next to it, or sign in under **Settings › General › Models**. The gear icon (**Model settings**) opens that page.

## Example

You ask for a quarterly sales analysis across several spreadsheets. Before sending, you switch this chat to a stronger model and set the effort to **High**. The answer takes longer but works through every sheet. For the next chat, a quick email draft, the default is enough.

## Limits and permissions

- Each chat keeps its own model; changing it in one chat does not change the others.
- The image model applies to all chats.
- **Codex** and **Claude** use your own account and its limits.
- You can change the model while the AI is working: the current answer finishes on the old model, and the next step uses the new one.

## If something goes wrong

| What you see | What to do |
|---|---|
| The chat says your Codex or Claude session expired | Sign in again under **Settings › General › Models** |
| A model you expect is not in the list | Use the search icon; if it is still missing, it is not available to your account |
| Answers are too slow | Lower the effort, or choose a faster model for this chat |

## Related

- [Conversations and History](https://docs.micromeet.ai/chat/conversations.md): Each chat keeps its own model
- [Image Generation](https://docs.micromeet.ai/files/image-generation.md): Make pictures with the image model
- [Sign-in Problems](https://docs.micromeet.ai/troubleshooting/sign-in-problems.md): Signing in to Claude or Codex