agent-zero/docs/guides/model-presets.md
Alessandro e0337410e7 Preserve model preset inherited settings
Deep-merge model preset slots with the active configuration so custom context windows, rate limits, and nested kwargs survive preset switches.

Treat legacy utility preset defaults as implicit values, allow omitted utility and embedding slots to inherit configured models, and document the partial-preset behavior.
2026-05-18 02:45:08 +02:00

2.6 KiB

Model Presets

Model Presets are named shortcuts for model choices.

Use them when you want to switch a chat between setups such as "fast", "cheap", "local", "balanced", or "maximum power" without rebuilding the settings each time.

Choose A Preset

The preset menu is the first dropdown on the left side of the chat status bar.

Model preset selector

  1. Open a chat.
  2. Click the current preset name.
  3. Choose the preset you want.

The selected preset affects the current chat.

Edit Presets

Click Edit presets from the same menu.

Model presets editor

From this screen you can:

  • rename presets;
  • choose the main model;
  • choose the utility model;
  • open API key settings;
  • save the preset list.

Think of a preset as a label on a model setup.

Field Simple meaning
Main model The model that does the main conversation and reasoning.
Utility model A smaller helper model for lighter internal tasks.

Presets can be partial. If a preset does not set a utility model, Agent Zero uses your configured Utility Model. If a preset changes the utility model but does not set advanced fields, your configured context window, rate limits, and other advanced values stay in place.

Add A Preset

Click Add Preset, give it a name, choose models, then click Save Presets.

Add a model preset

Good preset names are easy to spot quickly:

  • Max Power
  • Balanced
  • Fast Cheap
  • Local Private
  • GPT-5 Mini
  • Claude Opus
  • Kimi Budget

Some people prefer names based on purpose. Others prefer names that look like the model they use most. Both are fine. The important thing is that your eyes can find the right option quickly.

A Simple Starting Set

If you are not sure what to create, start with three presets:

Preset Use it for
Best Hard work where quality matters more than cost or speed.
Balanced Everyday chats, coding, writing, and research.
Cheap Simple tasks, quick drafts, summaries, and tests.

You can always rename them later.

How Presets Fit With Other Controls

Control What it changes
Model Preset Which models power the chat.
Agent Profile The agent's role, tone, and prompt behavior.
Project Workspace, files, memory, secrets, and project instructions.
Skill A specific procedure added to prompt extras.

For example, you can use the same "Researcher" Agent Profile with a cheaper preset for simple questions and a stronger preset for difficult investigations.