---
title: "Local models"
sidebarTitle: "Local models"
description: "Run Cline with local models using Ollama, LM Studio or Atomic Chat."
---

Run Cline with local inference on your machine.

## Quick Start

1. Install a local runtime (**Ollama**, **LM Studio** or **Atomic Chat**)
2. Start the local server
3. In Cline Settings, select the matching provider
4. Select a local model
5. Enable **Use Compact Prompt** in Cline Settings → Features

## Hardware Requirements

| RAM | Typical local setup |
| --- | --- |
| 16-32GB | Small/quantized models |
| 32-64GB | Mid-size coding models |
| 64GB+ | Larger models and bigger context windows |

## Runtime Options

<Tabs>
  <Tab title="Ollama">
    ### 1) Install
    - Download from [ollama.com](https://ollama.com)
    - Install for your OS

    ### 2) Find popular local models
    - Browse the Ollama model catalog: [ollama.com/search](https://ollama.com/search)
    - Sort/filter by popularity, model size, and latest updates
    - Open any model page and copy the `ollama pull` command

    ### 3) Pull and run a model
    ```bash
    ollama pull <model-name>
    ollama run <model-name>
    ```

    ### 4) Configure Cline
    1. Open Cline Settings
    2. Select provider: **Ollama**
    3. Base URL: `http://localhost:11434`
    4. Select your model from the dropdown

    ### 5) Troubleshooting
    - Make sure Ollama is running before sending prompts
    - If connection fails, verify `http://localhost:11434`
    - If model is missing, run `ollama pull <model-name>`
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="LM Studio">
    ### 1) Install
    - Download from [lmstudio.ai](https://lmstudio.ai)
    - Install and launch the app

    ### 2) Find local models
    - Browse the LM Studio model catalog: [lmstudio.ai/models](https://lmstudio.ai/models)
    - Filter by model family, size, and capabilities
    - Pick a model that matches your hardware

    ### 3) Download a model
    - Open **Discover** and download a model

    ### 4) Start server
    - Open **Developer** tab
    - Start server (default: `http://localhost:1234`)

    ### 5) Configure Cline
    1. Open Cline Settings
    2. Select provider: **LM Studio**
    3. Keep Base URL as `http://localhost:1234`
    4. Select your model from the dropdown

    ### 6) Troubleshooting
    - Ensure LM Studio server is running
    - Ensure a model is loaded
    - If connection fails, verify `http://localhost:1234`
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Atomic Chat">
    ### 1) Install
    - Download from [atomic.chat](https://atomic.chat) (macOS Apple Silicon)
    - Or build from [AtomicBot-ai/Atomic-Chat](https://github.com/AtomicBot-ai/Atomic-Chat)

    ### 2) Load a model
    - Open Atomic Chat and download or load a local model from the catalog

    ### 3) Start the local API
    - Atomic Chat exposes an OpenAI-compatible server at `http://127.0.0.1:1337/v1` by default
    - List loaded models: `curl http://127.0.0.1:1337/v1/models`

    ### 4) Configure Cline
    1. Open Cline Settings
    2. Select provider: **Atomic Chat**
    3. Base URL: `http://127.0.0.1:1337/v1` (default)
    4. Select your model from the dropdown

    ### 5) Troubleshooting
    - Make sure Atomic Chat is running before sending prompts
    - If connection fails, verify `http://127.0.0.1:1337/v1/models`
    - If the model list is empty, load a model in Atomic Chat first
  </Tab>
</Tabs>

## Recommended Cline Settings for Local Inference

- Enable **Use Compact Prompt**
- Keep tasks focused (smaller context = faster responses)
- Start a new task when context gets too large