> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.node-pad.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Models in NodePad

> Workspace defaults, per-branch model selection, and cross-branch comparison.

NodePad treats models as part of the workflow, not a one-time setup choice. A workspace has a default model, and individual branches can use a different model when the task calls for it.

## Three model decisions

<Columns cols={3}>
  <Card title="Workspace default" icon="star">
    The model new work in this workspace starts from.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Per-branch model" icon="git-branch">
    Switch the workspace default before starting a new branch so that branch runs on a different model.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Cross-branch comparison" icon="columns-2">
    Run parallel branches with different models so you can compare answers side by side.
  </Card>
</Columns>

## Why this matters

Different models are good at different things. NodePad lets you act on that without breaking the shape of the work. You can branch a prompt and ask two models the same question. You can keep one branch on a fast model and another on a slower, deeper one. You can preserve a workspace default while routing specific branches to other models. You can bring your own keys when you want the provider relationship to stay with your account.

<Tip>
  A clean branching strategy is what makes model comparison useful. If both branches start from the same point, you can compare the answers instead of comparing two unrelated prompt histories.
</Tip>

## What the picker shows

The exact model list depends on how your NodePad environment is configured. The hosted product, enterprise deployments, and bring-your-own-key setups can expose different providers and model options. If you are self-hosting, the available models depend on the providers and keys your deployment exposes.

## Continue

<Columns cols={3}>
  <Card title="Per-branch model selection" icon="sparkles" href="/models/per-branch-selection">
    Switch models between branches inside the same workspace.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Bring your own keys" icon="key-round" href="/models/bring-your-own-keys">
    Route model requests through your own provider account.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Forking" icon="git-branch" href="/concepts/forking">
    Branching is what makes model comparison clean.
  </Card>
</Columns>