> ## 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.

# Per-Branch Model Selection

> Use a workspace default when it helps, then switch the model for a specific branch when that branch needs something different.

NodePad does not lock a workspace to one model forever. You can keep a sensible default, and individual branches can use a different model when they need to.

## The basic pattern

<Steps>
  <Step title="Set a workspace default" icon="star">
    Pick the model you want most new work in this workspace to use.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Switch the default when a branch needs something else" icon="sparkles">
    Use the model selector in the workspace header to switch the default before you start a new branch. New branches inherit whichever default is current.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Branch to lock in a different model" icon="git-branch">
    Each branch carries its own model. If you want a real comparison between two models, branch first and start the new branch on a different model.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Good reasons to switch

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="You need a second opinion">
    Branch from the same message, switch the workspace default, and start the new branch on another model.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="The branch changed jobs">
    A branch that started as ideation may now need critique, summarization, or deeper reasoning. Branch and pick a model that fits the new job.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Speed in one branch, depth in another">
    Keep one branch on a lighter model for rapid iteration while another branch runs on a heavier model for analysis.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="A real A/B comparison">
    Use the same source message in two branches, change only the model, and compare the outputs side by side.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

<Tip>
  Comparisons are most useful when you change one thing at a time. If the prompt and the branch history change too, you lose the clean comparison.
</Tip>

## Continue

<Columns cols={2}>
  <Card title="Models in NodePad" icon="sparkles" href="/models/overview">
    The three model decisions you make.
  </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>
</Columns>