Connecting Chat Providers

To start chatting, you need to connect Silkwave Chat to at least one AI provider. You can connect multiple providers and switch between them at any time.

All provider configuration lives in the Settings dialog - there is no provider picker in the chat view itself.

1. Cloud Providers (BYOK)

Silkwave Chat operates strictly on a "Bring Your Own Key" (BYOK) basis. To use services like OpenAI, Google, Anthropic, and Nebius, you must supply your own API credentials.

Step 1: Open the Providers Page

Click the Settings button at the bottom of the left sidebar, then select Providers from the Settings sidebar.

Step 2: Configure a Provider

Find the provider you want to use (e.g., Anthropic) and click Configure.

Step 3: Enter Your API Token

• API Token: Paste the API key generated from the provider's dashboard.
• Click Test Connection to verify the key works, then click Save.
• The provider's API URL is fixed and shown for reference only - it can't be edited.
• To remove a saved key, click the trash icon next to the token field and confirm.

Your keys are stored securely on your local device and are never sent to Silkwave.

2. Local Providers (Offline)

You can chat with AI models without an internet connection.

Apple Intelligence

Silkwave Chat integrates with the models built into your Mac. No configuration is required. If you are on macOS 26+, you can use it right away. It is not supported on older macOS versions.

Ollama

If you run Ollama locally:

1. Ensure your Ollama server is running (default port 11434).
2. Open Settings → Providers and click Configure next to Ollama.
3. The app will automatically detect your local models.