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

# Model Selection

> In Timely.ai, each Agent can be powered by a specific **Provider** and **Model**. <br /> This configuration defines:
- Which **LLM** is used for reasoning
- How **billing and credit consumption** are handled

The model selection is part of the Agent configuration flow and is defined **after the Prompt**, ensuring that the Agent’s instructions are clear before choosing how it will reason.

***

## Where to Select the Model

The **Provider** and **Model** selector is located **below the main Prompt field** in the Agent configuration screen.

This positioning reflects the recommended workflow:

1. Define the Agent’s **Role**
2. Write the **Prompt**
3. Select the **Provider and Model**
4. Adjust behavioral settings (Temperature, Effort, Planning, Reasoning)

## How Providers Work

There are two ways to connect LLMs to your Agents.

<h3 style={{ marginTop: '1rem' }}>Option 1 — Using Timely.ai Provider</h3>

When you select **Timely.ai** as the provider, your Agent uses models natively available on the platform (such as *Claude Sonnet* 4.6 or *GPT-5.4*).

In this mode:

* You've used up your **Timely.ai internal usage quota** per execution.
* Authentication and billing are fully managed by Timely.ai
* No API key configuration is required

This is the recommended option for most users who want a fully managed experience with instant access to multiple LLMs.

<h3 style={{ marginTop: '1rem' }}>Option 2 — Adding a Custom Provider</h3>

You can also connect your **own LLM provider**, bypassing Timely.ai internal usage quota.

To configure a custom provider, go to:

`Platform → Settings → Providers → Configure Provider`

In this panel, you can:

* Set a **provider name** (e.g., "OpenAI Personal", "Anthropic Enterprise")
* Select the **provider type** (Anthropic, OpenAI, Google AI, or OpenRouter)
* Paste your **API key**
* Optionally add an internal description for identification

Once saved, the provider becomes available in the **Provider** dropdown inside the Agent configuration.

When an Agent uses a custom provider:

* It consumes your **own API credits**
* Billing happens directly with the external provider
* Timely.ai does not charge credits for model execution

<Warning>
  **Security note**: API tokens are stored in encrypted form and are only used when invoking the selected model for your Agent.
</Warning>

***

## Switching Models Per Agent

Model selection is **Agent-specific**. <br />
This allows you to:

* Use lightweight models for FAQs or simple Agents
* Assign more powerful models to complex, reasoning-heavy Agents
* Optimize cost, latency, and accuracy across your workspace

You can change the model at any time without modifying the Agent’s Prompt or logic.

***

## Best Practices

* Always define the **Prompt first**, then select the model
* Use **Timely.ai Provider** for faster setup and predictable billing
* Use **custom providers** when you need:
  * Cost optimization at scale
  * Enterprise contracts
  * Provider-specific features

***

👉 Choosing the right model ensures your Agent balances **performance, cost, and reasoning quality** according to its purpose.