Set up AI models

Read steps use an AI model to turn selected page content into Number and Text values. Keep NI starts with no models configured. You can capture pages without one, but each Read step needs a model that supports images and structured output.

Choose a cloud provider or an Ollama server below. The available model list can include incompatible models; test a Read step to confirm your selection works.

Using OpenAI, Anthropic, or Gemini

You need your own API key for the provider you choose. Keep NI uses its direct API, and your provider’s usage charges apply. No AI allowance is included.

1. Open Settings → API keys.
2. Enter your key under the matching provider and choose Save key. Confirm API key saved appears.
3. Open AI models → Add model and select that provider. Keep NI loads the models available to your account.
4. Select a model, then choose Add model. Confirm it appears under Configured models.

Each provider has a separate key shared by its configured models.

Using Ollama

Have an Ollama server running with a compatible model installed before connecting it to Keep NI. Ollama does not require a cloud API key.

For example, MiniCPM-V 4.5 supports image input and is available as minicpm-v4.5:8b. Once installed on your server, select it from Keep NI’s model list.

1. Open Settings → AI models → Add model and select Ollama.
2. Enter the Server host. The default, http://localhost:11434, connects to Ollama on your Mac. Use your server’s address if it runs elsewhere.
3. Choose Connect, then select an installed model from the list.
4. Choose Add model. Confirm it appears under Configured models with the expected server address.

Keep NI sends reading requests to the server you configure. Choosing Ollama alone does not guarantee processing stays on your Mac. HTTP does not encrypt network traffic; use HTTPS when your remote server supports it.

Choose the default model

The first model you add becomes the default. Change it in Settings → AI models → New Read steps → Default model.

The change applies immediately to new Read steps. Existing steps keep their selected model; update them individually when you want to switch.

Use a model in a Read step

1. Open a monitor’s Steps tab and click the Read card’s gear button.
2. Choose its AI model. Use Manage AI models… if you need to add one.
3. Click Test step and compare the returned values with the source screenshot.
4. Choose Save to keep the assignment for manual and scheduled checks.

Each Read step has its own Timeout, initially 60 seconds. Increase it if the model needs more time to respond. Keep NI does not automatically switch models or providers after a failure.

A Read request includes the selected screenshot region, relevant page content, and field names, types, and instructions. Select only the area needed for the reading. See Privacy and data for capture, storage, and processing details.

Remove models or keys

Use a model’s trash button in Settings → AI models to remove it. If saved Read steps use it, Keep NI lists the affected monitors: reassign or delete those steps and save first. If you’re removing the default while other models remain, choose another default first.

Use Replace key or Remove key in Settings → API keys to manage credentials. Removing a key cancels an active Read using that provider and prevents further reads with it until a key is saved. It removes the local copy; revoke the key with the provider if you want to invalidate it there.

Having trouble connecting or testing a model? See Troubleshooting.

Once a Read test returns the expected values, continue with Your first monitor or Build and edit a monitor.