In short
Yes. In the settings, switch the AI provider to “Custom provider” and connect your own key, for example from OpenAI, OpenRouter, Groq, Mistral, DeepSeek or xAI, or a local model server such as Ollama or LM Studio. Zack KI then uses no Zack credits; your provider bills you directly.
- Presets
- OpenAI, OpenRouter, Groq, Mistral, DeepSeek, xAI, Ollama and LM Studio
- Other providers
- Through your own base URL
- Cost at Zack
- No credits; your provider’s prices and terms apply
- Models
- Your choice for Quick and Deep, on every plan
Step by step
- Click “Settings” (the gear icon) in the Zack KI title bar and open “Advanced”.
- Under “AI provider”, switch from “Zack Software” to “Custom provider” and confirm with “Switch”.
- Open the new “Models” page, add your provider under “Custom providers” and enter your API key. For Ollama or LM Studio, choose the matching preset for your local server.
- Choose the models for Quick and Deep. Then keep working with Alt+1 as usual, now through your provider.
Which providers are supported?
Ready-made presets exist for these providers:
- OpenAI
- OpenRouter
- Groq
- Mistral
- DeepSeek
- xAI
- Ollama (local on your PC)
- LM Studio (local on your PC)
You can connect other providers through their base URL and your API key if they offer a compatible interface.
What changes with your own key?
| Zack Software (default) | Your own API key | |
|---|---|---|
| Billing | Credits from your Zack plan | Directly with your provider, no Zack credits |
| Models | Through your Zack account, no API key needed | You choose the models for Quick and Deep |
| Deep | From Zack Basic | On every plan, with the model you chose |
| Web search | From Zack Basic | Your model provider’s search, or Exa, Tavily or Serper with their own key |
| Chat history | Stored on your PC | Stored on your PC |
Web search with your own key is set up under “Models” → “Web search”, see AI web search with sources.
When is a local model worth it?
With Ollama or LM Studio, the model runs on your own computer. That suits you if you want to use a particular open model or prefer not to send your requests to a cloud provider.
How fast and how good the answers are then depends on the model and on your PC’s performance.
Related questions
Is Zack KI free with my own key?
Yes. With your own key, Zack KI uses no credits. You pay the provider of the API key directly, at its prices and terms.
Can I switch back to Zack Software?
Yes. Set “AI provider” under “Advanced” back to “Zack Software”. Quick and Deep then use your Zack account and its credits again.
Does anything change in how I use it?
Shortcuts, chips and chat history work as usual; only the answers come from your provider. Screenshots and images need a model that accepts images.