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Introduction

Jan is a desktop application that lets you run AI models locally on your computer. With Jan, you can chat with AI models, manage multiple conversations, create custom assistants, and have full control over your data.

Key Features

Local AI Models

Run language models directly on your computer with no internet connection required.

Custom Assistants

Create specialized AI assistants with custom instructions and parameters.

Projects

Organize conversations by project with document-specific knowledge.

Privacy First

Your conversations and data stay on your device. No data is sent to external servers.

Getting Started

After installing Jan, you’ll need to:
  1. Select or download a model - Choose from the model hub or use your own models
  2. Start a conversation - Create a new chat thread
  3. Customize settings - Configure the app to match your preferences
Jan requires a compatible GPU for optimal performance with larger models. Check the system requirements for your specific model.

Main Interface Components

The left sidebar provides quick access to:
  • New Chat - Start a new conversation
  • Projects - Organize chats by project
  • Thread History - Access previous conversations
  • Settings - Configure app preferences
Use Cmd/Ctrl + B to toggle the sidebar visibility. The top header displays:
  • Current model selection and status
  • Model provider dropdown
  • System resource monitor (CPU, RAM, GPU usage)

Chat Area

The main area where you interact with AI models:
  • View conversation history
  • Send messages and receive responses
  • Attach images and documents
  • Copy, edit, or delete messages

Next Steps

Chat Interface

Learn how to chat with AI models and use advanced features.

Managing Models

Download and configure AI models for your needs.

Creating Assistants

Build custom AI assistants with specialized instructions.

Settings

Configure Jan to work the way you want.

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