DyadWhich AI Models Can You Use in Dyad?
Dyad works with OpenAI, Anthropic, Google, OpenRouter and five more providers, any OpenAI-compatible API, local models, and ChatGPT or Claude subscriptions.
Does Dyad support your AI model? Almost always, yes, and that includes OpenRouter's models. Paste an API key from one of nine built-in providers. Or add any other provider with an OpenAI-compatible API, run a model on your computer, or connect a ChatGPT or Claude subscription. With Dyad Pro you don't need a key at all.
Which AI providers does Dyad support?
| Provider | What you need | Free option |
|---|---|---|
| OpenAI | An API key | No |
| Anthropic | An API key | No |
| Google Gemini | An API key from Google AI Studio | Yes, a free tier |
| OpenRouter | An API key | Yes, free models |
| Google Vertex AI | A Google Cloud project, its region and a service account key | No |
| Azure OpenAI | Your Azure OpenAI resource name and API key | No |
| xAI | An API key | No |
| AWS Bedrock | A Bedrock API key made in us-east-1, or set AWS_REGION to your key's Region in your shell before you start Dyad | No |
| MiniMax | An API key | No |
| Any other OpenAI-compatible provider | Its API address and key, added as a custom provider | Depends on the provider |
| Ollama or LM Studio | The app on your computer and a downloaded model | Yes, it runs on your machine |
| ChatGPT subscription | Your ChatGPT account | Yes, a free ChatGPT account works |
| Claude Code subscription (experimental) | A Claude Pro or Max plan and Claude Code on your computer | No |
| Dyad Pro | A Dyad Pro plan | No key needed |
You add keys in Settings, under Model Providers. If you haven't connected a model yet, Dyad also offers OpenRouter, your ChatGPT subscription or other providers when you send your first prompt.
Google Gemini
Google Gemini has a free tier when you create an API key. On that tier, Google's terms let it use what you send to improve its products, and its reviewers may read it. On a paid plan, Google doesn't use your prompts that way.
OpenRouter
OpenRouter gives you one API key for models from many AI companies, including some free ones.
Because OpenRouter aggregates many AI providers, you’ll need to check the data handling policy for each specific model (e.g., can they use your data for training?). Typically, free model access comes with the condition that providers may use your data for training.
Anthropic
Anthropic is known for developing strong models for coding. However, their models are relatively pricey, and their API doesn't offer a free tier.
OpenAI
OpenAI has a wide range of models. With an API key you pay as you go.
How do I use OpenRouter in Dyad?
- Create a key at openrouter.ai/settings/keys.
- In Dyad, open Settings, go to Model Providers and choose OpenRouter.
- Paste your key.
- Pick a model in the model picker. Free (OpenRouter) picks from OpenRouter's free models and moves to the next one if a model fails.
Want a model that isn't in the picker? Copy its ID from OpenRouter's model list, then click Add Custom Model on the OpenRouter page in Settings and paste it as the Model ID.
Can I add a model or provider that isn't listed?
Yes. Each cloud provider's page in Settings has an Add Custom Model button, so you can add any model the provider offers by its model ID. For a provider that isn't on the list at all, click Add custom provider and enter an ID, a display name and its API address, then paste its key on the new provider's page. It works with any provider that offers an OpenAI-compatible API. The Custom Models guide walks through both.
Can I use my ChatGPT or Claude subscription?
Yes. Connect your ChatGPT account, free or paid, and build with OpenAI's models. The usage comes out of your ChatGPT plan. See Using ChatGPT.
You can also use a Claude Pro or Max plan through Claude Code (this one's experimental). Install Claude Code, run claude auth login in your terminal, then turn on Enable Claude Code subscription under Settings > Experiments in Dyad. Your Claude login stays in Claude Code: Dyad never collects it.
Can I run models on my own computer?
Yes, with Ollama or LM Studio. If you don't have a powerful machine, we recommend a cloud model like Google Gemini or OpenRouter's free ones instead. See the Local Models guide.
Which model should I pick?
If you're not sure, I recommend sticking with Auto and then switching to different models if you get stuck (e.g. a bad result with the auto model). No one model is the best for all coding tasks so there's value in trying multiple models.
Auto is the default. Without Dyad Pro, it uses the first provider you've added a key for. It checks them in this order: OpenAI, Anthropic, Google, then OpenRouter (where it uses a free model). Either way, we pick the model behind Auto and change it as new models come out, without you updating the app.
For a side-by-side look at today's models, see the best AI model for vibe coding or the WebDev Arena leaderboard, which ranks models on building web apps.
Where can I ask about a model?
Post on our sub-reddit or file an issue on GitHub.