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

# Configure a model

> Add a DeepSeek or compatible model provider before starting your first task.

Harness needs at least one model provider before it can answer in a session. The fastest
path is to add a DeepSeek API key from the embedded Harness settings.

<Frame>
  <img src="https://mintcdn.com/dshtauri/wkB541IUjMIrkizA/images/en/model-settings.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=wkB541IUjMIrkizA&q=85&s=85d4a795f69d83de8d8cedf41ca5ed6a" alt="Harness model settings with the DeepSeek provider card" width="1468" height="1067" data-path="images/en/model-settings.png" />
</Frame>

## Add DeepSeek

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open model settings">
    In the Harness sidebar, open **Settings → Models**. This page belongs to the embedded
    Harness interface, not the desktop shell's **Configuration** dialog.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Enter your API key">
    Find the DeepSeek provider card, enter a key from the
    [DeepSeek Platform](https://platform.deepseek.com/), and save it.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Select a model">
    Return to the session composer and choose an available model. The selection becomes
    the default for new sessions.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Send a small test task">
    Select a workspace and ask Harness to summarize the repository. Model changes apply
    to the next request; the Harness service does not need to restart.
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Warning>
  Never paste an API key into a chat message, repository file, screenshot, or issue.
  Harness stores provider credentials separately and returns only a redacted descriptor
  to the browser UI.
</Warning>

## Other providers

Choose **Add provider** for an installed provider such as Anthropic or OpenAI. Choose
**Add custom provider** for an OpenAI-compatible company gateway or self-hosted endpoint.
Custom providers require a stable lowercase provider ID, base URL, protocol, credential,
and at least one model.

<Note>
  Provider setup is a Harness feature and can evolve independently from the desktop
  shell. For advanced routing, image input, and compatibility options, consult the
  [upstream model guide](https://deepseek-harness.github.io/deepseek-harness/user/guide/providers).
</Note>

Next, learn the [desktop and Harness interface](../guides/interface).