AI tools, models and effort
Connect an AI tool
Open Settings → AI tools, refresh the inventory, and enable the installed, signed-in provider. In the terminal:
catalex providers
catalex providers discover
catalex providers connect codex
catalex defaults show
If needed, complete catalex providers login codex yourself. Replace codex with claude for Claude Code. Discovery checks existing installations; it does not install a provider or sign you in. A connected provider becomes available for agents. An installed provider is not necessarily connected.
catalex providers disconnect codex stops offering it. CatalEx refuses disconnection while an agent uses it (PROVIDER_IN_USE) or when it would violate the setup’s provider requirements. Move the affected agents deliberately first.
Choose a model and reasoning effort
In Configure agent, choose AI tool, Model and Effort from the verified inventory. Default inherits the provider’s own model. A model that offers no effort choices disables that control. More reasoning can be useful for difficult tasks; it can also increase response time and provider usage.
catalex defaults show --json
catalex agents edit AGENT_ID --model MODEL_ID --effort EFFORT
Use IDs and effort values returned by the inventory; do not copy a model name from an unrelated provider. An agent’s model and effort change applies from the next message. A different AI tool requires a new chat. Its folder is fixed after registration.
Defaults for future agents
catalex defaults set --agent claude
Read catalex defaults set --help for --model and --effort. Defaults affect new agents; they do not rewrite saved agents or existing conversations. Keep a model unset when you want the native tool’s configuration to choose it.
Override one native chat
Open the conversation’s Chat settings. Save settings applies the model/effort before the next message. Save and apply now attempts immediate application; the chat must be idle. An active turn or outstanding decision can prevent immediate application while keeping the saved choice for later.
catalex chats settings show CHAT_ID
catalex chats settings set CHAT_ID --model MODEL_ID --effort EFFORT
catalex chats settings apply CHAT_ID
catalex chats settings set CHAT_ID --inherit restores the AI tool’s model and effort. To use another AI tool, start a new chat. Refresh provider discovery after upgrading a provider, then verify a new reply.