# Ollama

Run Producer Pal completely offline with local models.

## What You Need

- [Ollama](https://ollama.com/) installed
- [Ableton Live 12.3+](https://www.ableton.com/live/) with
  [Max for Live](https://www.ableton.com/live/max-for-live/)

## 1. Install Ollama

Download and install [Ollama](https://ollama.com/) for your operating system.

## 2. Download a Model

Download a model that supports tools. Some good options include:

- `qwen3.5`
- `gemma4`
- `devstral-small-2`
- `glm-4.7-flash`

Browse [models with tool support](https://ollama.com/search?c=tools) on the
Ollama website.

## 3. Install the Max for Live Device

Download
[Producer_Pal.amxd](https://github.com/adamjmurray/producer-pal/releases/latest/download/Producer_Pal.amxd)
and drag it to a MIDI track in Ableton Live.

It should display "Producer Pal Running":

<img src="/img/device-main-tab.png" alt="Producer Pal device running in Ableton Live" width="375"/>

## 4. Enable Small Model Mode (Optional but Recommended)

In [the Producer Pal "Setup" tab](/guide/device#setup-tab), enable **Small Model
Mode**.

<img src="/img/small-model-mode.png" alt="Small model mode setting" width="375"/>

This provides a smaller, simpler interface optimized for small/local language
models.

## 5. Open the Chat UI

In the Producer Pal device's Main tab, click "Open Chat UI". The built-in chat
UI opens in a browser:

![Chat UI](/img/producer-pal-chat.png)

## 6. Configure Ollama

In the chat UI settings:

- Provider: **Ollama (local)**
- URL: `http://localhost:11434`
  - Use this default URL when everything runs on the same computer. Change
    `localhost` to run Ollama on a different computer. Consult
    [the user guide](/guide/chat-ui#local-ai-settings-ollama-lm-studio) for more
    info.
- Model: Your model name (e.g., `gemma4` or `qwen3.5`)

Click "Save".

<img src="/img/producer-pal-chat-settings-connection-ollama.png" alt="Ollama settings" width="500"/>

::: tip Ollama Model Aliases

If Producer Pal says a model like `qwen3.5` is not installed but you downloaded
`qwen3.5:9b`, that's because Ollama aliases work one way: `qwen3.5` resolves to
`qwen3.5:9b`, but not vice versa. Install `qwen3.5` in Ollama to create the
alias. It won't re-download the model.

:::

## 7. Connect

Click "Quick Connect" and say "connect to ableton":

![Producer Pal Chat UI conversation](/img/producer-pal-chat-conversation.png)

::: tip Local Model Limitations

Local models work best for simple tasks. Complex edits may require more capable
cloud models.

:::

<!-- TODO: Embed YouTube video walkthrough -->

## Model Compatibility

If the model responds with garbled text like `<|tool_call_start|>...` or says it
can't connect to Ableton, the model doesn't support tools. Try a different model
from the [tools category](https://ollama.com/search?c=tools).

## Troubleshooting

If it doesn't work, see the [Troubleshooting Guide](/support/troubleshooting).