Choosing a chat model
Pick a model in the chat composer, or set Default Chat Model under App Settings → Overview. The picker shows a relative cost cue next to each name ($ through $$$$). Those signs compare models to each other; they are not dollar quotes. Actual credit use still depends on how much work a turn does. See Controlling credits.
You can also pick Thinking effort separately for models that support it. Higher thinking usually means slower, more careful turns and more credits.
Quick pick
If you are unsure, stay on Claude Sonnet 4.6. GenieForge may use a cheaper model for small, scoped Build edits; you do not need to micro-manage every tweak.
Claude family
Claude Sonnet 4.6 ($$)
Best default for Building pages, tools, migrations, and everyday Chat. Strong at following GenieForge building steps and recovering from ordinary errors. Use Thinking (Low or Medium) when a plan needs more care; reserve High for stubborn problems.
Claude Opus 4.6 ($$$$)
Use when Sonnet keeps missing the mark: ambiguous requirements, large refactors, subtle permission or data bugs, or plans that span many surfaces. Expect higher credit burn. Switch back to Sonnet once the hard part is unstuck.
Claude Haiku 4.5 ($)
Use for light Chat, quick Q&A about the app, or high-volume work where speed and cost matter more than deep coding. Prefer Sonnet for serious Building. Haiku is a good fit for some sub-agent or background-style tasks when you pin a cheaper model on purpose.
Other models
Kimi K2.5 ($)
A lower-cost option that stays available when your app needs HIPAA-eligible models. Useful for debugging and agentic edits when you want something cheaper than Sonnet and stronger than a pure Q&A pass. Still prefer Sonnet for large greenfield builds.
GPT-5.6 Sol, Terra, and Luna ($$$ / $$ / $)
OpenAI’s flagship (Sol), balanced (Terra), and cost-efficient (Luna) tiers. Good when you want a different model family for Building, Chat, or a Second opinion. Sol is the capable end of that family; Luna is the cheap end. These are not offered on HIPAA apps unless support has enabled an OpenAI path for your account.
Grok 4.5 ($$)
An xAI option with reasoning on by default (you can still choose Low / Medium / High). Useful as a non-HIPAA alternative for analysis or a Second opinion. Not available for HIPAA apps.
HIPAA apps
When HIPAA mode is active for an app, the picker only lists models that are allowed for that arrangement (Claude Sonnet, Opus, Haiku, and Kimi today). GPT-5.6 and Grok stay hidden unless support has enabled them for your account. For HIPAA setup itself, see HIPAA and regulated health data and contact support@genieforge.ai.Thinking effort
For models that support it, Thinking is a separate control next to the model:- Off (when available): fastest and usually cheapest for straightforward edits
- Low / Medium: better plans and fewer blind retries on medium work
- High: reserve for hard debugging or careful design
Where to set it
- This chat: model control in the composer
- App default: App Settings → Overview → Default Chat Model (conversations that do not override inherit this)
- Agents / sub-agents: each profile can pin its own model when you want Chat or automated work on a cheaper or stronger lane