Documentation Index
Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.langdock.com/llms.txt
Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.
Selecting a Model
- Whenever you start a new chat, you can select which model to use from the dropdown in the top left
- You can switch models mid-conversation. For example, start with a fast model for brainstorming, then switch to a more powerful one for the final output
- Set your personal default model in account settings
Auto mode
Auto is Langdock’s intelligent model routing option. Instead of choosing a model for every conversation, Auto analyzes your first message to understand the request and estimate its complexity, and then selects a suitable model for that conversation.
Understanding Model Naming Conventions
AI providers follow consistent naming patterns that help you quickly identify a model’s capabilities. Understanding these patterns lets you choose the right model without memorizing specific versions.Version Numbers = Capability Level
Higher version numbers generally indicate newer, more capable models. When a provider releases a new generation, they increment the major version number.| Pattern | What it means |
|---|---|
| GPT-5 vs GPT-4 | GPT-5 is the newer generation |
| Claude 4 vs Claude 3 | Claude 4 is the newer generation |
| Gemini 2.5 vs Gemini 2.0 | Gemini 2.5 is newer within the same generation |
Size Indicators = Speed vs Intelligence Trade-off
Providers offer multiple sizes within each model family. Models without size indicators are the most intelligent but may be slower. Models with size indicators trade some capability for speed and cost efficiency.| Indicator | Intelligence | Speed | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| No indicator (e.g., “GPT-5”, “Claude Sonnet”) | Highest | Moderate | Complex tasks, important outputs |
| mini / nano | Medium-High | Fast | Everyday tasks, quick iterations |
| flash / fast | Medium | Very Fast | Real-time applications, high volume |
| haiku (Anthropic) | Good | Very Fast | Simple tasks, cost-sensitive use cases |
Pro tip: Start with a faster model for drafts and exploration, then switch to the full model for your final output. This saves time while still getting high-quality results when it matters.
Thinking
Reasoning or Thinking capabilities are available through a toggle directly in the model selector. When enabled, the model reasons through problems step-by-step before responding, producing more accurate results on complex tasks, at the cost of a longer response time.
- Complex multi-step problems
- Mathematical and scientific analysis
- Logical deduction and planning
- Code architecture decisions
Some models are by default thinking models (like GPT-5.1 Thinking Fast or OpenAI’s o-series). Thinking is always active on them, with no separate toggle.
Provider Tiers
Each provider organizes their models into tiers:- OpenAI
- Anthropic
- Google
- Others
| Tier | Examples | Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| Flagship | GPT-5, GPT-5.x | Most capable, best for complex tasks |
| Reasoning | o-series (o3, o4) | Deep analytical tasks |
| Efficient | mini, nano variants | Fast, cost-effective |
Choosing the Right Model
By Task Type
| Task | Recommended Model Type | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Quick questions, brainstorming | Fast/mini variants | Speed matters, good enough quality |
| Writing emails, documents | Standard flagship | Good balance of quality and speed |
| Complex analysis, research | Flagship with Thinking enabled | Need highest accuracy |
| Coding and debugging | Anthropic Sonnet | Strong at structured tasks |
| Creative writing | Anthropic models | Known for natural, authentic tone |
| Long documents | Google Gemini | Excellent long-context handling |
| Math and science | Any model with Thinking enabled | Step-by-step problem solving |
Quick Decision Guide
Our Recommendations
Choose Auto mode
Not sure which model to pick? Select Auto from the model selector. Langdock analyzes your message and routes it to the right model. Fast and efficient for everyday tasks, and more capable when the request demands it.For Everyday Tasks
Use the current flagship model from OpenAI or Anthropic. These provide the best balance of capability and speed for general use. Look for models without size indicators (no “mini”, “fast”, etc.).For Coding and Writing
Anthropic’s Sonnet models are consistently praised for natural-sounding text and strong coding capabilities. They have an authentic tone that works well for professional communication.For Complex Reasoning
Enable Thinking on a flagship model when you need maximum accuracy on analytical tasks. This takes longer but significantly reduces errors on complex problems.For Speed-Sensitive Tasks
Flash, mini, or nano variants deliver good results much faster. Perfect for real-time applications, iterating on ideas, or processing high volumes.Your model choice also affects how quickly you use your included usage limits. More powerful models consume more per interaction. See Fair Usage Policy for details.
Image Generation Models
Image models also follow naming patterns:| Provider | Models | Strengths |
|---|---|---|
| Black Forest Labs | Flux series | State-of-the-art quality, fast generation |
| Imagen series | Diverse art styles, photo realism | |
| OpenAI | DALL-E, GPT Image | Text-to-image, integrated with chat |
Staying Current
AI models evolve rapidly. To stay current:- Check the model selector - Langdock always shows the latest available models
- Look for version numbers - Higher numbers = newer capabilities
- Try new models - When a new version appears, test it on your typical tasks
- Read release notes - Providers announce major improvements with new releases
Langdock continuously adds new models as they become available. The model selector in your chat always reflects the current options.