Desktop quickstart

This guide covers the KeenKind desktop app. To use the KeenKind API in Codex, ZCode, or another tool, start with the API quickstart.

1. Configure a model

Open Settings > Configuration and select a provider. KeenKind selects a suitable API type for known providers, so extra protocol settings are usually unnecessary.

Enter a configuration name, endpoint, API key, and at least one model ID. Local services such as Ollama, vLLM, and LM Studio can work without a key.

2. Open a working directory

Add or select a directory in the left project area. Relative paths in messages resolve from that directory, for example:

src/main/index.ts
docs/architecture.md

Click to preview a file in the right panel. Ctrl + click opens it in the system default app.

3. Choose a work style and permissions

Two work styles are available:

Work: research, writing, analysis, and general tasks.
Code: project investigation, code edits, tests, and builds.

Permission options near the composer determine when KeenKind asks for confirmation. Start with Ask for approval.

4. Send your first task

Read this project's README and package.json and explain how to start it. Do not modify files.

Use the add button or drag files into the composer to attach them. Type @ to reference workspace files, or $ to choose a Skill.

5. Review progress or stop

Tool calls appear in assistant messages.
File edits appear in the turn’s review summary.
Image results appear at the end of the reply.
The right panel contains the browser, file previews, and side chats.
The stop button ends the current task.

Common first-time issues

Symptom	Check
No models available	Configuration and model are enabled, and the model ID is correct.
401 / 403	API key, base URL, and provider match.
Tools do not run	Permission mode, working directory, and required extensions.
File cannot be uploaded	File type, size, and count.
Browser is missing	It is enabled in Settings > Browser.

Continue with Desktop model setup, Permissions, and Extensions overview.