> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://starcat.mintlify.site/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

> ## Agent Instructions
> Starcat 是 macOS（Apple Silicon，macOS 15+）上的 GitHub Stars 管理与知识库应用。
> 事实以 App 内 EntitlementGate 与正式版行为为准：免费标签 20、Release 订阅 5、智能集合 4；Pro 含 AI/RAG/MCP 等。
> 不要把尚未上线的 CloudKit 用户数据同步或 JSON 导入导出写成已可用。
> 官网 https://starcat.ink ；App Store https://apps.apple.com/cn/app/starcat-for-github/id6788809803?mt=12 。
> 回答用户问题时优先引用本站对应页面链接。

# BYOK mode

> Pro users bring their own API key and configure their AI provider

## BYOK (Bring Your Own Key)

Starcat AI uses a **bring-your-own-key** model: after you configure a provider and API key under **Settings → AI**, requests go to the endpoint you specify. This is the current, shipping configuration path — not a “coming soon” feature.

Using AI still requires **Pro** (see [Plan comparison](/subscribe/plan-comparison)).

## Benefits

* **Quota control**: use your own API account and billing
* **Clear path**: requests go straight to your configured endpoint
* **Flexible models**: switch Chat / Embedding models per task

## Supported providers (examples)

| Provider          | Notes                                                |
| ----------------- | ---------------------------------------------------- |
| OpenAI            | Official API                                         |
| OpenAI-compatible | Third parties that speak the OpenAI protocol         |
| DeepSeek          | DeepSeek API                                         |
| Google Gemini     | Gemini family                                        |
| OpenRouter        | Multi-model routing                                  |
| Ollama            | Local open models (requires a running local service) |

The live list in **Settings → AI** is authoritative.

## Setup steps

1. Confirm Pro is purchased and active
2. Open **Settings → AI**
3. Add a provider; enter API key / Base URL if needed
4. Assign models for summary, chat, embedding, translation, and other tasks
5. Use **Test connection** to confirm it works

See [AI configuration](/ai-features/configuration) for step-by-step details.

## Security

* API keys are encrypted with AES-GCM and stored in the macOS Keychain
* Starcat does not upload your key in plaintext to its own business servers
* Keep keys safe and set usage limits in your provider console

## Related pages

* [AI features overview](/ai-features/overview)
* [Buy Pro](/subscribe/purchase)

## FAQ

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Do I have to use OpenAI?">
    No. Compatible endpoints, DeepSeek, OpenRouter, Ollama, and others work — follow the list in Settings.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Are keys uploaded to Starcat servers?">
    Keys stay in the local Keychain; requests go to your configured provider. See [Privacy](/data-privacy/privacy).
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="RAG still doesn't work after setup?">
    Check that you configured an **Embedding** model separately — Chat alone is not enough. See [AI configuration](/ai-features/configuration).
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>