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

# Configure a model

> Start your first task with official DeepSeek account sign-in, an API key, or a compatible provider.

Before starting a task, sign in to your official DeepSeek account or configure at least one model provider. These entry points belong to the embedded Harness interface, not the desktop **Configuration** dialog.

**Sign-in option in the lower left**

![Official DeepSeek account sign-in entry point](https://mintcdn.com/dshtauri/diuocmJB1DgULkEH/images/login.png?fit=max\&auto=format\&n=diuocmJB1DgULkEH\&q=85\&s=8a58f63faedc9f2cb8237f74e5ef9eaa)

**Configure a model in Settings**

![Harness model settings with the DeepSeek provider card](https://mintcdn.com/dshtauri/ulk6UnbnlYmrJhh5/images/model-settings.png?fit=max\&auto=format\&n=ulk6UnbnlYmrJhh5\&q=85\&s=5e43de8a40c36c281ca8ab1834ed06e9)

## Sign in to your official DeepSeek account

Signing in from the lower-left menu completes DeepSeek authorization in your browser and uses the `deepseek-account` model route. It is separate from the `deepseek-official` route that takes a manually entered Platform API key; you do not need to paste an API key into model settings for account sign-in.

**1. Open a sign-in entry point**

Initial setup offers **Sign in** and **Add API Key**. You can also open **More → Sign in** at the bottom of the Harness sidebar, or go to **Settings → Account** and click **Sign in**.

**2. Complete authorization in your browser**

The desktop automatically opens the official DeepSeek authorization page in your system browser. Follow its prompts to sign in and authorize. If the page does not open, click **Copy sign-in link** in the waiting dialog and paste it into your browser. Click **Sign in again** after a timeout or failure, or cancel if you do not want to continue.

**3. Return to Harness and verify a model**

After authorization, Harness updates your sign-in status and closes the sign-in dialog. In the session composer, choose an available model under **DeepSeek Account** and a workspace, then send a small task such as summarizing the repository.

* Sign-in credentials are kept in the local Harness credential store and can be read after a restart. Sign in again if Harness reports that your login is no longer valid.
* When no provider API key is configured, successful sign-in saves the first available account model as the default. An existing API key prevents this default from being overwritten. Sign-in or availability changes do not automatically replace an existing session's model selection; check it in the composer.
* **Sign out** in the sidebar account menu removes local sign-in credentials without deleting project or session data. It interrupts running tasks that use this account.

## Use a DeepSeek API key

**1. Open model settings**

Open **Settings → Models** in the Harness sidebar. The desktop extends this page through the built-in [Model configuration](https://dshtauri.mintlify.site/en/built-in-plugins/dsh-tauri-model.md) plugin. **Add API Key** in the sign-in setup also opens key configuration.

**2. Save credentials**

Edit the official DeepSeek API provider (`deepseek-official`), enter an API key from the [DeepSeek Platform](https://platform.deepseek.com/), and save it.

**3. Select a model and test**

Return to the session composer, choose an available model under that provider and a workspace, and send a test task. If it fails, check credentials, endpoint, and model name first, then review the provider's error and account allowance information.

> [!WARNING]
>
> Never put API keys, sign-in credentials, or authorization links in chat messages, repositories, screenshots, or issues. Model requests send the necessary context to your chosen provider; check its privacy policy and data scope before processing sensitive code. Account sign-in does not imply free usage or a fixed allowance; consult the official Platform for fees and available allowance.

## Other providers and custom endpoints

In **Settings → Models**, click **Add model provider** and choose how to add it:

| Method | What you need |
| - | - |
| **Third-party model provider** | A provider from the built-in catalog, credentials, and available models |
| **Custom model API** | A stable lowercase Provider ID, base URL, protocol, credentials, and at least one model |

Configure context length, output limits, image input, and thinking modes only when the endpoint supports them. See [Model configuration](https://dshtauri.mintlify.site/en/built-in-plugins/dsh-tauri-model.md) for local or company gateway compatibility options.

For upstream provider semantics, see the [model configuration guide](https://deepseek-harness.github.io/deepseek-harness/guide/providers). Next, explore the [desktop and Harness interface](https://dshtauri.mintlify.site/en/guides/interface.md).


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