---
title: Quickstart
slug: /guides
description: Jan Docs | Jan is a ChatGPT-alternative that runs on your own computer, with a local API server.
sidebar_position: 1
keywords:
  [
    Jan AI,
    Jan,
    ChatGPT alternative,
    local AI,
    private AI,
    conversational AI,
    no-subscription fee,
    large language model,
  ]
---

import installImageURL from './assets/jan-ai-quickstart.png';
import flow from './assets/quick.png';

# Quickstart

{/* After finish installing, here are steps for using Jan

## Run Jan

<Tabs>
    <TabItem value="mac" label="MacOS" default>
        1. Search Jan in the Dock and run the program.
    </TabItem>
    <TabItem value="windows" label="Windows" default>
        1. Search Jan in the Start menu and run the program.
    </TabItem>
    <TabItem value="linux" label="Linux" default>
        1. Go to the Jan directory and run the program.
    </TabItem>
</Tabs>

2. After you run Jan, the program will take you to the Threads window, with list of threads and each thread is a chatting box between you and the AI model.

3. Go to the **Hub** under the **Thread** section and select the AI model that you want to use. For more info, go to the [Using Models](category/using-models) section.

4. A new thread will be added. You can use Jan in the thread with the AI model that you selected before. */}

To get started quickly with Jan, follow the steps below:

### Step 1: Install Jan

Go to [Jan.ai](https://jan.ai/) > Select your operating system > Install the program.

:::note
To learn more about system requirements for your operating system, go to [Installation guide](/guides/install).
:::

### Step 2: Select AI Model

Before using Jan, you need to select an AI model that based on your hardware capabilities and specifications. Each model has their purposes, capabilities, and different requirements. To select AI models: 

Go to the **Hub** > select the models that you would like to install.

:::note
For more info, go to [list of supported models](/guides/models-list/). 
:::

### Step 3: Use the AI Model

After you install the AI model, you use it immediately under **Thread** tab.
