kiloconnect[bot]
4.3 KiB
title, description
| title | description |
|---|---|
| Auto Model | Smart model routing that automatically selects the optimal AI model based on your current mode |
Auto Model
Auto Model (kilo/auto) is a smart model routing system that automatically selects the optimal AI model based on the Kilo Code mode you're using. It balances cost and capability so you get the best results without manual model switching.
How It Works
- Select
kilo/autoas your model in the model dropdown - Start working in any mode (Code, Architect, Debug, etc.)
- The system automatically routes your requests to the best model for that task
That's it. No configuration needed.
Mode-to-Model Mapping
Auto Model routes to different models based on the task type:
| Mode | Model Used | Best For |
|---|---|---|
architect |
Claude Opus 4.6 | System design, planning |
orchestrator |
Claude Opus 4.6 | Multi-step task coordination |
ask |
Claude Opus 4.6 | Questions, explanations |
plan |
Claude Opus 4.6 | Planning, reasoning |
general |
Claude Opus 4.6 | General assistance |
code |
Claude Sonnet 4.5 | Writing and editing code |
build |
Claude Sonnet 4.5 | Implementation tasks |
debug |
Claude Sonnet 4.5 | Debugging and fixing issues |
explore |
Claude Sonnet 4.5 | Codebase exploration |
Planning and reasoning tasks use Claude Opus 4.6, which excels at complex reasoning, architectural decisions, and breaking down problems.
Implementation tasks use Claude Sonnet 4.5, which is optimized for fast, accurate code generation and editing.
Benefits
Simplified Setup
No need to manually switch models when changing modes. Auto Model handles the routing transparently in the background.
Cost Optimization
Uses the more economical Sonnet for implementation tasks where speed matters, while reserving Opus for planning tasks that benefit from deeper reasoning. You get optimal cost-to-capability ratio without thinking about it.
Best-in-Class Models
Auto Model always routes to Claude's latest and most capable models:
- Claude Opus for reasoning-intensive tasks
- Claude Sonnet for implementation-focused tasks
Requirements
{% callout type="warning" title="Version Requirements" %}
Auto Model requires VS Code/JetBrains extension v5.2.3+ or CLI v1.0.15+ for automatic mode-based switching. On older versions, kilo/auto will default to Claude Sonnet for all requests.
{% /callout %}
Getting Started
{% callout type="tip" title="Quick Setup" %}
Select kilo/auto from the model dropdown in the Kilo Code chat interface. That's all you need to do.
{% /callout %}
- Open Kilo Code in VS Code or JetBrains
- Click the model selector dropdown
- Choose
kilo/auto - Start chatting - the right model is selected automatically based on your current mode
When to Use Auto Model
Auto Model is ideal for:
- Developers who frequently switch between planning and coding - No need to remember which model works best for each task
- Teams wanting consistent model selection - Everyone gets optimal routing without individual configuration
- Cost-conscious developers - Automatically balances cost and capability
- New Kilo Code users - Great defaults without needing to understand model differences
When to Use a Specific Model
You may want to select a specific model instead when:
- Cost is not a factor for a particular task
- You need a particular model's unique capabilities (e.g., very long context windows)
- You're working with a specialized provider or local model
- You want full control over model selection
Feedback
{% callout type="note" title="Help Us Improve" %} Auto Model is a new feature and we're actively improving it. We'd love to hear how it's working for you! Share feedback in our Discord or open an issue on GitHub. {% /callout %}
Related
- Model Selection Guide - General guidance on choosing models
- Using Modes - Learn about different Kilo Code modes
- Free & Budget Models - Cost-effective alternatives