- Zola
Zola
The open-source interface for AI chat. Self-hostable, developer-first, and model-agnostic.
Content
Zola
Zola is the open-source interface for AI chat.

Features
- Multi-model support: OpenAI, Mistral, Claude, Gemini, Ollama (local models)
- File uploads with context-aware answers
- Clean, responsive UI with light/dark themes
- Built with Tailwind, shadcn/ui, and prompt-kit
- Fully open-source and self-hostable
- Customizable: user system prompt, multiple layout options
- Local AI with Ollama: Run models locally with automatic model detection
Agent Features (WIP)
@agentmentions- Early tool and MCP integration for agent workflows
- Foundation for more powerful, customizable agents (more coming soon)
Quick Start
Option 1: With OpenAI (Cloud)
git clone https://github.com/ibelick/zola.git
cd zola
npm install
echo "OPENAI_API_KEY=your-key" > .env.local
npm run dev
Option 2: With Ollama (Local)
# Install and start Ollama
curl -fsSL https://ollama.ai/install.sh | sh
ollama pull llama3.2 # or any model you prefer
# Clone and run Zola
git clone https://github.com/ibelick/zola.git
cd zola
npm install
npm run dev
Zola will automatically detect your local Ollama models!
Option 3: Docker with Ollama
git clone https://github.com/ibelick/zola.git
cd zola
docker-compose -f docker-compose.ollama.yml up
To unlock features like auth, file uploads, and agents, see INSTALL.md.
Built with
- prompt-kit — AI components
- shadcn/ui — core components
- motion-primitives — animated components
- vercel ai sdk — model integration, AI features
- supabase — auth and storage
Sponsors
License
Apache License 2.0
Notes
This is a beta release. The codebase is evolving and may change.
Recommend Clients
TraeBuild with Free GPT-4.1 & Claude 3.7. Fully MCP-Ready.
CursorThe AI Code Editor
chatmcpChatMCP is an AI chat client implementing the Model Context Protocol (MCP).
LutraLutra is the first MCP compatible client built for everyone
HyperChatHyperChat is a Chat client that strives for openness, utilizing APIs from various LLMs to achieve the best Chat experience, as well as implementing productivity tools through the MCP protocol.
Y GuiA web-based graphical interface for AI chat interactions with support for multiple AI models and MCP (Model Context Protocol) servers.
ChatWiseThe second fastest AI chatbot™
Roo Code (prev. Roo Cline)Roo Code (prev. Roo Cline) gives you a whole dev team of AI agents in your code editor.
ZedCode at the speed of thought – Zed is a high-performance, multiplayer code editor from the creators of Atom and Tree-sitter.
Continue⏩ Create, share, and use custom AI code assistants with our open-source IDE extensions and hub of models, rules, prompts, docs, and other building blocks
A Sleek AI Assistant & MCP Client5ire is a cross-platform desktop AI assistant, MCP client. It compatible with major service providers, supports local knowledge base and tools via model context protocol servers .
DeepChatYour AI Partner on Desktop
MCP ConnectEnables cloud-based AI services to access local Stdio based MCP servers via HTTP requests
WindsurfThe new purpose-built IDE to harness magic
LINKAGOGO-MCP---BOOKMARK-MANAGERManage your LinkaGoGo bookmarks through any AI assistant that supports the Model Context Protocol (MCP). Search, add, organize, tag, move, and export bookmarks conversationally — 16 tools for full bookmark and folder management. Connect via Claude.ai, Claude Desktop, or any MCP-compatible client.
MCP PlaygroundCall MCP Server Tools Online
Cline – #1 on OpenRouterAutonomous coding agent right in your IDE, capable of creating/editing files, executing commands, using the browser, and more with your permission every step of the way.
y-cli 🚀A Tiny Terminal Chat App for AI Models with MCP Client Support
Cherry Studio🍒 Cherry Studio is a desktop client that supports for multiple LLM providers.
Refact.aiOpen-source AI Agent for VS Code and JetBrains that autonomously solves coding tasks end-to-end.
Visual Studio Code - Open Source ("Code - OSS")Visual Studio Code