Models
Set default models, restrict access, and choose separate models for images and audio transcription.
5 min read
Use Settings > Governance > Models as an Admin or Owner to choose the models members start with and the models they may use. Defaults guide a choice; access rules enforce a restriction. Configure provider credentials first so the intended models are available.
Set a default model
- Under Default models, select Add rule.
- Choose Default for the baseline, Role for a role, or Team for a team. Select the target when needed.
- Choose a provider and model, then Confirm. Save the page's pending changes in the header.
- Start a chat as a member of the target group with its model on Auto, and check the resolved model.
The default is used when there is no explicit model choice. A team rule takes precedence over a role rule, followed by the baseline default; when someone belongs to several teams with a rule, the first matching team rule in the table wins (see How rules combine). A default does not prevent someone from selecting another permitted model.
Restrict model access
Under Model access, choose the mode and add rules for the users, teams, roles, or default scope you want to cover.
| Mode | Effect for a matching rule |
|---|---|
| Allowlist | Only listed allowed models may be used; a blocked model remains denied. |
| Blocklist | Models are permitted unless listed as blocked. |
Access resolves user rules before team rules, then role rules, then the default. Multiple matching team rules combine their lists; an explicit block still wins for that model. If no rule matches, the policy does not restrict that user. Add a baseline rule when you intend to cover everyone.
For chat, access is checked when a model is used, including an explicitly selected or pinned model. A configured default must also pass the check. If it is denied, automatic selection can fall back to an allowed model. The editor warns about a default that conflicts with access rules; resolve that warning so the intended default is actually used.
Choose the image-reading model
A text-only agent needs help reading an image, such as a screenshot or scanned page. Vision model selects the model that describes it for the agent. An agent whose own model reads images reads them itself; the vision model still serves the image tools that scripts and coding agents call inside their sandbox, such as batch transcription of scanned pages, so every managed agent gets one when a reachable model exists.
Leave Model that reads images on Automatic to follow the available provider catalog. Tale prefers a recommended vision model and otherwise selects a reachable low-cost option. The text below the picker identifies the current choice and reason.
Pin a model if you need a stable choice. The picker offers models that can read images. If a pin later becomes unavailable, restore its provider access or explicitly choose Automatic and save. Tale does not silently switch a pinned model. Review the current choice after rotating credentials or changing model availability.
Choose the audio transcription model
Audio transcription model controls server transcription for audio and video attachments, the audio fallback for video links, and dictation in browsers without built-in speech recognition. Browser speech recognition uses its own service and keeps priority when supported.
An active default credential for OpenRouter also makes its dedicated speech-to-text models available here. Tale discovers them from the OpenRouter catalog. Check that the credential’s allowed models include your intended transcription model, then use Automatic or select that model explicitly.
- Under Model that transcribes audio, leave Automatic selected to let Tale choose an available compatible model, or select a specific provider and model.
- Save the page's pending changes in the header. Until you save, the selection is a draft; discard it to keep the saved setting.
- Check the current model shown below the picker. Test a short recording before relying on the setup for a longer upload.
A model change applies to new transcription work; completed attachments keep their existing transcript. Uploading the same bytes again reuses completed work for the same transcription target, but transcribes them again when the target provider or model differs.
An explicit selection stays fixed. If that model becomes unavailable, Tale reports it and does not switch to another model. Choose another available model or Automatic, then save. If no compatible model is available, configure an active credential in AI providers and check the credential’s allowed models. A temporary failure to check the configuration calls for a retry, not a new model selection.
If unavailable server transcription prevents a member’s attempt to dictate or attach audio or video, a dismissible dialog explains the problem. Settings actions appear according to their access; otherwise, they are asked to contact an admin. A temporarily failed availability check can be retried. For deployment-managed selection and custom audio endpoints, see the self-hosted provider reference.
Diagnose an unexpected choice
Check the member's roles and teams, the explicit chat selection, the matching default, the access rule, and the provider credential's model list. A model appearing in a catalog does not establish that the organization has usable credentials for it. Spending and token caps still apply through Policies and limits.