---
title: Quick Start
description: Install TurnPanel, choose a model, and start your first Job.
updated: 2026-09-12
canonical: https://turnpanel.com/docs/quick-start
markdown: https://turnpanel.com/docs/quick-start.md
llms: https://turnpanel.com/llms.txt
---

# Quick Start

Install TurnPanel, choose a model, and start your first Job.

## 1. Install TurnPanel

Download the installer for macOS or Windows, install it, and open TurnPanel.

[Download TurnPanel](/portal)


## 2. Choose whether to sign in

Sign in to use TurnPanel (Free) and get more built-in web searches. You can skip sign-in and use local models or your own providers instead.


### Sign in for more access, or skip for now

**Context:** Account

The account step offers Sign in or create account and Skip for now.

- **Sign in or create account** [ready]: Opens the account-link flow
- **Skip for now** [local]: Continue without an account
- **Settings → System** [ready]: Connect an account later
> **Hosted features are optional**
> TurnPanel (Free) and built-in search use online services. You do not need them to use local models or services you connect yourself.


## 3. Choose a model

Let TurnPanel test your computer and recommend a local or online model. You can choose a different model now or change it later.


### Pick what your agent thinks with

**Context:** Models

The model recommendation includes options to accept it or browse other models.

- **Memory for models** [local]: Measured on this computer
- **Recommended here** [active]: Best fitting onboarding default
- **Browse all** [ready]: See other model families
- **Models** [ready]: Download, load, unload, remove, or replace later

## 4. Start a Job

Say what you want done, where the relevant files are, and what the agent must not do. Keep using the same Job while that work is still related.

```text
Open ~/workspace/my-project, read its instructions, start the development server, and tell me the local URL. Do not change files.
```