> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.magnitude.dev/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# FAQ

> Common questions about Magnitude

## What is Magnitude?

Magnitude is an open source agent with local models built in. Everything runs directly on your machine.

## How is Magnitude different from Ollama or Hermes?

Ollama runs local models. Hermes is an agent that can use local models. Magnitude combines both in one: it profiles your hardware, recommends and downloads models, then configures and runs them inside the agent. Nothing else to set up.

## What hardware do I need?

There’s no fixed minimum. Magnitude profiles your hardware and recommends the best models for your machine. More memory lets you run larger models.

## Does my data go to the cloud?

No. When using Magnitude's built-in local models, your prompts and files stay on your machine.

When using your own inference server, model requests go to the endpoint you configure.

## Can Magnitude run completely offline?

Yes. Once Magnitude and a model are downloaded, you can use it without an internet connection.

## Can I use models outside the catalog?

Yes. You can [download compatible GGUF models from Hugging Face](/models#download-a-model-outside-the-catalog) and use them in Magnitude.

## Can I use my own inference server?

Yes. You can [connect a llama.cpp, vLLM, or other OpenAI-compatible inference server](/custom-endpoints) and use its models in Magnitude.