# Choose an available model

Source: https://cicora.ai/en/docs/models

The current catalog is the authority for model IDs, availability, capabilities, context limits, and prices. Its contents can change, so do not depend on a fixed count or a model list copied into prose.

## Open the current catalog

Use the [model catalog](https://app.cicora.ai/models) for a visual comparison or request the catalog with the API key for the active workspace:

```bash
curl https://api.cicora.ai/v1/models \
  -H "Authorization: Bearer sk_..."
```

Copy the exact `id` returned by the catalog. Do not shorten it, infer it from a display name, or assume another member of the same model family has the same contract.

*A live catalog separates available models by modality and supported endpoint.*

*Copy an exact ID only after checking availability and capabilities.*

## Check availability before capabilities

Choose an entry with `available: true`. When it is `available: false`, read `unavailableReason` instead of repeatedly sending the same request.

A new personal workspace receives welcome balance under the current terms, but that balance does not unlock every model. Check its current amount and state in [Balance](https://app.cicora.ai/balance). Some personal-workspace models require the first real balance top-up and report `FIRST_TOP_UP_REQUIRED`. Shared workspaces can follow different access rules, so use the status shown for the active workspace.

## Match the model to the task

Check these current fields before sending a request:

* `architecture.input_modalities` and `architecture.output_modalities` for text, image, or file input and output;
* `supported_parameters` for tools, structured output, reasoning controls, and other accepted options;
* `context_length` and the published completion limit for request size;
* `supported_endpoint_types` for image generation or editing where those operations are published;
* `available` and `unavailableReason` for access in the active workspace.

Use `/v1/chat/completions` for OpenAI-compatible chat. Use `/v1/messages` when the client requires the Anthropic Messages format; it accepts supported chat model IDs and published aliases from the shared catalog, not only Anthropic models. Use `/v1/images/generations` or `/v1/images/edits` only when the model publishes that operation. Video models use the separate `/v1/videos/models` catalog and asynchronous video endpoints.

## Keep discovery in the setup flow

Refresh the catalog when configuring a client or when a saved model becomes unavailable. Fixed recommendations age quickly; compare the task's modality and required parameters first, then current availability, limits, and price.

## Troubleshooting


**The model is unavailable**


Branch on the public reason. `FIRST_TOP_UP_REQUIRED` in a personal workspace calls for a real top-up; `MODEL_NOT_AVAILABLE` calls for a fresh catalog check and another currently available model. First confirm which workspace owns the key.


**A saved model ID disappeared**


Compare the saved ID with the exact `id` values returned for the key's active workspace. If it is absent, record the old ID and check time before replacing it; a display name or family name is not evidence of the same contract.


**A request started failing after an option changed**


Inspect the HTTP `400` detail and remove the newly added option first. Then compare that field with `supported_parameters`, modalities, limits, and `supported_endpoint_types`; this distinguishes a capability mismatch from model availability.

## FAQ

### What is cicora.ai?

cicora.ai is a multi-model AI workspace and compatible API for chat, text, images, video, coding tools, and teams. Start with the [overview](/en.md), [documentation](/en/docs.md), or [model catalog](/en/models.md).

### How is usage billed?

Confirmed usage is charged in USD from the active workspace's prepaid balance. Use the live catalog for current model prices and the [usage guide](/en/docs/usage-costs.md) for settlement details.

### Which protocols and integrations are available?

Documentation covers OpenAI-compatible Chat Completions and Responses, Anthropic Messages, image interfaces, Claude Code, OpenCode, and Codex CLI. Compatibility does not imply support for every upstream parameter.

### Which sources are authoritative and current?

For model IDs, availability, capabilities, limits, and prices, use the [live catalog](/en/models.md). For API behavior, use the matching [documentation page](/en/docs.md). Never include API keys, private workspace data, or preview URLs in public documents.