Zola
- web-chat
The open-source interface for AI chat. Self-hostable, developer-first, and model-agnostic.
About
What is Zola?
Zola is an open-source, self-hostable interface for AI chat. It runs as a web application (local development or Docker) and is designed for developers and AI enthusiasts who want a clean, customizable chat UI with multi-model support.
How to use Zola?
Set up by cloning the repository, installing dependencies, and running npm run dev. Use Option 1 with an OpenAI API key (cloud). Use Option 2 with Ollama for fully local models – Zola automatically detects installed Ollama models. Option 3 uses Docker Compose with Ollama. Deployment via Vercel is also supported.
Key features of Zola
- Multi-model support: OpenAI, Mistral, Claude, Gemini, and local Ollama 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 (Apache 2.0)
- Customizable: user system prompt and multiple layout options
- Local AI with Ollama featuring automatic model detection
Use cases of Zola
- Run AI chat entirely offline using local Ollama models for privacy
- Switch between multiple cloud providers (OpenAI, Mistral, Claude, Gemini) in one interface
- Upload files (e.g., PDFs, images) and ask questions about their content
- Self-host a chat interface for teams or custom workflows with full data control
FAQ from Zola
What models does Zola support?
Zola supports OpenAI, Mistral, Claude, Gemini, and local models via Ollama.
Can I run Zola completely offline?
Yes. Use the Ollama option (Option 2 or Docker with Ollama) to run models locally without any internet connection.
Is Zola free and open-source?
Yes, Zola is fully open-source under the Apache License 2.0 and is free to self-host.
Does Zola support MCP (Model Context Protocol)?
Zola includes early tool and MCP integration for agent workflows, currently noted as work in progress (WIP).
Is Zola production-ready?
Zola is currently a beta release. The codebase is evolving and may change; not yet recommended for critical production use without testing.
Details
- Author
- ibelick
- GitHub stars
- 767
- Category
- web-chat
- Repository
- ibelick/zola
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)
- @agent mentions
- 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
<a href="https://vercel.com/oss">
</a>
License
Apache License 2.0
Notes
This is a beta release. The codebase is evolving and may change.
