Zola

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.