What works offline
Installed Ollama models can reply in chat without an internet connection. The app extracts text from supported attachments locally. The local API also works on this computer while codef and Ollama are running.
Before going offline, install a model, select it, and send a test message. You can turn off internet access in Settings → Agent behavior.
When data goes over the network
- Cloud models. The provider receives the context codef includes in its request. This can include messages, images, extracted attachment text, and agent tool results. The provider sets its own data retention rules.
- Web search. When the model searches the web, Exa receives the search query. When it reads a page, codef contacts that website. You can turn these tools off independently of the model you select.
- New models. Searching Hugging Face and downloading models need an internet connection. Repository owners control access to restricted files.
Where chats and attachments are stored
Chat history, drafts, and copies of attachments are stored in the codef data folder. To open it, go to Settings → Data → Open data folder. Chat mode does not use a project folder. Agent mode can work with files in a selected project according to its access settings.
Export your history
In Settings → Data, select Export JSON. The file includes conversations and attachment metadata. It excludes attachment files and saved connection keys.