glossary · Running it

Model tier

definition

A model tier is a named level of capability, such as strong, balanced or fast, that an AI agent asks for instead of a specific model, so the workspace decides which model fills each tier and can change it in one place.

in one line: Agents ask for a level; the workspace picks the model.

in context

Where does a model tier fit?

A model for each agent. Pin for the runtime, else the tier's model, else the executor's own.

pinfor this runtime

tier modelstrong · balanced · fast

executor modelthe last step

The first one that is ready on a connection wins.

two ways to say it

What is a model tier, in plain words?

Same idea at two depths: the plain version, then what the engine actually does.

Hard-coded models go stale. A tier names how much capability an agent needs.

Change the model behind a tier once, and every agent on it runs the new one next.

for engineers

Built-in tiers: strong, balanced, fast, inherit (aliases opus, sonnet, haiku). Custom tiers per workspace.

model_tiers_manage sets one model per runtime. Each run records model and model_text.

the longer answer

Why does a model tier matter?

Agent definitions often hard-code a model. That works until the model is retired, a cheaper one is good enough, or a different runtime needs a different provider. Then every definition has to be edited, and some get missed.

A tier adds one level of indirection. The agent says how much capability it needs; a workspace setting says which model that means today, per runtime. Changing the model behind a tier reaches every agent that uses it on its next run, and an agent that truly needs one specific model can still pin it.

in convops

How does a model tier work in ConvOps?

In ConvOps, an agent names a tier: strong, balanced, fast, inherit, or a custom tier of the workspace (the aliases opus, sonnet and haiku mean the first three). Each tier sets one model per runtime, Claude Code and OpenCode, and inherit means the executor's own model. Every agent runs on its pin for the run's runtime, else its tier's model, else the executor's own model. A pin or tier model counts only once a real call has worked on one of the executor's provider connections, and every run records which model each agent used and why.

questions

What do people ask about a model tier?

Why use a tier instead of naming a model?

A tier lets you change the model behind many agents in one place. The agent says how much capability it needs, and the workspace decides which model that means per runtime.

Which model does a ConvOps agent run on?

Its pin for the run's runtime, else its tier's model, else the executor's own model. A pin or tier model counts only once a real call has worked on one of the executor's provider connections.

What does a model tier connect to?

Agent catalogOne versioned list of your agents, named on every step.Provider connectionThe key, and proof of which models really answer.Agent executorWhich agent runs the work, and where.

Agents in ConvOps Provider connection Agent catalog

your next step

Teach it once. Then let it run.

on your ownStart freeConnect your AI tool in one line. Nothing to install.with your teamBook a demoWe show ConvOps on your team's real work.keep readingProvider connectionThe key, and proof of which models really answer.