OpenCode: Desktop application for AI coding assistance with free models
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Read this article: https://vibecode.morecil.ru/en/rabochee-mesto/opencode-desktop-app/
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1) what to change
2) which files to edit
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4) how to verify everything works
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- Attach your project or open the repository folder in the AI tool.
- Ask for file-level changes, risks, and a quick verification checklist.
OpenCode is a powerful open-source AI agent that helps in writing, editing, and analyzing code. Now available as a full-fledged desktop application (in beta), making it convenient for daily work without a terminal. The application integrates with various LLM models, including free options through OpenCode Zen, a curatorial set of tested models for coding. It is an alternative to closed tools like Claude Code or GitHub Copilot, with a focus on privacy, flexibility and no vendor-lock. The project has scored over 100,000 stars on GitHub and is supported by a community of 700+ contributors.
Why do you need OpenCode in the desktop version?
Desktop application OpenCode simplifies the work: there is no need for a terminal, the interface is intuitive, with support for drag-and-drop, multi-session and Sharing. It is suitable for:
- Code analysis in repo.
- Adding features and fix bugs.
- Plan changes without modifications (plan mode).
- Integration with an IDE or as a standalone tool.
Free models allow you to start without subscriptions, and for advanced users – connect their own APIs from Claude, GPT or local models.
List of available free models
OpenCode Zen provides a curated set of free models optimized for coding. Here is the current list (for February 2026):
- Kimi K2.5 Free: Fast model for common coding tasks, with good support for multi-step planning.
- GLM-5 Free: Powerful model from Z.ai, leading in benchmarks for programming (limited access for tests).
- Big Pickle: A universal model with a focus on efficiency is available without limits for basic use.
- MiniMax M2.5 Free: Chinese model superior to GLM-4.7 in quality, with free access for non-commercial use.
- GPT-5 Nano: A compact version of the GPT-5, optimized for speed and low limits.
These models are available immediately after installation - select in the settings. Limits: For free versions – reasonable (e.g. 3M tokens per month per model), but depend on the load. For more, connect paid APIs. Zen guarantees compatibility and quality by testing models specifically for coding agents.
How to install OpenCode desktop application?
The installation is simple and takes minutes. Desktop version in beta, but stable for everyday use.
** Download the appendix:**
- Go to opencode.ai/download.
- Select the version for your OS: macOS (.dmg), Windows (.exe) or Linux (.AppImage or deb/rpm).
** OS installation:**
- macOS: Open .dmg and drag the icon to Applications. Open and allow in Gatekeeper (if necessary).
- Windows: Launch .exe, follow the installation wizard. Add to PATH if you are planning CLI integration.
- Linux: For .AppImage, make executable (
chmod +x opencode.AppImage) and run. For deb/rpm, use a package manager (apt/yum).
** Preliminary requirements:**
- Modern OS (macOS 12+, Windows 10+, Linux with GTK).
- There is no need for additional subscriptions – free models are built in.
- For local models: GPU with CUDA (optional).
- If you want to connect your APIs (Claude, GPT): prepare the keys.
After installation, launch the application - it will offer to select a model from the free list and initialize the project.
How to use OpenCode in a desktop application?
** Start and setup:**
- Open the app.
- In the interface, select "Connect" or "/connect" in the chat - connect the free model (for example, GLM-5 Free).
- Go to the project directory: specify the path or open the repo via File > Open.
Initialization of the project:
- Enter /init – the application will analyze the repo, create AGENTS.md with a description for better context.
Hint: For larger projects, use Plan Mode first. Make the prompts detailed as instructions to a colleague.
Conclusion and advice
OpenCode desktop is a convenient way to integrate AI into development with free models like GLM-5 Free. Start by installing and testing on a simple project. For detailed documentation: opencode.ai/docs