Continue.dev Free API: FreeTheAI in config.yaml

Continue adds FreeTheAI models in config.yaml with the openai provider and FreeTheAI as apiBase.

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Before you start

Create a free account and an API key. Create an account
Check in once a day to unlock the free models. Daily check-in
Pick a model ID from the models page. Browse models

Settings

provider: openai
apiBase: https://api.freetheai.org/v1
model: fta/zai/glm-5.3

Steps

Edit config.yaml

Open ~/.continue/config.yaml (or use the gear in the Continue panel) and add:

yaml

name: My Config
version: 0.0.1
schema: v1

models:
  - name: FreeTheAI GLM 5.3
    provider: openai
    model: fta/zai/glm-5.3
    apiBase: https://api.freetheai.org/v1
    apiKey: ftai_your_key_here
    roles:
      - chat
      - edit
      - apply

Pick the model
Save the file and choose FreeTheAI GLM 5.3 in the Continue model menu.

How this guide was checked: Checked against Continue's docs (OpenAI compatible providers) on 2026-09-29.

Tips

Tab autocomplete needs a completions (FIM) model, which FreeTheAI does not serve. Use FreeTheAI for chat, edit, and apply.

Troubleshooting

Why does autocomplete not work with FreeTheAI in Continue?

Autocomplete uses the legacy completions endpoint. FreeTheAI serves chat completions, so give the autocomplete role to another model.

Common errors

401: the key is wrong or incomplete. Paste the whole key.
403: check in for today, or confirm your email.
404: the model ID or URL is wrong.
429: daily limit reached, or too many requests at once.

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