Sheet 9

Change the model

AI Tools Field Guide

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If the answer looked shallow, you were probably on the fast model. The better one is two clicks away.

Gemini

  • Auto often picks Flash, the fast tier. Good for rewording and quick questions; thin on anything with steps.
  • Pick 3.1 Pro for comparisons, policy questions, planning and long documents. It reads more and reasons longer.
  • Gemini is better than its first answer. Same prompt, Pro selected, and most complaints disappear.
The picker sits at the right of the chat box. Pro models are the careful tier.
The picker sits at the right of the chat box. Pro models are the careful tier.

ChatGPT

  • Two models: GPT 5.4 is the fast one, GPT 5.6 Terra the careful one and the default.
  • Check the button before a long job. If it reads 5.4, switch back to Terra for anything you will sign.
  • Drop to 5.4 for quick rewrites when traffic is heavy and you want speed.
The model name is the button beside the send arrow.
The model name is the button beside the send arrow.

Grok

  • Modes, not names. Fast is Grok 4.3, Expert is Grok 4.5, Auto chooses for you.
  • Choose Expert for analysis and planning. A new chat inside a project already starts there.
  • Do not park on Expert. The careful tier is shared capacity.
Open Auto, then choose Expert when quality matters more than speed.
Open Auto, then choose Expert when quality matters more than speed.

Take away

Thin answer? Do not argue with it. Pick the careful model and ask again. Slower is a better draft, not a verified one.