Understand the AI models powering Maestro and how to configure them.

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What Models Does Maestro Use?

Maestro leverages multiple AI models to deliver its capabilities. The models are selected based on the task complexity and your session configuration.

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Primary Models

Claude Sonnet 4.5 (Default)
  • The primary model for most Maestro operations
  • Excellent balance of reasoning capability and performance
  • Used for code generation, analysis, and general tasks
  • Handles complex multi-file changes effectively
Claude Opus 4.5
  • Available for highest-quality reasoning
  • Used for particularly complex problems
  • Deeper analysis and more thorough consideration
  • Can be selected via session settings
Claude Haiku
  • Faster, more cost-effective model
  • Used for simpler operations when appropriate
  • Quick responses with lower compute cost
  • Automatically selected for straightforward tasks

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Specialized Models

Maestro also uses specialized models for specific tasks:
  • Gemini 2.5 Flash: Image generation (Generate Image tool)
  • Recraft v3: Vector graphics and SVG generation
  • Perplexity: Web search and research capabilities

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How Models Are Selected

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Automatic Selection

By default, Maestro automatically selects the appropriate model based on:
  • Task complexity
  • Context requirements
  • Your session configuration
  • Cost optimization preferences
Simple tasks (file viewing, basic editing):
  • Uses Claude Sonnet or Haiku for efficiency
Complex tasks (multi-file refactoring, architectural decisions):
  • Uses Claude Sonnet or Opus for deeper reasoning
Specialized tasks (image generation, web research):
  • Automatically uses the appropriate specialized model

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Manual Configuration

You can influence model selection through session settings.

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Via Settings

Access model configuration: 
/settings → Model Selection
Options:
  • Default: Automatic selection based on task (recommended)
  • Sonnet: Prefer Claude Sonnet 4.5 for all tasks
  • Opus: Use Claude Opus 4.5 for highest quality
  • Balanced: Optimize for cost/performance mix

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Session Settings UI

  1. Click the settings icon (bottom-left)
  2. Navigate to “Model Configuration”
  3. Select your preferred model or strategy
  4. Changes apply to current session

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Plan-Specific Model Selection

Different subscription plans may have different model access: Starter Plan:
  • Access to Claude Sonnet and Haiku
  • Automatic selection between them
Pro Plan:
  • Full access to Claude Opus
  • All specialized models included
  • Advanced configuration options
Enterprise Plan:
  • Custom model configurations
  • Priority access to latest models
  • Fine-tuned selection strategies
Check your billing page for plan details.

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Model Capabilities

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Claude Sonnet 4.5

Strengths:
  • Excellent code generation
  • Strong reasoning for complex problems
  • Efficient context handling
  • Good balance of speed and quality
Best for:
  • General software engineering tasks
  • Multi-file projects
  • API integrations
  • Most use cases

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Claude Opus 4.5

Strengths:
  • Deepest reasoning capabilities
  • Superior problem decomposition
  • Handles extreme complexity
  • Highest quality outputs
Best for:
  • Critical architecture decisions
  • Complex algorithmic implementations
  • Research and analysis
  • When quality is paramount

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Claude Haiku

Strengths:
  • Very fast responses
  • Cost-effective
  • Handles straightforward tasks well
  • Lower latency
Best for:
  • Simple edits and changes
  • Quick iterations
  • Prototyping
  • Budget-conscious sessions

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Model Behavior Differences

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Code Quality

All models produce production-ready code, but with different characteristics:
  • Opus: Most thorough, considers edge cases exhaustively
  • Sonnet: Excellent quality, efficient implementation
  • Haiku: Clean, functional code with less elaboration

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Reasoning Depth

How models approach complex problems:
  • Opus: Multi-step reasoning, explores alternatives thoroughly
  • Sonnet: Strong reasoning with good efficiency
  • Haiku: Direct approach, less exploration

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Context Usage

How models utilize available context:
  • Opus: Synthesizes information across entire context
  • Sonnet: Efficient context utilization
  • Haiku: Focused on immediate relevant context

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Cost Implications

Model selection affects session costs:
  • Haiku: Lowest cost per operation
  • Sonnet: Moderate cost, excellent value
  • Opus: Highest cost, maximum capability
The automatic selection balances cost and capability based on task requirements. Cost optimization tips:
  • Use automatic selection for best cost/quality balance
  • Reserve Opus for truly complex tasks
  • Simple tasks automatically use efficient models
  • Monitor usage in billing dashboard

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Complex Thinking Tools

Some specialized tools use extended thinking models:

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Complex Coding Tool

  • Uses high-reasoning budget
  • May use Opus-level reasoning
  • Automatically applied for complex multi-file changes
  • Significantly deeper analysis than standard generation

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Complex Reasoning Tool

  • Research and analytical reasoning
  • Produces comprehensive markdown reports
  • Uses extended thinking time
  • Best for architectural decisions and analysis
These tools are automatically invoked when Maestro determines the task requires deep reasoning. Availability: Complex thinking tools may be disabled in certain configurations or plans.

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Changing Models Mid-Session

You can adjust model selection during a session: 
/settings → Change model preference
Effect:
  • Applies to subsequent turns
  • Does not affect current operation
  • Session history preserved
When to change:
  • Switch to Opus for particularly challenging problem
  • Switch to Haiku for rapid iteration on simple tasks
  • Optimize costs while maintaining quality

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Model Updates

Maestro is continuously updated with the latest AI models:
  • Automatic updates to new Claude versions
  • Enhanced capabilities over time
  • Backward compatibility maintained
  • Transparent improvements
You don’t need to do anything—updates happen automatically and improve your experience.

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Best Practices

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Let Maestro Choose

The automatic model selection is highly optimized:
  • Analyzes task complexity
  • Considers context requirements
  • Balances cost and capability
  • Updates based on usage patterns
Recommendation: Use automatic selection unless you have specific needs.

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When to Use Opus

Switch to Opus manually for:
  • Critical production code
  • Complex architectural decisions
  • Security-sensitive implementations
  • When quality cannot be compromised

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When to Use Haiku

Explicitly choose Haiku for:
  • Simple file edits
  • Quick prototypes
  • Learning and exploration
  • Cost-conscious sessions

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Monitor and Adjust

Use the billing dashboard to:
  • Track model usage
  • Understand cost breakdown
  • Identify optimization opportunities
  • Adjust strategy based on patterns

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Can I use GPT models?

Maestro is optimized for Claude models and uses Anthropic’s API. We don’t currently support GPT or other model families, but we use best-in-class specialized models for specific tasks like image generation.

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Does model choice affect features?

No—all Maestro features work with all models. The difference is in reasoning quality and cost, not capability.

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Can I set different models for different projects?

Model selection is per-session. You can configure each session independently based on project needs.

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Will model updates break my code?

Model updates improve quality and capabilities. They’re thoroughly tested for compatibility and don’t break existing functionality.

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How do I know which model is being used?

Model selection is generally transparent, but you can see session configuration in your settings. Detailed usage appears in the billing dashboard.

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Next Steps

Explore related topics:
  • Settings: Configure session preferences
  • Billing: Understand costs and model pricing
  • Tools: Learn about specialized tools and their models
  • Best Practices: Optimize your Maestro usage