How to setup Open WebUI to have a ChatGPT experience with your local models !

Introduction

This tutorial will guide you through setting up Open WebUI for a ChatGPT experience using your local models. By the end of this guide, you will have a functional environment to explore ChatGPT capabilities powered by local models, providing a more customizable and efficient experience.

Step 1: Install Docker Desktop

To get started, you need to install Docker Desktop, which is essential for running containers that host Open WebUI.

1. Go to the Docker Desktop website.
2. Download the version compatible with your operating system (Windows or macOS).
3. Follow the installation instructions provided on the website.
4. Once installed, open Docker Desktop and ensure it is running.

Step 2: Clone the Open WebUI Repository

Next, you will need to clone the Open WebUI repository from GitHub.

1. Open your terminal or command prompt.

2. Run the following command to clone the repository:

   git clone https://github.com/open-webui/open-webui.git
   

3. Navigate into the cloned directory:

   cd open-webui
   

Step 3: Set Up the Environment

You need to set up the environment for Open WebUI to work with your local models.

1. Check the repository for any environment setup instructions in a file called README.md.
2. If necessary, create a .env file to configure any environment variables required for Open WebUI.

Step 4: Install Dependencies

Ensure that all necessary dependencies are installed for the Open WebUI to function properly.

1. Depending on the instructions in the README.md, you may need to install specific packages or libraries. Common dependencies might include Node.js or Python.

2. Use package managers like npm or pip if needed. For example, to install a Node.js package, run:

   npm install <package-name>
   

Step 5: Run the Open WebUI

Now that everything is set up, you can run the Open WebUI.

1. In the terminal, make sure you are still in the open-webui directory.

2. Start the application using Docker with the following command:

   docker-compose up
   

3. Wait for the application to build and start. You should see logs indicating that the server is running.

Step 6: Access the WebUI

Once Open WebUI is running, you can access it through your web browser.

1. Open your browser and go to http://localhost:3000 (or the specified port in your configuration).
2. You should see the Open WebUI interface ready for use.

Common Pitfalls

• Ensure Docker is running before trying to start Open WebUI.
• If you encounter errors, check the terminal for logs that may indicate missing dependencies or configuration issues.
• Refer to the official GitHub repository documentation for troubleshooting tips.

Conclusion

You have successfully set up Open WebUI to experience ChatGPT with your local models. With Docker handling the environment, you can now easily customize and experiment with various models. Consider exploring the features of Open WebUI and integrating additional models or functionalities to enhance your experience. If you encounter any issues, consult the documentation or community forums for support. Happy experimenting!