Gemini
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Google's Gemini, run inside Palette Desktop through the Gemini CLI. Pick it per chat like any other agent.
Setup
- In a chat, choose Gemini as the agent. If you don't have the Gemini CLI yet, Palette installs it for you in one click from Settings. No terminal needed.
- Add a Google AI Studio API key. Gemini in Palette is powered by an API key, not a Google account sign-in.
- Get one at Google AI Studio: create a key, then paste it into Palette when prompted.
- Palette stores the key in your operating system's keychain and passes it to Gemini as
GEMINI_API_KEY.
That's it. The key is yours; Palette just holds it locally and hands it to the agent.
Models
| Model | When to use |
|---|---|
| Auto | Let Gemini pick the right model for the task. |
| Gemini Pro | The most capable, for harder reasoning. |
| Gemini Flash | Faster and lighter, for quick work. |
You can set any of these as your default and switch per chat. For details on each, see Google's Gemini models.
Usage & billing
Gemini runs on your Google AI Studio API key, so usage is billed to your own Google account, metered by tokens, the same as using the key anywhere else. To raise limits or pay for more, manage the key and billing in Google AI Studio. Palette does not add a markup on Gemini usage.
Connectors and MCP
Palette Desktop runs the Gemini CLI with your existing setup, so MCP servers (connectors) you have configured for Gemini are available here too, with nothing to reconnect.
Limits & notes
- API key only. Signing in with a personal Google account (the free Gemini CLI login) is not supported here, so use an AI Studio key. This is deliberate: those login tiers aren't licensed for use from a third-party app.
- Palette Desktop does not currently guarantee that Gemini loads
AGENTS.mdautomatically. Mention the file in your prompt when Gemini should use those workspace instructions.
FAQ
Can I sign in with my Google account instead of a key?
No. Gemini in Palette uses a Google AI Studio API key. The personal-account login tiers aren't available for use from Palette.
Where do I get the API key?
At Google AI Studio. Create a key and paste it into Palette.
Is my key safe?
It's stored in your computer's keychain and only passed to the Gemini agent as an environment variable. It never leaves your machine through Palette.
Related
- Agents, all five agents and how model access works.
- Chats, pick an agent per chat.
- Quick Start, install and run your first session.