How to setup DeepSeek R1 locally with ChatBoxAI on your system

Bodhisatwa ChakrabortyBodhisatwa Chakraborty
4 min read

Table of contents

Step 1: Visit Ollama

  1. Go to the Ollama website.

Step 2: Download the Ollama Application

  1. Download the Ollama application for your operating system.

  2. Install the application after the download is complete.

Step 3: Access DeepSeek R1

  1. Open the Ollama application.

  2. Navigate to Ollama Search.

  3. Search for DeepSeek R1 in the search bar or click directly on "DeepSeek-R1."

Step 4: Choose the Model

  1. Select the model version that suits your laptop or PC configuration.

  2. There are multiple models to download based on your PC Specs

  3. Recommended Option:

    • I have Downloaded DeepSeek-R1:8B (takes approximately 4.9 GB of storage).

    • This is probably balanced choice for most users

  4. Pro Suggestion:

    • If you want to crash your pc asap, you can download DeepSeek-R1:671B. 😂

    • Warning: Try at your own risk. Don’t blame me.

Step 5: Wait for the Download to Complete

  • The download process might take a while depending on your internet speed.

  • Once the download is complete, the interface will display a prompt where you can start interacting with the model.

Step 6: Explore and Use DeepSeek R1

  • To get help, type /help in the command prompt.

  • Start asking questions directly, and the model will respond. Below i have asked one question and this is how the reply looks like (Pretty boring, isn’t it?) But don’t worry - I’ve got you covered!

  • Note: The response speed may vary depending on your machine's specifications.

Verifying Ollama Installation and Taking DeepSeek R1 to the Next Level.

Step 7: Verify Ollama Installation

To ensure that Ollama has been installed correctly:

  1. Exit the chat interface with DeepSeek.

  2. Open your terminal and type the following command:

     ollama list

    If the command runs successfully and shows the model which you have installed, Ollama is installed and ready to use.

Step 8: Move Beyond the Terminal (Time for Fun!)

Typing messages and waiting for replies in the terminal can feel a bit dull, right? Imagine having an engaging interface instead of typing commands all the time! 🚀

Let’s elevate this experience and take DeepSeek R1 to the next level of convenience and style.

Step 9: Download ChatboxAI

ChatboxAI provides a user-friendly interface for interacting with models like DeepSeek R1.

  1. Visit ChatboxAI’s official website.

  2. Download the app version compatible with your device:

    • Download it from this link.

    • For macOS users, I would recommend you to download it directly from the Mac App Store.

Step 10: Setting Up ChatboxAI

For macOS Users

  1. Open the ChatboxAI app after installation.

  2. You will see this kind of interface ⬇️

  3.  http://YOUR_IP_ADDRESS:11434

    Replace YOUR_IP_ADDRESS with your actual local IP address (you can find your IP address using network settings).

  4. Follow these steps to configure it:

    • Model Provider: Select OLLAMA.

    • API Host: Enter the following:

    • Model Selection: Choose the model you downloaded earlier (e.g., DeepSeek-R1:8B).

For detailed guidance, you can refer to this connection guide.

For Windows and Linux Users

  1. Follow the instructions provided in the official connection guide.

  2. Alternatively, you can copy and paste the configuration steps mentioned above and ask a smart assistant like Claude to guide you through the process.

Step 11: Start Interacting

Once set up, launch ChatboxAI and enjoy a dynamic, responsive chat experience with DeepSeek R1. Say goodbye to the boring terminal interface and embrace a more interactive way to use AI.

This is how it looks⬇️

Thank you for taking the time to read this guide! I hope it helped you set up and explore DeepSeek R1 with ease. If you found this article helpful, please drop a like and share your thoughts in the comments below.

Facing any issues? Don’t hesitate to ask—I’m here to help. Happy coding! 😊

1
Subscribe to my newsletter

Read articles from Bodhisatwa Chakraborty directly inside your inbox. Subscribe to the newsletter, and don't miss out.

llmLLaMaguideTechnical writing technologyDeepSeekR1DeepSeekAI

Written by

Bodhisatwa Chakraborty
Bodhisatwa Chakraborty