Introducing

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Install and Use Ollama Ai on macOS for Running LLMs Locally

Running large language models (LLMs) locally has become increasingly popular, offering more privacy and control over data. Ollama is an open-source tool that simplifies this process for macOS users. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to install and use Ollama on your Mac, ensuring you can harness the power of LLMs effortlessly.

1. Download Ollama. Visit the Ollama website and download the application for macOS.
2. Install Docker Desktop (Optional for GPU Acceleration). If you want to leverage GPU acceleration, download and install Docker Desktop from Docker’s official site.
3. Install Ollama. Once downloaded, open the Ollama installer and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.
4. Set Up Ollama. Open your terminal and verify the installation by running:
```
ollama --version
```
You should see the version information confirming that Ollama is installed correctly.
5. Running a Model. To run a model like Llama 2, use the following command:
```
ollama run llama2
```
This will download and start the Llama 2 model.
6. Interacting with the Model. Once the model is running, you can start a chat session. For example, type:
```
>>> Hello, what can you do?
```
The model will respond with its capabilities.

7. Customizing a Model. Create a Modelfile to customize your model:

FROM llama3
PARAMETER temperature 1
SYSTEM "You are Mario from Super Mario Bros. Answer as Mario, the assistant, only."

Use the following commands to create and run your customized model:

ollama create mario -f ./Modelfile
ollama run mario

8. Running Multi-Modal Models. Ollama supports multi-modal inputs, such as images. To use a multi-modal model like LLaVA, run:
```
ollama run llava
```
You can then provide an image file and ask questions about it:
```
>>> What's in this image? ./path/to/image.jpeg
```

ollama home screen picture — Ollama in action.

Everything you need to get up and running

Installing and using Ollama on macOS is straightforward, enabling you to run powerful LLMs locally with ease. Whether you are looking for privacy, control, or the ability to customize models, Ollama offers a robust solution for all your large language model needs.

For more detailed information and updates, visit the official Ollama website.