---
title: "What is the AI Gateway / Ballet Models?"
description: "TL;DR: The AI Gateway controls which language models power Ask Ballet, agents, and AI steps in your workspace. Choose Ballet Models (managed by Ballet) or bring your own AI provider credentials. Owners and Builders configure this in Settings → AI Gateway."
canonical_url: "https://docs.ballet.dev/articles/what-is-the-ai-gateway-ballet-models-kP7PdJwA9p"
md_url: "https://docs.ballet.dev/articles/what-is-the-ai-gateway-ballet-models-kP7PdJwA9p.md"
---
# What is the AI Gateway / Ballet Models?

**TL;DR:** The AI Gateway controls which language models power Ask Ballet, agents, and AI steps in your workspace. Choose **Ballet Models** (managed by Ballet) or bring your own AI provider credentials. Owners and Builders configure this in **Settings → AI Gateway**.

 ![](https://docs.ballet.dev/api/attachments.redirect?id=4fcccd9b-c77b-4889-aa13-0e2314e7ab88 " =3022x1704")

## Who this is for

Owners and Builders configuring AI model access for the workspace.

## What is the AI Gateway?

The AI Gateway routes AI requests from the Console, agents, and playbook steps to a language model. It handles provider selection, routing, and usage tracking.

## What are Ballet Models?

**Ballet Models** are managed model endpoints provided by Ballet — no separate API key required. Usage counts against your workspace's AI credits and billing allowance.

## Can I bring my own provider?

Yes. Configure your own provider credentials in **Settings → AI Gateway** to route AI requests through your existing LLM accounts (e.g. OpenAI, Anthropic).

## Who can change AI Gateway settings?

Owners and Builders. Members do not access AI Gateway settings.

## How does this affect billing?

AI usage through Ballet Models counts toward your workspace's usage and billing. See [How does usage and billing work?](/articles/how-does-usage-and-billing-work-I5P6EqtRUR).

## Related articles

* [How does usage and billing work?](/articles/how-does-usage-and-billing-work-I5P6EqtRUR)
* [What are Agents?](/articles/what-are-agents-OKFRlcHoGP)
* [How do I build a playbook with the Console?](/articles/how-do-i-build-a-playbook-with-the-console-ask-ballet-oHptRP9mI4)