Where LM Studio fits
Choose it when you prefer a visual interface to setting up local model commands manually.
Check before you choose
Check model size and supported hardware before allocating disk space for a download.
Find the right edition
Start with the destination for your device or the publisher's website. Use the current requirements and terms there to confirm the edition you need.
Compare the workflow
Start by deciding whether your task needs a hosted service or a model running on your own hardware. A chat assistant, a code editor and a local runtime solve different problems even when they use similar models.