Where Does Ollama Store Models on Your System?

Understanding where Ollama stores its models is crucial for several reasons. It helps you manage disk space efficiently, troubleshoot issues, and even customize your setup if needed.

Let’s get into the details.

Default Location of Ollama Models

Ollama stores its models in a default directory on your system. On most systems, you’ll find them in the following location:

• Linux/Mac: ~/ollama
• Windows: C:\Users\[YourUsername]\ollama

This directory serves as the home for all your downloaded and installed models.

How to Access the Models Directory?

To access the models directory, simply navigate to the path mentioned above based on your operating system. You can use your file explorer or command line to do this.

For example, on Linux or Mac, open your terminal and type:

cd ~/ollama

On Windows, use the File Explorer or Command Prompt to navigate to the C:\Users\[YourUsername]\ollama path.

Customizing the Models Storage Location

If you prefer to store your models in a different location, Ollama allows you to customize the storage path. This can be particularly useful if you want to use an external drive or a specific folder with more space.

To change the default storage location, you need to set an environment variable before running Ollama. Here’s how:

• Set the OLLAMA_MODELS environment variable to your desired path.
• For example, on Linux or Mac, you might use:

export OLLAMA_MODELS=/path/to/your/custom/directory

On Windows, you would set it in your system environment variables or use the command prompt:

set OLLAMA_MODELS=C:\path\to\your\custom\directory

Benefits of Customizing Storage

Customizing the storage location offers several benefits:

• Better Disk Management: You can store models on a drive with more space.
• Easier Backups: If you store models on an external drive, backing up becomes simpler.
• Flexibility: You can manage models across different systems more easily.

Managing Disk Space with Ollama Models

Since Ollama models can take up significant disk space, it’s important to keep an eye on your storage. Here are some tips to manage your disk space effectively:

• Regularly Clean Up: Remove models you no longer use.
• Use Smaller Models: Opt for smaller models if they suit your needs.
• Monitor Disk Usage: Check the size of the models folder periodically.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Sometimes, you might run into issues with your models. Here are some common problems and how to solve them:

• Model Not Found: Ensure the model is correctly installed in the models directory. If you’ve customized the storage location, double-check the path.
• Insufficient Disk Space: Clear out old models or change the storage location to a drive with more space.
• Corrupted Model: Re-download the model from the source if you suspect corruption.

Conclusion

Understanding where Ollama stores models on your system is essential for efficient management and troubleshooting. Whether you stick with the default location or customize it to suit your needs, keeping an eye on your models directory will help you get the most out of Ollama.

So next time you’re wondering where does Ollama store models, you’ll know exactly where to look and how to manage them effectively.