> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://chibi.bot/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Deployment Modes

> Understanding Private vs. Public modes in Chibi.

Chibi can operate in two distinct modes depending on your use case: **Private** (default) and **Public**.

## Private Mode (Default)

This is the standard mode for personal use or small teams.

* **API Keys:** The bot uses the "Master API Keys" configured in the `.env` file (e.g., your personal OpenAI key).
* **Access:** Restricted via `USERS_WHITELIST`. Only authorized users can interact with the bot.
* **Cost:** You (the admin) pay for all API usage.
* **Best for:** Personal assistants, home automation, small workgroups.

## Public Mode

This mode is designed for bots that serve many unrelated users.

* **Activation:** Set `PUBLIC_MODE=True` in your `.env` file.
* **API Keys:** The bot **doesn't ignore** the API Keys in `.env` file! You still can provide them for your users!
* **Access:** Open to anyone (unless restricted by other means).
* **Cost:** Each user must provide their own API key using the `/key` command. The bot uses the user's key for their requests.
* **Best for:** Public demo bots, community tools where you don't want to pay for everyone's tokens.

> \[!NOTE]
> Even in Public Mode, some system-level functions (like initial moderation or specific tools) might still rely on the admin's keys if configured that way.