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Local LLM Guide

Model

Qwen3.5 4B

Start with a supported compressed build and short context. 16GB RAM estimate. Best use: First local multimodal Qwen model on 8GB or 16GB machines.

4BMultimodal

Best use

First local multimodal Qwen model on 8GB or 16GB machines.

Memory planning

16GB RAM estimate

Expected pace

Depends on your hardware, app, and conversation length

License

Apache-2.0; read the model’s terms before use

Who should use this model?

  • First local multimodal Qwen model on 8GB or 16GB machines.

Choose something else when

  • You want the strongest coding or reasoning quality available locally.

What hardware makes sense?

The download is only part of the memory needed. Leave room for the app, the input it processes, and other open programs. For chat models, context includes the instructions, conversation, and answer. Longer context needs more memory.

CPU only
A possible starting point with a compressed model and short conversation; check the exact file size.
8GB system memory
Memory or response time may limit use. Try a smaller model first.
16GB system memory
A possible starting point with a compressed model and short conversation; check the exact file size.
32GB system memory
A possible starting point with a compressed model and short conversation; check the exact file size.
8GB GPU memory
Memory or response time may limit use. Try a smaller model first.
12GB GPU memory
Memory or response time may limit use. Try a smaller model first.
24GB GPU memory
A possible starting point with a compressed model and short conversation; check the exact file size.
Apple unified memory
A possible starting point with a compressed model and short conversation; check the exact file size.

Model facts that change the decision

Parameters
4B
Input
Text · Image
Published context limit
262,144 tokens
Model format
safetensors · GGUF · Ollama · MLX
Suggested compression
Q4_K_M for first local attempts unless a cited runtime recommends a different default.
Typical Q4 file
3.4GB before runtime and context overhead
Languages
Unknown

Using image input

This model needs an app or library that supports its image-processing components. Follow the exact model’s instructions for preparing image inputs. Some GGUF downloads also need a matching projector file; loading the text model alone does not establish image support.

First setup

Ollama

ollama run qwen3.5:4b

LM Studio: Check that your installed app supports the exact model format and task before downloading it.

llama.cpp

Use a cited GGUF build with current llama.cpp-compatible tooling.

Conditions that change the answer

  • Use Q4 on 8GB systems; Q8 is more comfortable on 16GB systems.
  • Very long context and image input can exceed the simple RAM estimates.
  • Ollama MLX tags are text-only; vision support depends on the runtime and package.
  • Commercial use: permitted
  • A small multimodal Qwen3.5 model that fits ordinary laptops and gives beginners local text, image, reasoning, and long-context features without jumping into workstation memory requirements.

Read the controlling license text →