# Windsurf Auto Model Switcher

> Switch Windsurf Cascade AI models programmatically. Apply when needing to change models from workflows or scripts. Use when this capability is needed.

- Skill: `tomevault-io/windsurf-auto-model-switcher` (Agent Skill, multi-file: 2 files)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add tomevault-io/windsurf-auto-model-switcher`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/tomevault-io/windsurf-auto-model-switcher/raw
- Safety review: pending (external: skill-scanner PASS, skillspector PASS)
- Works with: Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex
- Category: AI & ML
- Author: tomevault-io (https://skillmd.com/u/tomevault-io)
- Updated: 2026-09-17
- Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/tomevault-io/windsurf-auto-model-switcher

---


# Windsurf Auto Model Switcher

Switch Windsurf Cascade AI models programmatically using keyboard simulation.

## MUST-NOT-FORGET

- Requires custom keybindings (see SETUP.md)
- German keyboards: Use F-keys, not Ctrl+Alt (AltGr conflict)
- Model selector requires Windsurf window focus
- Auto-switching requires safety check (screenshot verification)

## Model Hints in STRUT

STRUT Strategy sections may include model hints:
```
├─ Strategy: Analyze requirements, design solution
│   - Opus for analysis, Sonnet for implementation
```

Model hints are recommendations - agent decides based on actual task.

## Prerequisites

1. Run SETUP.md to install keybindings
2. Restart Windsurf after setup

## Files

- `select-windsurf-model-in-ide.ps1` - Select a model by search query
- `windsurf-model-registry.json` - All available models and costs
- `update-model-registry/UPDATE_WINDSURF_MODEL_REGISTRY.md` - Workflow to update the registry

## Usage

```powershell
# Select Claude Sonnet 4.5
.\select-windsurf-model-in-ide.ps1 -Query "sonnet 4.5"

# Select Claude Opus 4.5 (Thinking)
.\select-windsurf-model-in-ide.ps1 -Query "opus 4.5 thinking"

# Select GPT-5.2 Low Reasoning
.\select-windsurf-model-in-ide.ps1 -Query "gpt-5.2 low"
```

## Model Registry

See `windsurf-model-registry.json` for all available models and their credit costs.

To update the registry, see `update-model-registry/UPDATE_WINDSURF_MODEL_REGISTRY.md`.

## Keybindings

Installed by SETUP.md:

- `Ctrl+Shift+F9` - Open model selector
- `Ctrl+Shift+F10` - Cycle to next model

## Troubleshooting

**Script types into editor**: Run SETUP.md and restart Windsurf.

**Model doesn't change**: Ensure Cascade panel is visible.

**Special characters (German keyboard)**: Use F-keys, not Ctrl+Alt.

---
> Source: [karstenheld3/OpenAI-BackendTools](https://github.com/karstenheld3/OpenAI-BackendTools) — distributed by [TomeVault](https://tomevault.io).
<!-- tomevault:4.0:skill_md:2026-05-23 -->