Montage Help CenterChoose the AI model
Montage makes your video with one of three AI models: Haiku, Sonnet or Opus. The first version uses the one you pick; your changes then switch to Haiku, the fastest, to save your credits.
Written by Ben (Founder) · Updated November 5, 2026The three models
| Model | What the menu says | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Haiku | A quick change, for little | The fewest |
| Sonnet | The right change, for most | More |
| Opus | The most care, for hard changes | The most: « Opus may use more credits » shows when you pick it |
The first version, then the changes
- On New video, the model chip sits in the box. Its menu says « For the first version · then Haiku makes the changes ». On a paid plan, Sonnet is picked until you choose another.
- Under the box, Montage says about how many credits the first version takes with that model (« About 3 credits »).
- Once the first version is made, Montage moves your changes to Haiku. Ask shows a note: « Switched to Haiku for your changes, to save your credits. » Press Change in it to pick another model, or × to close it.
- In Ask, the chip’s menu says « For this change ». The model you pick there stays for the next changes, until you pick another.
On the Free plan
Free makes its videos with Haiku. The chip is the same; picking Sonnet or Opus opens the plans: « Sonnet and Opus come with every plan. » On Free, the estimate says it against what you have left: « About 1 of your 10 free credits ».
The estimate is never under 1 credit with Haiku, 2 with Sonnet, 5 with Opus. A long video with many files takes more.
Questions
Which model should I pick?
Sonnet for most first versions. Opus when the video is hard to get right. Haiku for quick changes; it is what Montage uses for changes unless you pick another.
Can I use Opus for one change only?
Yes. Pick Opus in Ask’s chip, send your change, then pick Haiku again: the choice stays until you change it.
Why did my model change after the first version?
Montage switches changes to Haiku to save your credits. Press Change in the note to pick another.