How to Use DeepSeek AI & API Key for Free: A Complete Guide

Introduction to DeepSeek AI

In the rapidly growing world of artificial intelligence, many powerful AI models come with high costs and technical demands. However, DeepSeek AI has emerged as a game-changing model, offering cutting-edge capabilities while being accessible to everyone. This guide will show you how to use DeepSeek AI for free, with multiple methods to suit different needs.

What is DeepSeek AI?

DeepSeek AI is a collection of advanced language models that excel in tasks like reasoning, mathematics, coding, and general knowledge. Its models include:

• DeepSeek-R1: A reasoning model available in sizes from 1.5B to 671B parameters.
• DeepSeek-V3: A conversational AI model designed for general-purpose interactions.
• DeepSeek Coder: A model specifically built for programming and code generation.

What makes DeepSeek stand out is its open-source availability, offering researchers and developers an opportunity to use high-performance AI models without breaking the bank.

How to Access DeepSeek AI

1. Using Anakin AI: The Easiest Method

For users who want to dive right into DeepSeek without worrying about setup or technical challenges, Anakin AI provides the most straightforward method.

Getting Started with Anakin AI

Visit Merlio.ai and create your free account.

Navigate to the App Store and search for "DeepSeek."

Choose your preferred DeepSeek model, such as DeepSeek-R1 or DeepSeek V3.

Click "Use this app" to start using the model immediately with its intuitive chat interface.

Advantages of Anakin AI:

• No installation required.
• Easy-to-use interface suitable for beginners and experts alike.
• Free tier with fair usage limits.
• Access to various models beyond DeepSeek.

2. Running DeepSeek Locally with Ollama

For those who prefer more control and privacy, running DeepSeek locally on your machine is a great option.

Requirements for Running DeepSeek Locally

• Small Models (1.5B, 7B): Modern CPU, 16GB RAM, and a decent GPU.
• Medium Models (14B, 32B): Powerful GPUs with 16-24GB VRAM.
• Large Models (70B, 671B): Enterprise-grade hardware.

How to Run DeepSeek with Ollama

Install Ollama:

• macOS/Linux: curl -fsSL <https://ollama.com/install.sh> | sh
• Windows: Download the installer from ollama.com.

Run the Model:

• For entry-level systems (1.5B version): ollama run deepseek-r1:1.5b
• For higher performance systems (7B, 8B, or 14B versions): Choose the corresponding version and run it similarly.

Add a Graphical Interface:
Enhance the experience by using Open WebUI or LM Studio for a better interaction interface.

3. Using Cloud Platforms for Free Access

If local hardware is a concern, several cloud platforms offer free or affordable options to run DeepSeek:

Google Colab (Free Tier)

Create a Google Colab notebook and install required packages: