---
title: "Configuration · Comma Docs"
description: "The settings an instance reads from its .env file."
url: https://comma.surf/docs/self-host/configuration
language: en
---

Self-host

# Configuration

An instance reads its settings from `.env` each time it starts.

This guide is a placeholder. The full version is on its way.

## Owner account

Set `COMMA_OWNER_EMAIL` before the first start. That address becomes the owner, with access to the Admin console at `http://localhost:8082`.

## Model provider

| Setting | What it holds |
| --- | --- |
| `COMMA_LLM_BASE_URL` | Your provider's endpoint |
| `COMMA_LLM_PROTOCOL` | The API it speaks, such as `chat_completions` |
| `COMMA_LLM_MODEL` | The exact model ID |
| `COMMA_LLM_API_KEY` | Your provider key |

Without these settings, each person can add a private model in Settings after signing in. Calls then use that person's provider account, and the provider may charge for them.

## Web search

`COMMA_EXA_API_KEY` turns on web search and page reading through Exa.

Keep `.env` private: it holds your keys.