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OpenWebUI Enhancement Guide

A comprehensive guide to optimizing and customizing your OpenWebUI experience.


Performance Optimization

Context Management

Managing context effectively can significantly improve response quality and reduce costs.

Use Context Compression

Install the Async Context Compression filter to automatically manage long conversations.

Best Practices

  1. Clear Old Conversations: Archive or delete old chats to keep your interface clean
  2. Use Focused Conversations: Start new chats for new topics
  3. Leverage System Prompts: Set clear boundaries and focus areas
  4. Monitor Token Usage: Keep track of context length

Model Selection

Choose the right model for your task:

Task Type Recommended Approach
Quick questions Smaller, faster models
Complex analysis Larger, more capable models
Creative writing Models with high temperature
Code generation Code-specialized models

Customization Tips

Keyboard Shortcuts

Common keyboard shortcuts to speed up your workflow:

Shortcut Action
Enter Send message
Shift + Enter New line
Edit last message
Ctrl + / Toggle sidebar

Interface Customization

  1. Dark/Light Mode: Use the theme toggle in the top navigation
  2. Sidebar Organization: Pin frequently used chats
  3. Model Favorites: Star your most-used models

System Prompt Templates

Create reusable system prompts for common scenarios:

# Template: Technical Assistant
You are a technical assistant specializing in [DOMAIN].
Focus on providing accurate, actionable information.
When unsure, acknowledge limitations and suggest resources.

Workflow Optimization

For Developers

  1. Code Review Pipeline
  2. Use coding prompts for initial review
  3. Apply filters for consistent formatting
  4. Export to Excel for tracking

  5. Documentation Generation

  6. Start with the Document Formatter prompt
  7. Use Summary action for key points
  8. Export structured content

For Content Creators

  1. Content Production
  2. Use Marketing prompts for ideation
  3. Iterate with feedback
  4. Export final versions

  5. Research Workflows

  6. Use multiple models for diverse perspectives
  7. Leverage Mind Map for visualization
  8. Create Knowledge Cards for key concepts

For Learners

  1. Study Sessions
  2. Use Code Explainer for technical topics
  3. Generate Knowledge Cards for memorization
  4. Create Mind Maps for complex subjects

Plugin Combinations

  • Filter: Context Enhancement
  • Action: Export to Excel
  • Prompt: Senior Developer Assistant
  • Filter: Async Context Compression
  • Action: Smart Mind Map
  • Pipeline: MoE Prompt Refiner
  • Action: Knowledge Card
  • Action: Smart Mind Map
  • Prompt: Code Explainer

Advanced Configuration

Custom Valves

Many plugins support Valves (configuration options). Access them through:

  1. Admin PanelSettingsFunctions
  2. Click on the plugin
  3. Modify Valve settings
  4. Save changes

User Overrides

Some plugins support UserValves that allow individual users to override global settings:

class UserValves(BaseModel):
    custom_setting: str = Field(
        default="",
        description="User-specific configuration"
    )

Troubleshooting

Common Issues

Plugin not working after update?

Try disabling and re-enabling the plugin, or re-upload the latest version.

Responses are too slow?
  • Check your internet connection
  • Try a smaller model
  • Enable streaming if not already enabled
Context seems lost?
  • Check if context compression is removing too much
  • Adjust preserve_recent settings
  • Start a new conversation for fresh context

Getting Help

  • Check plugin documentation for specific issues
  • Review OpenWebUI official documentation
  • Join the community discussions

Resources