Are you tired of paying for AI tools like ChatGPT? Meet DeepSeek —a free, powerful AI model that’s perfect for developers, tech enthusiasts, and privacy-conscious users. Whether you’re looking to automate tasks, debug code, or generate content, DeepSeek offers advanced features without the hefty price tag.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about how to use DeepSeek. From its key features to a detailed installation process and practical applications, you’ll discover why this AI model is gaining popularity and how it can be used to enhance your work.
What is DeepSeek?
Image source: deepseek.com
DeepSeek AI is an open-source large language model (LLM) designed to assist with a variety of tasks, from code completion to document generation. Unlike many AI tools that require subscriptions or constant internet connectivity, DeepSeek is free to use and can operate offline, making it a versatile option for users who value privacy and cost-effectiveness. There are also paid Deepseek models available for more advanced needs.
📖 Learn more:
What is Deepseek? The AI Revolutionizing Industries
Key features of DeepSeek
Free to use: No hidden costs or subscription fees.
Offline functionality: Works without an internet connection, ensuring data privacy.
Advanced reasoning: Capable of complex problem-solving and analysis.
Code completion: Helps developers write and debug code efficiently.
User-friendly: Accessible for both technical and non-technical users.
Comparison with ChatGPT
While ChatGPT is one of the most popular AI models, the free version offers very limited functionality. The paid tiers are expensive, starting at $20 per month as of April 2025. Additionally, an internet connection is needed to access ChatGPT. DeepSeek, on the other hand, is free and can be used offline on your own machine, making it a more accessible and privacy-friendly option.
Why use DeepSeek AI?
DeepSeek offers several advantages that make it stand out from other AI tools. Here’s why you should consider using it:
Privacy benefits
One of the biggest advantages of DeepSeek is its offline functionality. Unlike cloud-based AI tools, DeepSeek can run entirely on your device, ensuring that your data stays private. This is particularly important for users who handle sensitive information or prefer not to rely on internet connectivity.
Cost-effectiveness
DeepSeek is completely free to use, making it an excellent alternative to subscription-based tools like ChatGPT. Whether you’re a student, a freelancer, or a business owner, DeepSeek provides advanced AI capabilities without breaking the bank.
Performance
DeepSeek is packed with advanced features, including reasoning, debugging, and document generation. It’s designed to handle complex tasks efficiently, making it a valuable tool for a wide range of jobs.
Who should use DeepSeek?
Developers: For code completion, debugging, and automating repetitive tasks.
Tech enthusiasts: Looking for a free and customizable AI tool.
Privacy-Conscious users: Who prefer offline solutions to protect their data.
Non-Technical users: Seeking an easy-to-use AI tool for everyday tasks.
How to use DeepSeek？
DeepSeek is designed to be accessible for everyone, whether you’re a developer, writer, or just someone looking for a reliable AI tool. It offers multiple ways to use its features, including a web version, a desktop app, a mobile app, and an API for developers. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how you can use DeepSeek, focusing on the most common use cases for everyday users.
Using DeepSeek on the web
The web version of DeepSeek is the easiest way to get started, as it requires no installation and works directly in your browser.
Step 1: Access the web version
Sign up for a free account or log in if you already have one.
Image source: deepseek.com
Step 2: Enter your prompt
Use natural language to describe your question or instructions. You can upload images and documents as needed. Turn on DeepThink and Search for deeper analysis or search the internet for sources.
Click New chat to start new conversations. Your older conversations can be found on the sidebar as well.
Common use cases on the web:
Writing Assistance: Generate ideas, outlines, or full drafts for essays, blogs, or reports.
Summarizing Articles: Paste long articles or documents, and DeepSeek will provide concise summaries.
Quick Translations: Translate text between languages with ease.
Answering Questions: Ask DeepSeek questions on a wide range of topics for detailed, easy-to-understand answers.
Pros:
No installation required.
Accessible from any device with a browser.
Ideal for quick tasks and on-the-go use.
Using DeepSeek as an app
For users who prefer a dedicated application, DeepSeek AI offers desktop and mobile apps for a more seamless experience.
Step 1: Download the app
Visit the official DeepSeek AI website or app store (Google Play or Apple App Store).
Download the app for your operating system (iOS, or Android).
Image source: deepseek.com
Step 2: Install and launch
Follow the installation instructions.
Open the app and log in with your account.
Step 3: Use the app
The app provides a user-friendly interface similar to the web version. Simply enter your prompt or upload documents or images to be used as references.
DeepThink and Search are also supported. Open the sidebar on the left to find older conversations.
Common use cases in the app:
Research: Ask questions to get detailed answers, with sources from the internet.
Task management: Create to-do lists, set reminders, and organize your daily tasks.
Creative projects: Brainstorm ideas for stories, poems, or songs.
Pros:
Dedicated interface for a smoother experience.
Ideal for users who prefer a standalone application.
Using DeepSeek via API
For developers or advanced users, DeepSeek AI provides an API to integrate its capabilities into custom applications or workflows.
Step 1: Get API access
Visit the DeepSeek AI developer portal.
Sign up for an API key, which is free for basic usage.
Step 2: Integrate the API
Follow the API documentation to integrate DeepSeek AI into your application.
Use the API for tasks like text generation, summarization, or translation.
Step 3: Test and deploy
Test the API in your development environment.
Deploy it in your application or workflow.
Common use cases with the API:
Automated content generation: Integrate DeepSeek AI into your CMS or blogging platform to generate content automatically.
Chatbots: Build AI-powered chatbots for customer support or personal use.
Data analysis: Use DeepSeek AI to analyze and summarize large datasets.
Pros:
Highly customizable for specific needs.
Ideal for developers and businesses.
Scalable for large-scale applications.
Pricing:
For specific information, visit their website Models & Pricing or read our pricing breakdown.
Image source: deepseek.com
Tips for choosing the right option
For quick tasks: Use the web version for its convenience and accessibility.
For mobile use: Download the app to quickly access it from your mobile.
For custom solutions: Use the API to integrate DeepSeek AI into your own applications or workflows.
Troubleshooting common issues
Web version: If the web version isn’t loading, check your internet connection or try clearing your browser cache.
App issues: Ensure you’re using the latest version of the app. If it crashes, restart your device or reinstall the app.
API errors: Double-check your API key and ensure your requests follow the documentation.
DeepSeek vs. Competitors
When it comes to AI tools, DeepSeek AI stands out for its unique combination of features, cost-effectiveness, and accessibility. Let’s compare it with some of its competitors to understand why it’s gaining traction.
DeepSeek vs. ChatGPT
Cost: DeepSeek AI is completely free, while ChatGPT requires a subscription for advanced features.
Privacy: DeepSeek AI can operate offline, ensuring your data stays on your device. ChatGPT relies on cloud-based processing, which may raise privacy concerns.
Features: Both tools offer advanced reasoning, code completion, and content generation. However, DeepSeek AI’s offline functionality gives it an edge for users who prioritize privacy.
DeepSeek vs. other alternatives
OpenAI’s GPT-4: GPT-4 remains a gold standard in natural language processing with its sophisticated understanding and generation capabilities. Its advanced features come at a premium cost, and continuous internet connectivity is required, which can present challenges for applications with offline constraints or strict budget requirements.
Anthropic’s Claude: Claude delivers robust conversational AI performance underpinned by an emphasis on safety and ethical considerations. Although it excels in managing complex dialog and maintaining coherent exchanges, its deployment typically depends on an active cloud connection and can incur higher operational costs. In contrast, DeepSeek AI offers a simplified, cost-effective experience without sacrificing advanced functionality.
Google Gemini: Google Gemini leverages cutting-edge machine learning techniques integrated with the broader Google ecosystem. However, its heavy reliance on internet connectivity and ecosystem-specific tools may limit flexibility for users seeking solutions that operate independently of external networks.
Why DeepSeek stands out:
DeepSeek is open-sourced and offers a unique combination of free access, offline functionality, and advanced AI features. Its architecture supports powerful local processing without constant reliance on cloud infrastructure, making it ideal for scenarios where data security, privacy, or low-latency responses are crucial. The streamlined interface reduces technical overhead, allowing for efficient scaling from small-scale deployments to comprehensive applications.
The latest release, DeepSeek-V3-0324, launched in March 2025, brings significant enhancements:
Improved Reasoning: Achieved notable gains in benchmarks like MMLU-Pro (75.9 → 81.2) and AIME (39.6 → 59.4), indicating enhanced problem-solving capabilities.
Advanced Coding Proficiency: Demonstrated the ability to generate complex, executable code efficiently, streamlining development workflows.
Enhanced Multilingual Support: Exhibited superior performance in writing tasks, including translation and formal correspondence.
DeepSeek-V3-0324 is available under the MIT License, promoting accessibility and innovation within the AI community.
Image source: deepseek.com
Tips for optimizing your DeepSeek experience
To get the most out of DeepSeek AI, here are some practical tips and best practices:
Customizing settings
Adjust model parameters: Depending on your use case, you can tweak parameters like temperature and max tokens to control the output’s creativity and length.
Enable code completion: If you’re a developer, enable code-specific features to enhance your coding workflow.
Integrations
TypingMind: Integrate DeepSeek AI with TypingMind for a seamless chat interface. This is particularly useful for writers and content creators.
Visual Studio Code: Use DeepSeek AI as a coding assistant within VS Code to streamline your development process.
Staying updated
Follow official channels: Keep an eye on DeepSeek AI’s official GitHub page and community forums for updates and new features.
Experiment with new models: As DeepSeek AI evolves, try out new models and configurations to stay ahead of the curve.
Maximizing performance
Use a powerful machine: While DeepSeek AI is lightweight, running it on a machine with sufficient RAM and processing power will improve performance.
Close background applications: To ensure smooth operation, close unnecessary applications while using DeepSeek.
Use DeepSeek with Lark
DeepSeek becomes even more powerful when used alongside collaboration tools—and the best part is, you can access it directly in Lark with no installation or integration needed. Through Lark Base, a no-code data management platform, you’ll find ready-to-use templates that tap into DeepSeek’s capabilities right out of the box. For example, the sales visit quality template evaluates your customer visits to identify shortcomings and potential to-dos. For finance teams or investors, the investment assistant template can deliver valuable insights into stocks and public companies.
Besides DeepSeek, Lark Base is also packed with a range of AI capabilities to help you make sense of your data. This includes using AI to summarize text, automatically tag records based on their content, extract key information, or categorize content based on custom rules. You can even translate text into 12 languages for effortless collaboration across regions.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Is DeepSeek completely free?
Yes, DeepSeek is completely free to use. There are no hidden costs or subscription fees.
Can I use DeepSeek without an internet connection?
Absolutely! DeepSeek can be used even when you’re not connected to the internet, but additional setup is required. For more details, you can read this tutorial.
What are the system requirements for DeepSeek?
DeepSeek can run on most modern PCs or laptops. However, for optimal performance, we recommend:
At least 8GB of RAM
A multi-core processor
10GB of free storage
How does DeepSeek compare to ChatGPT?
DeepSeek offers similar features to ChatGPT but with the added benefits of being free and offline. It’s an excellent alternative for users who want advanced AI capabilities without the cost or privacy concerns.
Can I use DeepSeek for professional tasks?
Yes, DeepSeek is suitable for a wide range of professional tasks, including coding, content creation, and data analysis. Its advanced features make it a valuable tool for developers, writers, and analysts.
Conclusion
DeepSeek is a game-changer in the world of artificial intelligence. Its combination of free access, offline functionality, and advanced features makes it a standout choice for users across various fields. Whether you’re a developer looking for a coding assistant, a writer seeking inspiration, or a privacy-conscious user who values offline tools, DeepSeek has something to offer. If you want to seamlessly integrate AI into your daily work, you can try Lark, which you can get started with for free. To learn more about DeepSeek:
Visit DeepSeek’s GitHub page to download the latest version.
Join the growing community of DeepSeek AI users on Reddit.
Don’t forget to share your experiences and tips with others—your insights could help someone else unlock the full potential of this incredible tool.
