> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://wayfinder-1.gitbook.io/wayfinder/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://wayfinder-1.gitbook.io/wayfinder/shells/app.md).

# Overview

A Shell is your sandboxed runtime in the Wayfinder app — a persistent AI agent that trades on your behalf within the permissions you set. Provision one, fund it, and start trading from a single conversation.

## Key features

* Spot swaps, perpetuals, prediction markets, strategy vaults, and smart contract interactions in one conversation thread
* Use the trading UI like a normal exchange, or describe what you want in plain English
* Live positions, P\&L, exposure breakdowns, and customized TradingView charts
* [Trading PnL](/wayfinder/shells/performance.md) panels rolling realized and unrealized results across onchain swaps, Polymarket, and Hyperliquid into one scorecard
* Agent-created Shell charts for comparisons, yield timelines, and custom data series
* Browse spot tokens, perp markets, and prediction markets with charts alongside the agent
* A live [Signals](/wayfinder/shells/signals.md) feed of market-moving social posts, with one click to chart the asset or hand the post to your agent
* A [Chain flows](/wayfinder/shells/chain-flows.md) panel tracking 24-hour bridge volume between chains
* Recurring tasks (DCA, rebalancing, alerts) with email/SMS notifications that keep running when you close the tab
* [Text your agent](/wayfinder/shells/texting.md) on iMessage or SMS — it pings you when a market moves, and you reply to steer it from anywhere
* Weekly USDC [rewards](/wayfinder/shells/rewards.md) that scale with your activity and the friends you refer
* Each Shell operates within the wallet permissions you define
* Non-custodial by design — wallets sign remotely, so the agent never sees or holds a private key, whether you generate a fresh Shell wallet or import your own (see [Safety & Permissions](/wayfinder/sdk-concepts/safety.md))

## Models

| Model                      | Notes                                                                   |
| -------------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| DeepSeek V4 Pro            | Default. Solid all-rounder at a low price.                              |
| DeepSeek V4 Flash          | Same capability as Pro for half the cost.                               |
| GPT-5.6 Sol / Terra / Luna | Flagship tier. Highest capability, and the only tiers that read images. |
| Kimi K3                    | The Kimi flagship.                                                      |
| Big Pickle                 | Free. Best for simple queries.                                          |

Switch models from the dropdown in the chat header. See [Models](/wayfinder/shells/models.md) for the full comparison.

## SDK alternative

The Wayfinder app is the fastest way to get started, but not the only way. The same Wayfinder SDK that powers the app runs in [Claude Code](https://claude.ai/code), [Codex](https://github.com/openai/codex), [Opencode](https://opencode.ai), and [OpenClaw](/wayfinder/resources/openclaw.md). Pick whatever model and environment you prefer. See [Installation](/wayfinder/sdk-setup/installation.md) for SDK setup.