> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://anam.ai/docs/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Models

> Compare Anam avatar models and choose the right Cara model for your project.

Anam avatar models control how a persona's face is generated during a live session. You select a model in Anam Lab or by setting `avatarModel` when you create a persona or session token.

For most new production builds, set `avatarModel` to `cara-4`.

<Note>
  If you omit `avatarModel`, Anam uses the latest model version available for the selected avatar. This default can change as new versions become available, so set `avatarModel` explicitly when you need predictable rendering behavior.
</Note>

## Available models

### Cara 3

Set `avatarModel` to `cara-3` when an existing deployment needs to stay on the previous stable model. Cara 3 outputs `720x480` landscape video.

### Cara 4

Set `avatarModel` to `cara-4` for new production avatars, higher-resolution sessions, and stronger custom avatars from a single photo. Cara 4 supports `1152x768` landscape output and `768x1152` portrait output.

For custom avatar setup, see [Create custom avatars](/docs/personas/avatars/custom-avatars) and [Custom avatar best practices](/docs/personas/avatars/custom-avatar-best-practices).

### Cara 4 Latest

Set `avatarModel` to `cara-4-latest` to test Anam's newest model capabilities before they are pinned to a stable release. Cara 4 Latest is experimental and is not recommended for production sessions.

## Cara 3 vs. Cara 4

Cara 4 is the current generation of Anam's avatar model. Compared with Cara 3, it produces higher-resolution video, better lip sync, more natural expressivity, smoother transitions between speaking and idle states, and stronger identity preservation for custom avatars.

Cara 4 also supports portrait output for mobile and vertical layouts. To request a portrait session, set `videoWidth` to `768` and `videoHeight` to `1152` in `sessionOptions`. See [Video options](/docs/personas/session/video) for supported dimensions and crop behavior.

Use Cara 3 only when you need continuity with an existing integration or avatar that was built around Cara 3 output.

## Pricing and concurrency

Avatar model choice does not change how session minutes are counted. Minutes are counted from the start of an avatar conversation until the session ends, and each active conversation uses one simultaneous session slot.

Self-serve plans include different monthly minutes, overage rates, and simultaneous session limits. Enterprise plans start at 100 concurrent sessions and can be customized for larger deployments. See the [Anam pricing page](https://anam.ai/pricing) for current plan details.

## Director Notes

Use [Director Notes](/docs/personas/director-notes) with Cara 4 avatars to guide emotion, delivery, and expressivity during a conversation.