Configuration

SpectraSherpa works out-of-the-box with zero configuration. However, you can customize data storage and enable optional AI features.

Data Storage

By default, all your data is stored in your home directory:

~/.spectra_sherpa/
├── spectra_platform.db    # Your local database
├── experiments/           # Uploaded files and results
├── calibrations/          # Saved models
└── nist_library/          # Downloaded reference spectra

To use a different location (e.g., an external drive), use the --data-dir flag:

spectra-sherpa --data-dir /Volumes/ExternalDrive/SherpaData

Enabling AI Features (Optional)

To use the Workflow Assistant (LLM) or NIST Library Search, you need to enable network access and provide API keys.

1. Create a .env file in the folder where you run spectra-sherpa:

   ```bash

   .env

   EGRESS_ENABLED=true

   Add your LLM key (only one provider needed)

   DEEPSEEK_API_KEY=sk-... ```

2. Restart the application.

3. Alternatively, you can add keys directly in the UI under Settings > API Keys.

Privacy Note: In Local Mode, your API keys are stored encrypted on your machine. Data is only sent to the AI provider when you explicitly use an AI feature (like "Ask Sherpa").