Are there any free providers?
Yes. Groq, OpenRouter, and Google all offer multiple free options. LM Studio uses models running on your computer locally.
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Prompt Paul guide
API key guide
Get the key for your provider.
This guide covers API keys from OpenAI, Gemini, Groq, OpenRouter, Together AI, and LM Studio so you can connect Prompt Paul to the models you want to use. Web Search Grounding uses a separate optional Brave Search key.
What is an API key and why do I need one?
An API key is a unique identifier that authenticates your requests to a service's API. Think of it as a password that allows Prompt Paul to communicate with the provider's servers. Codex subscription profiles use Sign in with ChatGPT instead of an API key, while Hermes has its own optional gateway authentication.
Optional: Brave Search Grounding
Prompt Paul can use Brave's Search API for model-directed web grounding. Create a key from the Brave Search API page, then save it in the extension's Web Search Grounding section. Enable Web in the side panel only for runs where live sources are useful.
Search is off by default, limited to one search attempt per run, and may be skipped by the model. Brave pricing, credits, and quotas depend on its current plan. The key stays in Chrome storage and is never sent to your model provider or analytics.
1. OpenAI
Account creation
Go to the OpenAI website and sign up for an account. If you already have an account, log in.
Accessing API keys
Once logged in, click your profile icon in the top right corner, then select “View API keys”. Alternatively, you may be redirected to the API section directly.
Click “Create new secret key”. A new API key will be generated. Copy it and store it somewhere safe. You will not be able to see it again.
Important notes
OpenAI may require billing information before using their API.
Always keep your API keys secure and do not share them.
2. Gemini (Google AI)
Account creation
Visit the Google AI Studio website and sign in with your Google account.
Accessing API keys
After logging in, look for the “Get API key” button, usually located in the top right corner. Click “Create API key in new project”.
You will be prompted to create a new Google Cloud project or use an existing one. Follow the instructions. Once the project is set up, the API key will be generated and displayed. Copy and securely store it.
Important notes
Using Google AI APIs may incur costs. Review Google's pricing policies before making API calls.
Google Cloud Console might be needed to manage projects and API settings.
3. Groq
Account creation
Go to the Groq website and create an account.
Accessing API keys
Navigate to the API section of your account after logging in. You should see an option to generate a new API key. Copy and store the generated API key securely.
Important notes
Groq's API access might be subject to usage quotas and pricing. Check their documentation for the latest details.
4. OpenRouter
Account creation
Go to OpenRouter and sign up for an account.
Accessing API keys
After logging in, navigate to your account settings or API keys section. Click “Create API key” or a similar button. Copy the generated key and keep it safe.
Important notes
OpenRouter provides access to multiple LLMs through a single API. You need to set up billing to use the API.
OpenRouter charges for usage, but it usually costs less compared with other LLM API providers.
5. Together AI
Account creation
Go to the Together AI platform and create an account.
Accessing API keys
Locate the API key section within your account after logging in. Click the “Create API Key” button. Copy the generated API key and save it securely.
Important notes
Together AI also offers billing plans. Check their website for details.
6. LM Studio
LM Studio is a local application, not a cloud service. It is designed to run models locally on your computer and does not require API keys.
Accessing models
Download and install LM Studio from its official website. After installation, you can download various models and use them locally.
Important notes
Because the models run locally, performance depends on the hardware of your machine.
General API key safety tips
- Never share your API keys publicly. Avoid posting them on social media or in public repositories.
- Use environment variables when possible instead of hard-coding keys directly into applications.
- Rotate keys periodically to improve security.
- Be aware of pricing. Some API providers charge for usage, so review pricing models to avoid unexpected costs.
Keep this guide as a starting point
This guide provides a general overview. Always refer to the specific documentation and instructions provided by each platform for the most accurate and up-to-date information.