Get Your AI API Key

Complete guide for obtaining and setting up your OpenAI API key

info Understanding AI Model API Keys

What is an AI Model API Key?

An API key for AI models is your access credential to use powerful language models through cloud services. These keys enable you to:

  • Access state-of-the-art AI models remotely
  • Process requests securely
  • Track your model usage and costs
  • Manage different models and versions

Available AI Model Providers & Free Credits

Here are the leading AI providers and their free credit offerings:

About Free Credits & Trials

  • Free credits are great for testing and development
  • Most free credits expire after a certain period
  • Set up usage alerts to avoid unexpected charges after trial
  • Some providers require credit card for verification

Important Considerations

  • Each provider has different pricing models and token calculations
  • API keys should be kept secure and never shared publicly
  • Most providers offer usage limits and monitoring tools
  • Consider response times and reliability when choosing a provider
  • Check model capabilities and limitations before committing

Security Best Practices

  • Never expose your API key in client-side code
  • Set up usage limits to prevent unexpected charges
  • Rotate keys periodically for better security
  • Monitor your usage regularly
  • Use environment variables to store keys securely

account_circle Create OpenAI Account

Step 1: Sign Up

  1. Visit OpenAI's signup page
  2. Click "Sign Up"
  3. Choose your preferred signup method:
    • Email and password
    • Google account
    • Microsoft account
  4. Verify your email address

Step 2: Set Up Billing

  1. Go to Billing settings
  2. Click "Set up paid account"
  3. Add a payment method:
    • Credit/debit card
    • Or other available payment options
  4. Set usage limits (recommended)

key Get Your API Key

Step 1: Access API Keys Page

  1. Log in to your OpenAI account
  2. Go to API Keys page
  3. Click "Create new secret key"
  4. Give your key a name (e.g., "LinkedIn AI Assistant")
  5. Click "Create secret key"
Important: Copy your API key immediately! You won't be able to see it again after leaving the page.

Step 2: Set Usage Limits

  1. Go to Usage limits
  2. Set a monthly spending limit
  3. Enable usage notifications (recommended)

settings Configure in LinkedIn AI Assistant

Add Your API Key

  1. Open LinkedIn AI Assistant extension
  2. Go to Settings > AI Model Settings
  3. Click "Add Custom Model"
  4. Enter the following details:
    • Name: "My OpenAI Key"
    • Base URL: https://api.openai.com/v1
    • API Key: Paste your OpenAI API key
    • Model Name: gpt-3.5-turbo or gpt-4
  5. Click "Add Model" to save
  6. Select your new model from the list

Model Selection Tips

  • gpt-3.5-turbo: More affordable, good for most tasks
  • gpt-4: More capable but more expensive
  • You can switch between models anytime
  • Usage is calculated per token (roughly 4 characters)

payments Managing Costs

Understanding Pricing

  • GPT-3.5 Turbo:
    • Input: $0.0015 / 1K tokens
    • Output: $0.002 / 1K tokens
  • GPT-4:
    • Input: $0.03 / 1K tokens
    • Output: $0.06 / 1K tokens

Cost Control Tips

  • Start with a low usage limit (e.g., $20)
  • Monitor your usage regularly
  • Use GPT-3.5 for routine tasks
  • Consider using local AI models for unlimited free usage

help Need Help?

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