What Is an API Key? — How to Connect Directly to AI#

To use “I am your AI,” you need an API Key from an AI provider. This document explains what an API and API Key are, why it’s beneficial to use an API Key directly, and how to get one from each AI provider.

What Is an API?#

API (Application Programming Interface) is, simply put, a gateway for programs to communicate with each other.

Here’s an everyday analogy. When you go to a restaurant, you don’t walk into the kitchen and cook your own food. Instead, you look at the menu, place an order, and the kitchen prepares your dish and brings it to you. In this analogy, the menu and ordering system are the API.

AI services work the same way. Companies like OpenAI, Google, and Anthropic build powerful AI models and open up a gateway called an API so anyone can use their AI. Through this gateway, we can send requests like “summarize this text” or “translate this paragraph” and receive the AI’s processed results.

What Is an API Key?#

An API Key is your personal key to access this gateway.

Since nobody can use an API without limits for free, AI providers issue each user a unique key (API Key). You need this key to send requests to the AI, and charges are billed to your account based on how much you use.

Here’s a summary:

Advantages of Using AI Directly with an API Key#

Many AI services today operate on a model where a third party (intermediary) connects to the AI provider on your behalf. Users sign up for the third party’s service, pay a monthly subscription, and use AI within that service. While this approach is common and convenient, getting an API Key and connecting directly to the AI provider has its own distinct advantages.

1) Cost-Effective Pricing#

Most third-party services charge a monthly subscription. Whether you use it a lot or a little, you pay the same fixed fee every month. With an API Key, however, you only pay for what you use. Since there’s no middleman in the AI connection process, it’s hard to find a more cost-effective structure than this.

For example, if you only use summarization or translation a few times a day, your monthly cost could be just a few cents to a couple of dollars. Compare that to paying $20 or more for a subscription service — the difference is significant.

2) Your Privacy Is Protected#

“I am your AI” does not have its own backend server. It uses your API Key to connect directly from your browser to the AI provider, and any data that needs to be saved is stored in your local environment (browser storage). This means your data never passes through a third-party server, making the risk of personal data leakage structurally very low.

3) Build Skills for the AI Era#

We are now truly in the age of AI. Relying on third-party services and only knowing what you need to is a perfectly valid strategy. However, understanding how AI providers deliver AI and how you can use it through hands-on experience will undoubtedly help when you consider designing and expanding your own personal business in the future.

The very process of getting an API Key and using it is the first step toward leveraging AI as a “tool.”

API Key Setup Guide#

Below are step-by-step instructions for getting an API Key from each AI provider. Getting an API Key itself is free for all providers — you are only charged for actual usage.

OpenAI (GPT Series)#

OpenAI is the company behind ChatGPT, offering models like GPT-5 via API.

Steps:

1. Go to platform.openai.com.
2. If you don’t have an account, click Sign up to create one. (You can sign up with email, or a Google / Microsoft / Apple account)
3. After logging in, click API keys in the left menu. (Or type platform.openai.com/api-keys directly in the address bar.)
4. Click the Create new secret key button.
5. Enter a name for the key (e.g., “I am your AI”) and create it.
6. Copy the displayed API Key immediately and store it somewhere safe.

Important notes:

• The API Key is only visible right after creation. Once you close the dialog, you cannot view it again — so make sure to copy it right away. If you lose it, you can generate a new one.
• You may need to register a payment method for first-time use. You can add a card under Settings > Billing.
• To prevent unexpected charges, it’s recommended to set usage limits. You can configure monthly limits under Settings > Limits.

Google (Gemini Series)#

Google offers models like Gemini 2.5 Pro via API through Google AI Studio.

Steps:

1. Go to aistudio.google.com.
2. Log in with your Google account. (Your existing Gmail account works.)
3. Click the Get API key button on the screen.
4. Click the Create API key button.
5. If prompted to select a Google Cloud project, choose the default project or create a new one. (For first-time users, a default project may be created automatically.)
6. Copy the generated API Key and store it somewhere safe.

Important notes:

• Google AI Studio API Keys can be issued for free, and a certain amount of free usage is included.
• Once you exceed the free tier, it switches to a pay-as-you-go model.
• To access the key page directly, you can type aistudio.google.com/apikey in the address bar.

Anthropic (Claude Series)#

Anthropic offers models like Claude Sonnet 4.5 via API.

Steps:

1. Go to console.anthropic.com.
2. If you don’t have an account, sign up. (You can register with email or a Google account.)
3. After logging in, click API Keys in the left sidebar. (Or navigate to Settings > API Keys.)
4. Click the Create Key button.
5. Enter a name for the key (e.g., “I am your AI”) and create it.
6. Copy the generated API Key (starts with sk-ant-) and store it somewhere safe.

Important notes:

• The API Key is only visible right after creation. If you lose it, you’ll need to generate a new one.
• You need to register a payment method to use the API. You can add a card under Settings > Billing.
• Set usage limits to prevent unexpected charges.

How to Register Your API Key in the App#

Once you have an API Key, registering it in “I am your AI” is simple.

1. Open the “I am your AI” side panel in Chrome.
2. Click the Settings button.
3. Select the AI provider you want to use (OpenAI / Google / Anthropic).
4. Paste the API Key you received into the API Key input field for that provider.
5. Select the AI model you prefer.
6. You can now use all features including summarization, chat, translation, and more.

Good to Know When Using API Keys#

How Much Does It Cost?#

API costs are proportional to your usage. They are determined by the amount of text you send to the AI and the length of the responses you receive. For everyday use like summarization, translation, and chat, most users spend anywhere from a few cents to a few dollars per month. You can check detailed per-model pricing on each provider’s pricing page.

How to Keep Your API Key Safe#

• Treat your API Key like a password. Don’t share it with anyone.
• If you suspect your key has been compromised, delete it immediately on the provider’s site and generate a new one.
• Set usage limits in each provider’s settings to prevent unexpected charges.

Can I Use Multiple AI Providers at the Same Time?#

Yes, you can. In “I am your AI,” you can register API Keys for OpenAI, Google, and Anthropic separately, and switch between different AI models as needed. For example, you might use a more affordable model for everyday tasks and switch to a higher-performing model for important work.