---
title: How to generate OpenAI custom API Key
description: Learn how to create and configure your custom OpenAI API key for use with VoxWrite. Step-by-step guide with security best practices and troubleshooting tips.
canonical: https://voxwrite.app/docs/openai-api-key
locale: en
---

# How to generate OpenAI custom API Key

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Learn how to create and configure your custom OpenAI API key for use with VoxWrite. Step-by-step guide with security best practices and troubleshooting tips.

## How to Generate OpenAI API Key

Learn how to create and configure your custom OpenAI API key for use with VoxWrite.

## Why Use a Custom API Key?

Using your own OpenAI API key gives you:

- **Pay-as-you-go pricing**: Only pay for what you use
- **Higher rate limits**: Access more powerful models
- **Direct billing**: Transparent usage tracking
- **No subscription needed**: No monthly fees from VoxWrite

## Getting Your API Key

### Step 1: Create OpenAI Account

1. Go to [platform.openai.com](https://platform.openai.com)
2. Click **"Sign Up"** or **"Log In"** if you have an account
3. Complete the registration process

### Step 2: Generate API Key

1. Navigate to **API Keys** section (or visit [platform.openai.com/api-keys](https://platform.openai.com/api-keys))
2. Click **"Create new secret key"**
3. Give your key a descriptive name (e.g., "VoxWrite Extension")
4. Click **"Create secret key"**
5. **Important**: Copy the key immediately - you won't be able to see it again!

### Step 3: Add Key to VoxWrite

1. Open VoxWrite settings.
2. Navigate to **"API Keys"** section
      ![VoxWrite API Keys settings panel](https://voxwrite.app/assets/images/docs/voxwrite-api-keys-settings.webp)
3. Paste your API key in the designated field
      ![Input for OpenAI API Key](https://voxwrite.app/assets/images/docs/openai-key-image-2.webp)
4. Click **"Save"**

  To use VoxWrite, please note that your balance must be positive.

## Key Security

### Best Practices

- ✅ **Never share** your API key publicly
- ✅ **Store securely**: Keep it in a password manager
- ✅ **Use unique keys**: Create different keys for different apps
- ✅ **Monitor usage**: Check your OpenAI dashboard regularly
- ✅ **Set spending limits**: Configure billing alerts in OpenAI

### What to Do If Compromised

1. **Revoke immediately**: Delete the compromised key in OpenAI dashboard
2. **Create new key**: Generate a fresh API key
3. **Update VoxWrite**: Add the new key to your settings
4. **Check billing**: Review your usage for any unusual activity

## Usage & Billing

- OpenAI charges based on tokens used (input + output)
- Pricing varies by model (GPT-3.5 is cheaper than GPT-4)
- You can set monthly spending limits in OpenAI's billing settings
- View detailed usage in the OpenAI dashboard

## Troubleshooting

### "Invalid API Key" Error

- Verify you copied the entire key (starts with `sk-`)
- Check for extra spaces or characters
- Ensure the key hasn't been revoked
- Try generating a new key

### Connection Issues

- Check your internet connection
- Verify OpenAI's service status
- Ensure you have billing set up in OpenAI
- Check if you've exceeded rate limits

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## Related

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