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
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)
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. To do this, click the VoxWrite extension icon in your browser toolbar, then click the gear icon in the top-right corner.
   
2. Navigate to "API Keys" section
   
3. Paste your API key in the designated field
   
4. Click "Save"

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• Ensure the key hasn't been revoked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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