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API Key Setup

Pro and trial users can optionally supply their own API keys (OpenAI and/or Anthropic) instead of using the built-in AI access. An active plan is required to use LLM features. When you supply your own key, it is stored locally and encrypted at rest — it never leaves your machine.

Why use your own key?

All plans work out of the box with built-in API access — your data already goes directly from your machine to the AI provider, never through our servers. BYOK adds three things on top:

  • Data control: API requests flow under your own provider account, governed by your org's data policies and usage agreements — not a shared API key.
  • Billing control: Pay your AI provider directly. Monitor usage, set spending limits, and manage costs from your own OpenAI or Anthropic dashboard.
  • Rate and model control: Use your own rate limits, access any models available on your account, and configure provider-level settings independently.

Getting an OpenAI API Key

  1. Go to platform.openai.com
  2. Sign in or create an account
  3. Navigate to API Keys in the sidebar
  4. Click Create new secret key
  5. Copy the key (it starts with sk-)

Getting an Anthropic API Key

  1. Go to console.anthropic.com
  2. Sign in or create an account
  3. Navigate to API Keys in the sidebar
  4. Click Create Key
  5. Copy the key (it starts with sk-ant-)

Configuring in CodeAndSystem.ai

  1. Open CodeAndSystem.ai
  2. Click the Settings icon (gear) or press Ctrl+, / Cmd+,
  3. Paste your key in the OpenAI API Key or Anthropic API Key field
  4. Click Verify to test the connection
  5. Click Save

You can configure one or both providers. The app uses smart defaults to pick the best model per task, and falls back across providers automatically if one returns a transient error.

API Usage & Costs

CodeAndSystem.ai uses models across OpenAI and Anthropic with vision capabilities. Typical costs:

  • Per capture analysis: ~$0.01 - $0.05 (depends on image size)
  • Per solution generation: ~$0.02 - $0.10 (depends on complexity)
  • Monthly estimate: ~$5 - $20 for regular use

You can set spending limits in your OpenAI or Anthropic dashboard to control costs.

Troubleshooting

"Invalid API Key" Error

  • OpenAI: Ensure you copied the full key including the sk- prefix. Check that your account has billing enabled.
  • Anthropic: Ensure you copied the full key including the sk-ant- prefix. Check that your account has billing enabled.
  • Verify the key has not been revoked

"Rate Limit" Error

  • Both OpenAI and Anthropic have per-minute rate limits
  • Wait a moment and try again
  • Consider upgrading your plan with the provider for higher limits

"Insufficient Quota" Error

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