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API Key Guide

What is an API key, why you need one, and how to get it in 5 minutes.

What is an API key? It is a password that lets you call an AI model directly. When you use ChatGPT or Claude through their website, the company pays for every message. When you use your own API key, you pay directly — usually at a much lower cost.

Why does Vitnas ask for it? Vitnas AI calls AI models on your behalf. We offer 10 free requests per day using our own key. For unlimited use, you bring your own key. Your key is stored only in your browser — Vitnas never sees it.

How much does it cost? Very little. A typical conversation costs less than $0.01. See the table below.

Anthropic (Claude)
claude-sonnet-4, claude-opus-4
  1. Go to console.anthropic.com
  2. Sign up or log in
  3. Click API Keys in the left sidebar
  4. Click Create Key — give it a name like "Vitnas"
  5. Copy the key — it starts with sk-ant-
  6. Add a payment method under Billing (no charge until you use it)
  7. Paste the key into the Vitnas AI toolbar
OpenAI (GPT)
gpt-4o, gpt-4o-mini
  1. Go to platform.openai.com
  2. Sign up or log in
  3. Click your profile → API Keys
  4. Click Create new secret key
  5. Copy the key — it starts with sk-
  6. Add credits under Billing
  7. Paste the key into the Vitnas AI toolbar
Google (Gemini)
gemini-1.5-flash (free tier available)
  1. Go to aistudio.google.com/app/apikey
  2. Sign in with your Google account
  3. Click Create API Key
  4. Copy the key — it starts with AIza
  5. Gemini 1.5 Flash has a free tier — no billing required to start
  6. Paste the key into the Vitnas AI toolbar

Cost Estimator

ModelPer 1K input tokensPer 1K output tokens~Cost per chat
Claude Sonnet 4$0.003$0.015~$0.005
Claude Opus 4$0.015$0.075~$0.02
GPT-4o$0.0025$0.010~$0.004
GPT-4o mini$0.00015$0.0006~$0.0003
Gemini 1.5 FlashFree (up to limit)Free (up to limit)$0.00
Prices approximate as of May 2026. Check provider websites for current rates. 1 token ≈ 4 characters.
Your key stays in your browser. Vitnas stores your API key in localStorage on your device only. It is sent directly to the AI provider through our relay (to bypass CORS). Our relay does not log requests or store keys. You can verify this in our open source code.