Create an OpenAI API key and use it in NerrieBuilder

OpenAI is the company behind the GPT models. With your own OpenAI key, NerrieBuilder can run its AI features on your own account. In this guide we will, step by step, create a free account, set up your credit, and create the key. No technical knowledge needed, you only have to click and copy.

Good to know upfront: OpenAI does not give you free credit for the API. To use the key you must add a payment method once and top up a small amount of credit (the minimum is usually 5 dollars). After that you only pay for what you actually use.

Step 1: Create your free OpenAI account

1. Go to platform.openai.com.
2. Click Sign up in the top right. If you already have an account, click Log in.
3. Enter your email address, or sign in with your Google, Microsoft or Apple account. Choose a password.
4. Confirm your email address through the link OpenAI sends you.
5. OpenAI asks for your phone number for a verification code. Enter the code you receive by text message.
6. Fill in your name and, if asked, a name for your organization. You are now logged in to the platform.

Step 2: Add a payment method and credit

This is a required step: without credit the key will not work.

1. Click the settings icon (gear) in the top right, or go to Settings.
2. Click Billing in the menu.
3. Click Add payment details and enter your credit or debit card details.
4. Then click Add to credit balance and choose an amount. A small starting amount is fine; you can always top up later.
5. Want to stay in control of costs? Set a usage limit under Billing, or leave Auto recharge switched off. That way you never spend more than you set yourself.

Step 3: Create your API key

1. Go to the keys page at platform.openai.com/api-keys (or click API keys in Settings).
2. Click the Create new secret key button.
3. Give the key a recognizable name, for example "NerrieBuilder". You can leave the project on its default value.
4. Click Create secret key.
5. Your key now appears on screen. It starts with sk-. Click Copy to copy it.

Note: OpenAI shows the key only once. Once you close the window, you cannot view it again. So copy it right away. Lost it anyway? No problem: delete the old one and simply create a new key.

Step 4: Paste the key into NerrieBuilder

1. In NerrieBuilder, click your account in the top right.
2. Go to Settings.
3. Open the AI tab. It holds both the AI keys and the Stock photo keys.
4. Paste your copied key into the correct field for OpenAI.
5. Click Test to check that the key works.
6. Then click Save.

Keeping your key safe

• Treat your key like a password: never share it with anyone.
• You can delete or replace (rotate) the key at any time on the OpenAI keys page.
• NerrieBuilder stores your key encrypted and never shows it in full again.

What does this unlock? With your own OpenAI key, NerrieBuilder's AI features, such as generating and improving text and sections, run on your own account and credit.

Done! You have created and connected your OpenAI key. From now on you can use the AI features with peace of mind. Topping up and creating the key only needs to be done once.