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OpenAI Setup

Set up OpenAI as your AI provider in Plottik.

Get an API Key

  1. Go to platform.openai.com
  2. Sign in or create an account
  3. Navigate to API Keys (in the left sidebar under your profile)
  4. Click "Create new secret key"
  5. Copy the key — you won't be able to see it again
You'll need to add credit to your OpenAI account (minimum $5) before API calls will work. This is separate from a ChatGPT Plus subscription.

Keep Your Key Safe

Your API key is like a password — anyone with access to it can make requests on your account. A few quick tips:

  • Don't share it. Never post your key in forums, chats, or public repos.
  • Set a spending limit. In your OpenAI usage settings, set a monthly budget (e.g. $10). You'll get an email if you're approaching it, and requests will stop if you hit it — no surprise bills.
  • Restrict the key (optional). When creating a key, you can limit its permissions to only what's needed (e.g. "Chat" access only). This reduces risk if a key is ever exposed.

Plottik stores your key locally on your machine — it's never sent to our servers.

Configure in Plottik

On first launch

  1. Choose OpenAI as your AI provider in the setup wizard
  2. Paste your API key
  3. Click "Save & Test Connection" — the app will detect available models
  4. The app will select recommended default models automatically
  5. Click Next to continue

From the settings menu

  1. Open Settings (gear icon, bottom-left)
  2. Under AI Provider, select OpenAI
  3. Paste your API key
  4. The app will select recommended default models automatically
  5. Click "Test Connection" to verify

Recommended Models

The app uses three model roles (Chat, Router, and Summarise). For OpenAI, a good starting point is:

  • Chat: GPT-4o or the latest flagship model
  • Router / Summarise: GPT-4o-mini or equivalent

OpenAI releases new models regularly — check their model page for the latest options. See Recommended Models for more detail on what each role needs.

Typical Costs

Most writers spend £2-5/month with moderate AI usage. Costs depend on how often you use the chat and how long your conversations are. OpenAI charges per token (roughly per word).