How to Get an
OpenAI API Key

A step-by-step visual guide to access GPT-4, GPT-4o, and other OpenAI models

1

Go to the OpenAI Platform

Visit the OpenAI developer platform and sign in with your OpenAI account (or create one).

https://platform.openai.com
🟢

Welcome to OpenAI Platform

Log in
or Sign up
If you don't have an account yet, click "Sign up" to create one. You can use your Google, Microsoft, or Apple account.
2

Navigate to API Keys

After logging in, click on your profile icon in the top-right corner, then go to "API keys" from the sidebar or dashboard.

platform.openai.com/api-keys
Dashboard
Assistants
Playground
API keys
Usage
Billing

API Keys

Your secret API keys are listed below.

+ Create new secret key
3

Create a New API Key

Click "Create new secret key". Give it a name for your reference (optional), then click "Create".

platform.openai.com/api-keys

Create new secret key

My Project Key
All
Create secret key
4

Copy & Save Your API Key

Your new API key will be displayed only once. Copy it immediately and store it somewhere safe.

sk-proj-AbCdEfGhIjKlMnOpQrStUvWxYz1234567890...
🎉

API Key Created!

You can now use this key to call OpenAI's API (GPT-4, GPT-4o, DALL-E, Whisper, etc.)

OpenAI will never show this key again. If you lose it, you'll need to create a new one. Store it in a password manager or environment variable.
5

Set Up Billing (Required)

API usage is not free. Go to "Billing" in the sidebar and add a payment method. You can set usage limits to control costs.

platform.openai.com/settings/organization/billing
API keys
Usage
Billing
Limits

Billing

Add payment method
New accounts may get free trial credits. Check your balance under "Usage".
Set a monthly usage limit under "Limits" to avoid surprise charges.

Happy building with OpenAI! 🟢