How to Set Up Your API Keys (BYOK)

How to Set Up Your API Keys (Bring Your Own Key)

Plotdrive lets you connect your own API keys so you can use AI models at provider rates and get unlimited usage without spending Plotdrive credits on document Tools.

Supported Providers

| Provider | What It Powers | Where to Get a Key |

|----------|---------------|-------------------|

| Anthropic (Claude) | Co-writer chat + document Tools | https://platform.claude.com/settings/keys |

| OpenAI (GPT) | Document Tools | https://platform.openai.com/api-keys |

| OpenRouter | Document Tools (100+ models) | https://openrouter.ai/keys |

Step-by-Step Setup

1. Get your API keyfrom the provider's website (links above). You'll need an account with the provider and available credits/balance on their end.

2. In Plotdrive, go to Settings → API Keys.

3. Paste your key into the field for the provider you want to use.

4. Look for the green checkmark— this confirms your key is valid and active.

5. Select your model — click the AI model selector at the top of your document editor and choose a model from your connected provider.

For Co-Writer Chat

Co-writer uses Plotdrive credits by default. To use your own key for Co-writer, connect an Anthropic API key — Co-writer runs on Claude. After connecting, Co-writer will use your Anthropic key instead of Plotdrive credits.

For Document Tools

After connecting any API key, click the AI model selector at the top of your editor to switch between models and providers for document Tools.

Troubleshooting: "Invalid API Key"

If you see "Invalid API key" after pasting your key:

1. Generate a fresh key from the provider. Old or revoked keys won't work.

2. Test the key first — for Anthropic, try it at https://platform.claude.com/workbench/new to confirm it works.

3. Check your provider balance — Anthropic requires at least $5 in credits on your Console account. Check under Billing in the Anthropic Console.

4. Copy the full key — make sure you're pasting the complete key with no extra spaces.

5. Try a different browser — we recommend Chrome for the best experience.

If it still doesn't work after these steps, reach out to support with your provider name and we'll investigate.

How Costs Work with BYOK

When using your own API key, Plotdrive doesn't charge credits for that usage. You pay the model provider directly based on their token pricing.

You can mix and match: use your API key for document Tools and Plotdrive credits for Co-writer, or vice versa.