
API Credentials for OpenAI ChatGPT
Guide to obtaining tokens, keys, and connections.
To connect to the ChatGPT (OpenAI) API you only need one piece of information: your "Secret Key" (API Key). This key is generated in the OpenAI dashboard and acts like a personal password allowing your application to talk to ChatGPT. Below you’ll find a step‑by‑step guide on how to obtain it.
Secret Key (APIÂ Key)
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1
Create an account (or sign in) at https://platform.openai.com/.
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In the left‑hand sidebar, click “Projects” and create a project if you don’t have one; a project is required before you can generate keys.
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Inside the project, select “API Keys.” You’ll see a list of keys (possibly empty). Click the “+ Create new secret key” button.
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Enter a name that helps you remember how you’ll use the key (for example, “My App Botize”) and press “Create secret key.”
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A window will appear showing your new key starting with “sk-” or “sk-proj-.” Copy it **and store it somewhere safe**—for security, OpenAI will not show it again.
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Optional: immediately after creating it you can click the pencil icon to choose permissions (All, Restricted, or Read Only) depending on what your application, bots, or automations need.
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If you haven’t set up billing yet, add a payment method or purchase credits so the key will work (OpenAI no longer provides free trial credit).
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Done—this long string is your “Secret Key.”