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 (API Key)

  1. 1

    Create an account (or sign in) at https://platform.openai.com/.

  2. 2

    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.

  3. 3

    Inside the project, select “API Keys.” You’ll see a list of keys (possibly empty). Click the “+ Create new secret key” button.

  4. 4

    Enter a name that helps you remember how you’ll use the key (for example, “My App Botize”) and press “Create secret key.”

  5. 5

    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.

  6. 6

    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.

  7. 7

    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).

  8. 8

    Done—this long string is your “Secret Key.”