How to Get and Use an OpenAI API Key: A Complete Guide

Last updated on February 20th, 2025 at 08:32 am

An OpenAI API key is a unique code that allows you to access OpenAI’s artificial intelligence services. Think of it like a password that lets your app or project communicate with OpenAI’s models.

Without an API key, you can’t use OpenAI’s AI models, including GPT-4, DALL·E, and Whisper in your applications. 

Your API key tracks your usage and ensures that only authorized users can access the AI tools.

Because it acts as a key to OpenAI’s powerful AI models, you should never share or expose it. 

Infact, OpenAI makes it hard by only displaying the keys during creation process only. So, if you would be reusing them across different applications, it makes sense to save them but in a secure place.

If someone else gets access to your API key, they could use it and potentially drain your credits or compromise your projects.

How to Get an OpenAI API Key

To use OpenAI’s API, you first need to generate your own API key. Follow these steps:

1) Sign up or log in

Go to the OpenAI platform and create an account if you don’t have one. If you already have an account, log in.

2) Access the API key section

Once logged in, click on your profile picture in the top-right corner and select “View API Keys” from the dropdown menu.

3) Generate a new API key

Click the “Create API Key” button. You’ll see a new key appear on your screen.

4) Copy and store it securely

Your API key will only be shown once. Make sure you copy it immediately and store it in a safe place like a password manager.

Best Practices for Managing Your API Key

I) Keep it secret

Never share your API key publicly or include it in your code. If someone else gets access to it, they can use your OpenAI credits without your permission.

II) Use environment variables

Instead of putting your API key in your code, store it in an environment variable. This way, even if your code is shared, your key stays protected.

III) Monitor your usage

Check your OpenAI account dashboard regularly to track your API usage. If you see unexpected charges or high usage, someone might be misusing your key.

IV) Revoke and regenerate if needed

If you think your API key has been exposed, immediately revoke it and generate a new one from your OpenAI dashboard.

How to Use Your OpenAI API Key in Your Project

Once you have your API key, you can start integrating OpenAI’s AI models into your applications.

Example: Using the API key in Python

If you’re using Python, you can add your API key to your script like this:

import openai
import os

# Set API key using an environment variable
openai.api_key = os.getenv("OPENAI_API_KEY")

# Example API request
response = openai.ChatCompletion.create(
    model="gpt-4",
    messages=[{"role": "user", "content": "Hello, how can I use OpenAI API?"}]
)

print(response["choices"][0]["message"]["content"])

Key points to note:

• The API key is stored in an environment variable (OPENAI_API_KEY).
• The ChatCompletion.create() function is used to interact with GPT-4.
• The response contains the AI-generated output, which you can extract and use.

Open AI Key

1) Can I have multiple API keys?

Yes. OpenAI allows you to generate multiple API keys. This is useful if you need separate keys for different projects or team members.

2) What should I do if my API key gets leaked?

Immediately revoke the key from the OpenAI dashboard and create a new one.

3) Can I share my API key with others?

No, OpenAI prohibits sharing API keys. Each user should generate and use their own key.

4) How do I check my OpenAI API usage?

You can track your API usage in the OpenAI dashboard under the “Usage” tab.

5) Does OpenAI charge for API usage?

Yes, OpenAI’s API is not free. The cost depends on the model you use and the amount of text you process.