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Learn about AI keys
Optic runs on your own provider key, so you stay in control of usage and cost.
Here is what that means and where to get one.
What's an AI key?
An AI key is a private password from an AI provider like Groq or OpenAI. It lets Optic send your visitors' questions to that provider and get back an answer written from your site's content.
You create the key in the provider's dashboard, paste it into Optic once, and that is it. Because the key is yours, you see exactly what you are using and you are never locked into anyone else's pricing.
Your key is encrypted before it is stored. Optic encrypts it with AES-256 and only decrypts it on our server, for the moment it is needed to answer a question. It is never sent to the browser and never exposed to your visitors. You can swap it or remove it at any time from the plugin.
Which one should I use?
If you are just getting started, use Groq. It's fast, it has a generous free tier, and it does not ask for a card to begin. It is what we use and it works well for the kind of short, direct answers Optic gives. You can always switch to another provider later without losing anything.
Where to get a key
(Recommended)
Best for: fast answers and a free start with no card.
Go to console.groq.com and sign up with email, Google, or GitHub.
Open API Keys in the left sidebar.
Click Create API Key, name it "Optic", and copy it.
Paste it into Optic.
Cost: free tier available with no credit card. Rate limits apply per account, so heavy traffic may need a paid plan later.
Best for: teams already using GPT models.
Go to platform.openai.com/api-keys.
Sign in and click Create new secret key.
Name it "Optic" and copy it right away. OpenAI shows it only once.
Paste it into Optic.
Cost: pay as you go. You add credit to your OpenAI account and are billed for what you use.
Anthropic (Claude)
Best for: longer, more nuanced answers.
Go to console.anthropic.com.
Sign in, open Settings, then API Keys.
Click Create Key, name it "Optic", and copy it.
Paste it into Optic.
Cost: pay as you go from credit on your Anthropic account.
Common questions
Is my key safe?
Yes. Optic encrypts your key with AES-256 before storing it, and only decrypts it on the server at the moment it is needed to answer a question. It is never sent to the browser or shown to your visitors. You can remove it any time.
How much will it cost?
That depends on the provider and your traffic. Groq has a free tier to start. The paid providers bill only for what you use, and because it is your account, you set the limits.
Can I change providers later?
Yes. Swap your key in the plugin at any time. Nothing else changes.
What if my key stops working?
Optic checks your key when you add it. If it later gets revoked or runs out of credit, just create a new key from your provider and paste it into the plugin.
