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API Keys

env connects directly to AI provider APIs. You’ll need to add your own API keys to use each provider.

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Adding API Keys

  1. Open Settings (⌘ + ,)
  2. Navigate to API Keys
  3. Enter your key for each provider you want to use
  4. Click Save
API keys are stored securely in your macOS Keychain. They never leave your device.

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Getting API Keys

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Anthropic (Claude)

  1. Go to console.anthropic.com
  2. Sign up or log in
  3. Navigate to API Keys
  4. Click Create Key
  5. Copy the key (starts with sk-ant-)

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OpenAI (GPT-4)

  1. Go to platform.openai.com
  2. Sign up or log in
  3. Navigate to API Keys
  4. Click Create new secret key
  5. Copy the key (starts with sk-)

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Google (Gemini)

  1. Go to aistudio.google.com
  2. Sign in with your Google account
  3. Click Create API Key
  4. Copy the key

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xAI (Grok)

  1. Go to console.x.ai
  2. Sign up or log in
  3. Navigate to API Keys
  4. Create a new key
  5. Copy the key

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Security

Never share your API keys. Treat them like passwords.
env takes security seriously:
  • Local Storage: Keys are stored in macOS Keychain, encrypted at rest
  • No Telemetry: We don’t collect or transmit your keys
  • Direct Connection: API calls go directly to providers, not through our servers

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Troubleshooting

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”Invalid API Key” Error

  • Double-check for extra spaces when pasting
  • Ensure the key hasn’t been revoked in your provider dashboard
  • Verify you have billing set up (some providers require it)

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“Rate Limited” Error

  • You’ve hit your provider’s rate limit
  • Wait a few minutes or upgrade your plan with the provider