API Keys

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

Adding API Keys

Open Settings (⌘ + ,)
Navigate to API Keys
Enter your key for each provider you want to use
Click Save

API keys are stored securely in your macOS Keychain. They never leave your device.

Getting API Keys

Anthropic (Claude)

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

OpenAI (GPT-4)

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

Google (Gemini)

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

xAI (Grok)

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

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

Troubleshooting

”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Ensure the key hasn’t been revoked in your provider dashboard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)

“Rate Limited” Error

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

Quickstart Settings