Setting up an AI provider and API key

Setting up an AI provider and API key

YOW’s AI features use a provider and model you choose. You supply the provider account and API key, and the provider charges you directly where applicable.

The how

  1. Open the account menu and select Account Settings.
  2. Select the AI tab.
  3. Choose an AI provider.
  4. Paste the API key created in that provider’s own developer or API dashboard.
  5. Search for or enter a supported model ID.
  6. Review any provider-specific acknowledgement shown by YOW.
  7. Select Save AI Settings.
  8. Return to the project and open AI, AI Tools or a manuscript AI panel.

Bring your own provider

A consumer ChatGPT Plus, Claude Pro or similar subscription does not automatically include API access. API keys come from the provider’s developer service and may require separate billing.

YOW does not add a markup to provider usage. The selected provider’s pricing, limits, retention, regional terms and acceptable-use rules still apply.

When an AI feature runs, YOW may send the prompt and the project context needed for that request to the selected provider. Context can include manuscript text and relevant characters, locations, lore or other records. Review the context controls before sending sensitive material.

Access requirements

AI Tools are not included on Free. Paid or eligible Beta access is required, along with a configured provider and key. Other writing and worldbuilding tools remain available without AI.

Keys and models

Saved keys are hidden in the form. Paste a new key only when replacing the saved one. Model catalogues can change, so use the current choices shown by YOW and the provider rather than relying on an old model list.

For Gemini, YOW may require confirmation that billing is enabled where Google’s terms require paid services, including relevant UK, EEA and Swiss use.

Never place an API key in a support request, screenshot, project record or shared document.

  • Starting an AI chat with project context
  • Understanding AI access, privacy, usage and errors
  • Understanding Free, trial, Beta and paid access