API Key Setup & Configuration

To use CLU, you'll need an API key from your chosen AI provider. Follow this guide to set it up.

Choosing Your Provider

CLU supports three providers:

• **OpenAI**: Use GPT-4 or GPT-4o models. Recommended for quality
• **Google Gemini**: Good balance of price and performance
• **Anthropic Claude**: Excellent reasoning and careful analysis

You can switch providers anytime or use multiple keys.

OpenAI API Key Setup

Step 1: Create an OpenAI Account

1. Go to platform.openai.com

2. Sign up or log in

3. Complete the verification process

Step 2: Generate API Key

1. Click "API keys" in the left sidebar

2. Click "Create new secret key"

3. Name it something like "CLU Extension"

4. Copy the key (you won't see it again)

Step 3: Add to CLU

1. Open the CLU extension

2. Click Settings

3. Select "OpenAI" as your provider

4. Paste your API key

5. Click "Save"

Step 4: Set Billing Limits (Important!)

1. Go to openai.com/account/billing

2. Set a monthly spending limit

3. Enable billing alerts

Google Gemini Setup

Step 1: Create a Google Cloud Project

1. Go to console.cloud.google.com

2. Click "Create Project"

3. Name it "CLU" and create it

Step 2: Enable Gemini API

1. Search for "Generative Language API"

2. Click "Enable"

3. Wait for activation (1-2 minutes)

Step 3: Create API Key

1. Go to "Credentials" in the left menu

2. Click "Create Credentials" > "API Key"

3. Copy the key

Step 4: Add to CLU

1. Open the CLU extension

2. Click Settings

3. Select "Google Gemini"

4. Paste your API key

5. Click "Save"

Anthropic Claude Setup

Step 1: Create an Anthropic Account

1. Go to console.anthropic.com

2. Sign up and verify your email

3. Add a payment method

Step 2: Generate API Key

1. Click "API Keys" in the left sidebar

2. Click "Create Key"

3. Copy the key

Step 3: Add to CLU

1. Open the CLU extension

2. Click Settings

3. Select "Anthropic Claude"

4. Paste your API key

5. Click "Save"

Security Best Practices

Protect Your Keys

• **Never share** your API key with anyone
• **Never commit** keys to GitHub or public repositories
• **Regenerate keys** if you suspect compromise
• **Use billing limits** to prevent runaway charges

Rotate Keys Regularly

• Generate a new key every 6 months
• Delete old keys immediately
• Use descriptive names to track which services use which keys

Monitor Usage

• Check your provider's dashboard regularly
• Set up billing alerts
• Review API call logs for unusual activity

Troubleshooting API Keys

"Invalid API Key" Error

1. Copy the key again from your provider (don't paste from memory)

2. Remove any extra spaces or characters

3. Verify the key is still active in your provider's dashboard

4. If recently generated, wait a few minutes for propagation

Billing Issues

1. Check your payment method is valid

2. Verify your spending limits are reasonable

3. Review recent API calls to understand charges

4. Contact your provider's support for clarification

Slow Analysis

1. Your AI provider may be under load

2. Try a different provider temporarily

3. Check your network connection

4. Reduce the document size

Managing Multiple Keys

You can save keys for all three providers and switch between them:

1. Go to CLU Settings

2. You'll see fields for all three providers

3. Fill in only the keys you want to use

4. CLU will remember your preference

Cost Estimates

Sample API Usage (per analysis):

• OpenAI GPT-4o: ~$0.02-0.05
• Google Gemini: ~$0.001-0.005 (very cheap)
• Anthropic Claude: ~$0.01-0.03

Prices vary based on document length and model

Free Credits

Most providers offer free credits for new accounts:

• **OpenAI**: $5 free (3 months)
• **Google**: $300 free (3 months)
• **Anthropic**: Check their website for current offers

Next Steps

• [Supported AI Providers](/help-center/supported-ai-providers)
• [Installing the Extension](/help-center/installing-extension)
• [Get Started with CLU](/help-center/getting-started)

Still Need Help?

Contact us if you're having trouble setting up your API keys.