# Get an API key > Documentation release: **FMRTE 27** (published release). To use a remote provider with the [AI Assistant](https://docs.fmrte.com/tools/ai-assistant.md), you need an API key from that provider. This page shows how to create one for the three most used providers: **OpenAI**, **Anthropic** and **Google Gemini**. Each section follows the provider's official guide. The screenshots were taken on 31 October 2026, so the provider's pages may look a little different when you visit. When you have the key, go back to [Set up a provider](https://docs.fmrte.com/tools/ai-assistant/set-up-a-provider.md), choose the matching **Vendor** and paste the key. > **TREAT YOUR API KEY LIKE A PASSWORD** Anyone with your key can send requests that you pay for. Paste it only into FMRTE, never into a chat, forum post, screenshot or support report. If a key leaks, delete it in the provider's console and create a new one. > **AN API KEY IS NOT A CHAT SUBSCRIPTION** API usage is billed separately from ChatGPT, Claude or Gemini app subscriptions. A paid chat plan does not give you API credit. ## OpenAI You need an OpenAI Platform account. This is the same login as ChatGPT, but API usage has its own billing. 1. Sign in at [platform.openai.com/api-keys](https://platform.openai.com/api-keys). 2. Select **Create new secret key**.  3. Leave **Owned by** on **You**. 4. Enter a **Name**, such as FMRTE AI, so you can recognise the key later. 5. Choose the **Project**. **Default project** is fine. 6. Choose an **Expiration**. When the key expires, FMRTE stops getting answers until you add a new key. 7. Leave **Permissions** on **All**. A restricted key can block the calls FMRTE uses to list models and send messages. 8. Select **Create secret key**.  9. Select **Copy** and paste the key somewhere safe. OpenAI shows it only once. If you lose it, create a new key.  10. Add credit to your account under **Settings → Billing** in the OpenAI dashboard. Without credit, requests stop working after the free test allowance. In FMRTE, choose the **OpenAI** vendor. ## Anthropic (Claude) You need a Claude Console account. This is separate from a Claude Pro or Max subscription. 1. Sign in at [platform.claude.com/settings/keys](https://platform.claude.com/settings/keys). 2. Select **Create key**.  3. The Console may suggest identity federation instead. That is for cloud services, not for FMRTE. Select **Continue with an API key**.  4. Enter a **Name**, such as FMRTE AI. 5. Choose when the key **Expires**. The default is 30 days. When the key expires, FMRTE stops getting answers until you add a new key. 6. Leave **Linked account** on yourself. 7. Leave **Scope** on a workspace, such as **Default workspace**. 8. Select **Create key**.  9. Select **Copy key** and paste the key somewhere safe. The key starts with `sk-ant-`. The Console shows it only once. If you lose it, create a new key.  10. Buy credits under **Settings → Billing** in the Console. The API needs credit before it answers. If **Create key** is disabled, your role in the organization can't create keys. Ask an organization admin. In FMRTE, choose the **Anthropic** vendor. ## Google Gemini You need a Google account. Gemini API keys are created in Google AI Studio. 1. Sign in at [aistudio.google.com/api-keys](https://aistudio.google.com/api-keys). The first time, accept the terms of service. AI Studio then creates a default project for you. 2. Select **Create API key**.  3. Under **Name your key**, enter a name, such as FMRTE AI. 4. Under **Choose an imported project**, pick a project. **Default Gemini Project** is fine. 5. Select **Create key**.  6. In **API key details**, select **Copy key**.  If you already use Google Cloud, AI Studio may not create a default project. Select **Import projects** on the **API Keys** page, import one of your projects, then create the key. If **Create API key** is unavailable, your Google Cloud role can't create keys. Ask an administrator, or use a project that isn't part of an organization. > **FREE TIER AND YOUR SAVE DATA** Gemini has a free tier. On the free tier, Google uses the content you send to improve its products. That content includes the save data the assistant reads. To keep it out, select **Set up billing** next to the key to move the project to the paid tier. In FMRTE, choose the **Google Gemini** vendor. ## Other providers The other remote presets, such as **xAI Grok** and **DeepSeek**, work the same way. Create a key in that vendor's developer console, then paste it into FMRTE with the matching **Vendor**. Local models in **Ollama** or **LM Studio** need no key. ## If the key doesn't work Select **Test** on the provider card in FMRTE. If it fails: - Check that you copied the whole key, with no space before or after it. - Check that the key hasn't expired or been deleted in the provider's console. - Check that your account has credit or billing set up. - Check that the **Vendor** matches the provider that issued the key. If you can't find the key any more, create a new one and paste it into the provider profile. You can't view an OpenAI or Anthropic key again after you close the dialog.