Connect your AI
Everything Vacarme writes, analyses or decides goes through a language model. That model runs on your AI: you choose the provider, you stay in control of the cost. Three possible paths.
The three paths
Using your API key
You need an API account with the provider. It is separate from a consumer subscription: a ChatGPT Plus or Claude subscription does not come with an API key. Only a real API account is supported.
Create your key with your provider
- OpenAI: on platform.openai.com, under "API keys". You need an API platform account with a payment method or prepaid credit.
- Anthropic: on console.anthropic.com, under "API keys". Same logic: the API console is separate from the Claude subscription.
- OpenRouter: on openrouter.ai, under "Keys". A single key gives access to many models, with a prepaid balance you top up.
Paste it into the app
Open Settings > Your AI, pick your provider, paste the key.
Test
The Test button sends a minimal request and confirms the key works. If it doesn't, the provider's error message is shown as is.
Sign in with ChatGPT (coming soon)
This path is on its way: a "Sign in with ChatGPT" button will link your account in a few clicks, with no key to manage. Our application to OpenAI's partner programme is under review.
Good to know: usage goes through your ChatGPT plan, with weekly caps set by OpenAI. Cap reached? You wait for the reset, or switch to another path.
When the provider's allowance runs out
If your key runs out of credit, or a cap is reached, the provider returns an error. Vacarme shows it as is in the chat: you see exactly what the provider says. Two options:
- top up your account with the provider;
- switch to the "Vacarme" profile in Settings > Your AI to keep going on your credits.
Who sees what
On the "Your AI" path, Vacarme sees nothing of the content: not your prompts, not the replies. The provider you chose sees your prompts, just like when you use its own apps. The full detail is in Security & compliance.