> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://opensource.weam.ai/docs/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Generating an OpenAI API Key

> Complete guide to creating and securing OpenAI API keys for GPT-5, GPT-4, and other OpenAI models in 2025

## Step-by-Step Guide

**Step 1:** Navigate to OpenAI Platform

Go to [https://platform.openai.com](https://platform.openai.com) in your web browser.

<img src="https://weam.ai/app/uploads/2025/07/OpenAI-07-23-2025_04_50_PM.png" alt="OpenAI Platform Homepage" style={{ border: '1px solid #ccc', borderRadius: '8px', marginTop: '16px' }} />

### Step 2: Sign Up or Log In

**New User:**

* Click **"Sign up"** to create an account
* Use email or sign up with Google/Microsoft
* Complete email or phone verification when prompted

**Existing User:**

* Click **"Log in"**
* Enter your credentials

<img src="https://weam.ai/app/uploads/2025/07/API-Platform-OpenAI-07-24-2025_10_59_AM.png" alt="OpenAI Sign Up Page" style={{ border: '1px solid #ccc', borderRadius: '8px', marginTop: '16px' }} />

<img src="https://weam.ai/app/uploads/2025/07/Login-OpenAI-07-24-2025_11_16_AM.png" alt="OpenAI Login Page" style={{ border: '1px solid #ccc', borderRadius: '8px', marginTop: '16px' }} />

### Step 3: Access Your Dashboard

Once logged in, you'll see the **OpenAI Platform dashboard** with your account overview.

<img src="https://weam.ai/app/uploads/2025/07/Overview-OpenAI-API-07-24-2025_11_00_AM.png" alt="OpenAI Dashboard" style={{ border: '1px solid #ccc', borderRadius: '8px', marginTop: '16px' }} />

### Step 4: Create a Project

Click the **"Start building"** button in the top-right corner to create a new project.

<img src="https://weam.ai/app/uploads/2025/07/Start-building-OpenAI-API-07-24-2025_11_18_AM.png" alt="Start Building Button" style={{ border: '1px solid #ccc', borderRadius: '8px', marginTop: '16px' }} />

### Step 5: Name Your API Key

Give your API key a descriptive name to identify its purpose:

**Good Examples:**

* `Weam Integration`
* `Production Chatbot`
* `Development Testing`
* `Analytics Dashboard`

Then click **"Create secret key"**.

<img src="https://weam.ai/app/uploads/2025/07/Start-building-OpenAI-API-07-24-2025_11_19_AM.png" alt="Name Your API Key" style={{ border: '1px solid #ccc', borderRadius: '8px', marginTop: '16px' }} />

### Step 6: Copy and Secure Your Key

**Critical Security Step:**

* **Copy the key immediately** – this is the only time you'll see it
* **Store it securely** in a password manager or secure environment
* **Never share publicly** or commit to version control
* **Revoke and regenerate** if accidentally exposed

<img src="https://weam.ai/app/uploads/2025/07/Start-building-OpenAI-API-07-24-2025_11_20_AM.png" alt="Copy API Key" style={{ border: '1px solid #ccc', borderRadius: '8px', marginTop: '16px' }} />

### Step 7: Set Up Billing (If Required)

**Free Credits:**

* OpenAI provides **\$5 in free credits** for new users
* Perfect for testing and initial development

**Add Billing Method:**

* Navigate to **Billing** section in your dashboard
* Add credit card or payment method for continued usage
* Set usage limits to control costs

<img src="https://weam.ai/app/uploads/2025/07/API-keys-OpenAI-API-07-24-2025_11_21_AM.png" alt="Billing Setup" style={{ border: '1px solid #ccc', borderRadius: '8px', marginTop: '16px' }} />

### Step 8: Add to Weam

Now integrate your OpenAI API key with Weam:

1. Open Weam and go to **Settings** → **Configurations**
2. Select **OpenAI** as your provider
3. Paste your API key in the configuration field
4. Save and test the connection

## API Key Types and Permissions

Understanding different API key types ensures proper security and functionality.

<img src="https://weam.ai/app/uploads/2025/07/Admin-keys-OpenAI-API-07-24-2025_11_24_AM.png" alt="Admin API Keys" style={{ border: '1px solid #ccc', borderRadius: '8px', marginTop: '16px' }} />

### Normal API Keys vs Admin API Keys

| Feature            | **Normal API Keys (Project Keys)**            | **Admin API Keys**                  |
| ------------------ | --------------------------------------------- | ----------------------------------- |
| **Purpose**        | Access AI models (GPT, DALL-E)                | Manage organization admin tasks     |
| **Use Cases**      | Build apps, generate content, chat interfaces | Manage users, billing, org settings |
| **Scope**          | Project-specific access                       | Organization-wide access            |
| **Who Creates**    | Project members with permissions              | Organization owners only            |
| **Security Level** | Medium risk                                   | High risk                           |
| **For Weam**       | ✅ **Recommended**                             | ❌ Not needed                        |

### Permission Levels

| Permission          | Access Rights                   | Best For                          | Risk Level |
| ------------------- | ------------------------------- | --------------------------------- | ---------- |
| **All Permissions** | Full API access, all models     | Production apps, Weam integration | High       |
| **Restricted**      | Limited endpoints, custom scope | Testing, third-party tools        | Medium     |
| **Read Only**       | View-only, no modifications     | Analytics, monitoring             | Low        |

***