What Is the OpenAI API?

OpenAI’s API gives developers programmatic access to the GPT family of models that power ChatGPT.
You pay per token (roughly one word-piece) for both the content you send and the response you receive, with transparent usage-based pricing and no monthly minimum.
Requests are transmitted over TLS-encrypted HTTPS and — unless you explicitly opt in — your data is not used to train future models.
The API is available in an ever-growing list of countries and can be called from desktops, servers or mobile devices.

Step-by-Step Guide

Follow the steps below to obtain an API key and set a spending limit before pasting the key into Panofind.

1. Create an OpenAI Account

1. Visit the sign-up page and register with an e-mail address, Google, Microsoft or Apple account.
   
2. Verify your e-mail address and, if prompted, your phone number.
3. Create an organization: choose any name, select any description from the list and click Create organization.
   
4. On the next screen click I’ll invite my team later. You can add team members at any time.
   
5. You can now create an API key. Enter a memorable API key name such as “Panofind-Desktop” (the name is only for your reference), choose any Project name and click Generate API Key.
   
6. The next page shows the key. Copy it immediately — once you close the dialog it will no longer be visible. Store it in a password manager or another secure place. You can revoke or regenerate keys at any time. Then click Continue.
   
7. OpenAI requires a valid payment method before you can call the API. You can add credit now or later; to add it now, choose an amount and click Purchase credits.
   
8. A dialog appears where you can enter your payment details. Provide the required information and click Add payment method.
   

Your OpenAI account is now ready!

Optionally, you can set a monthly spending limit or enable Auto recharge.

• In your dashboard click Billing → Usage limits. Set a hard limit that caps your total monthly spend (e.g. USD 20). Optionally set a soft limit that triggers an e-mail alert earlier (e.g. USD 10).
• Enable Automatic recharge if you want credit to refill automatically when the balance runs low. This feature is off by default — leaving it off ensures there is no automatic top-up beyond your initial limit. You can enable or change it at any time.

2. Add the Key to Panofind

1. Open Settings → Summary & Chat in Panofind.
2. If not already enabled, tick Activate AI functionality to summarise texts or ask questions about them.
3. Select OpenAI from the provider list.
4. Paste the secret key into the API key field and click Save.
5. The Summarise and Chat buttons will now appear in supported documents.

You’re all set — happy summarising and chatting in Panofind!