How to use Mistral: Codestral 2508 with your OpenRouter API key on TypingMind

Learn how to access and use Mistral: Codestral 2508 with your OpenRouter API key through TypingMind. Get started with this AI model in minutes.

Mistral's cutting-edge language model for coding released end of July 2025. Codestral specializes in low-latency, high-frequency tasks such as fill-in-the-middle (FIM), code correction and test generation.

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OpenRouter is a unified API gateway that provides access to 400+ AI models from 50+ providers through a single OpenAI-compatible endpoint, eliminating vendor lock-in and simplifying multi-model integration.

Key features include automatic fallbacks (seamlessly switching to backup models if primary fails), smart model routing with :floor (cheapest) and :nitro (fastest) options, standardized API normalization across all providers, and multi-modal support for text and images.

OpenRouter uses pass-through pricing at exact provider rates plus a 5% platform fee (5.5% on credits), offers 13+ free models with daily limits, consolidated analytics dashboards, and enterprise-grade privacy controls with no code changes needed to switch between models like GPT-4, Claude, Gemini, Llama, and DeepSeek.

Mistral: Codestral 2508 Overview

Model NameMistral: Codestral 2508
ProviderOpenRouter
Model IDmistralai/codestral-2508
Model LogoGet the logo URL
Release DateAug 1, 2025
Knowledge Cutoff2025-03-31
Context Window256,000 tokens
Max Output204,800 tokens
Pricing /1M tokens$0.30 input
$0.90 output
$0.03 cache read
Input Modalitiestext, file
Output Modalitiestext
Capabilities
File UploadTool CallingStructured OutputTemperature Control

Complete Setup Guide

I

Get Your OpenRouter API Key

First, you'll need to obtain an API key from OpenRouter. This key allows you to access their AI models directly and pay only for what you use.

  1. Go to openrouter.ai, click Sign In, and create a free account.

  2. Open API Keys in the OpenRouter dashboard and click Create API Key.

  3. Give the key a name, for example TypingMind, and copy it. It starts with sk-or-v1-.

    OpenRouter API keys page

  4. Optional: open Credits and click Add Credits ($5 minimum, paid by card or crypto). Credits never expire, and some models are free to try without them.

Sometimes, this provider will require you to add a payment method to your account before you can use your API key to chat with AI. So, to avoid any hiccups, make sure you've got a payment method set up and ready to go!

Important: Keep your API key secure and never share it publicly. Store it safely as you'll need it to connect with TypingMind.

II

Configure TypingMind with OpenRouter API Key

Option 1: Use the built-in OpenRouter provider (recommended)

The quickest way. TypingMind already has OpenRouter set up, so you only need to add your API key.

  1. Open TypingMind and click "Models" in the left sidebar.
  2. Search for OpenRouter.
  3. Click the settings (gear) button next to OpenRouter.
  4. Paste your API key and save.
Built-in providers with settings buttons on the TypingMind Models page

Option 2: Import from OpenRouter

Add OpenRouter models as custom models. TypingMind fills in the endpoint, authentication, and model details for you.

  1. Open TypingMind, click "Models" in the left sidebar, then click "Add custom model".
  2. Select "Import OpenRouter".
  3. Paste your OpenRouter API key and click "Check API Key".
  4. Select Mistral: Codestral 2508 from the list. You can pick several models at once.
  5. Click "Import models".

Option 3: Add the model manually

If you can't find the provider or model ID in the official list, you can add the model manually:

  1. Open the Models page

    Open TypingMind, click "Models" in the left sidebar, then click "Add custom model" in the top right corner.

    TypingMind Models page with the Add custom model button
  2. Enter the model details

    Keep "Create Manually" selected and fill in the model details:

    Name: Mistral: Codestral 2508 via OpenRouter (or your preferred name)
    Model ID: mistralai/codestral-2508 for example (check OpenRouter model list)
    Context Length: Enter the model's context window (e.g., 256000 for mistralai/codestral-2508)
    Add Custom Model dialog in TypingMind filled in for mistralai/codestral-2508
  3. Set up authentication

    In the "Authentication" tab, set the connection details:

    API Type: OpenAI Chat Completions API
    Endpoint URL: https://openrouter.ai/api/v1/chat/completions
    Authentication Type: API Key via HTTP Header
    Header Key: Authorization
    Header Value: Bearer <OPENROUTER_API_KEY>
    OpenRouter authentication settings in TypingMind
  4. Add pricing (optional)

    Open the "Pricing" tab and enter the model's input, output, and cache prices per 1M tokens so TypingMind can estimate your usage costs.

    Pricing settings in TypingMind for mistralai/codestral-2508
  5. Check the capabilities

    In the "Capabilities" tab, keep "Auto check capabilities on save" on so TypingMind detects supported features like plugins, image input, and thinking, or enable them manually.

    Custom model capabilities settings in TypingMind
  6. Test and save

    Click "Test & Save" to verify the connection and add the model.

III

Start chatting with Mistral: Codestral 2508

Now you can start chatting with Mistral: Codestral 2508 through TypingMind:

  • Select Mistral: Codestral 2508 from the model dropdown menu
  • Start typing your message in the chat input
  • Enjoy faster responses and better features than the official interface
  • Switch between different AI models as needed
Chat with Mistral: Codestral 2508 from OpenRouter on TypingMind

💡 Pro tips for better results:

TypingMindOpenRouter

Why TypingMind + OpenRouter?

Chat with Mistral: Codestral 2508 and 200+ other models in one workspace, using your own OpenRouter API key.

Best-in-class UI

TypingMind's interface is far superior to standard chat UIs.

Model flexibility

Switch between Mistral: Codestral 2508 and 200+ models instantly.

Cost control

Pay only for what you use through OpenRouter.

One-time purchase

Buy TypingMind once, use forever with any OpenRouter model.

Data privacy

Your conversations are stored locally by default, not on external servers.

Plugins, MCP, Skills & AI agents

Extend Mistral: Codestral 2508 with web search, image generation, and custom AI agents.

Try TypingMind for free

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a subscription to use Mistral: Codestral 2508?

No. With your own OpenRouter API key, you pay only for what you use, with no monthly subscription. TypingMind is also a one-time purchase, not a subscription.

How much does it cost to use Mistral: Codestral 2508?

Mistral: Codestral 2508 costs $0.30/1M input tokens and $0.90/1M output tokens via OpenRouter. A typical conversation costs around $0.01-0.10, depending on length.

Can I use other models besides Mistral: Codestral 2508?

Yes. Any model your OpenRouter API key can access works in TypingMind, and you can switch between it and models from other providers in the same chat.

Is my data private when using Mistral: Codestral 2508 with TypingMind?

TypingMind stores your conversations locally (in your browser on the web version, on your device in the desktop app). Your messages are sent to OpenRouter with your API key, so check OpenRouter's data policy for how it handles API requests.

What if Mistral: Codestral 2508 is unavailable?

OpenRouter allows you to configure fallback models. If Mistral: Codestral 2508 is down, it can automatically route to your backup choice. You can also manually switch models in TypingMind anytime.

How do I cancel or get a refund?

There are no subscriptions to cancel. Unused OpenRouter credits remain in your account forever.

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