How to use DeepSeek API Key for AI chat
Ann Ng
DeepSeekAbout DeepSeek
Latest models available:
- DeepSeek-V3.1-Terminus: Hybrid model with chat and reasoning modes
- DeepSeek Chat: Fast, versatile conversational model
- DeepSeek Reasoner: Step-by-step reasoning and problem-solving
- DeepSeek R1: Advanced reasoning model comparable to o1
Key features:
- Hybrid inference modes (chat & reasoning)
- 128K token context window
- JSON output support
- Function calling capabilities
- FIM completion for coding
- Cache optimization
- Open-source foundation
- Competitive performance
- Agent capabilities
- Multi-modal support
Step by step guide to use DeepSeek API Key to chat with AI
1. Get Your DeepSeek API Key
First, you'll need to obtain an API key from DeepSeek. This key allows you to access their AI models directly and pay only for what you use.
- Visit DeepSeek's API console
- Sign up or log in to your account
- Navigate to the API keys section
- Generate a new API key (copy it immediately as some providers only show it once)
- Save your API key in a secure password manager or encrypted note
2. Connect Your DeepSeek API Key on TypingMind
Once you have your DeepSeek API key, connecting it to TypingMind to chat with AI is straightforward:
- Open TypingMind in your browser
- Click the "Settings" icon (gear symbol)
- Navigate to "Models" section
- Click "Add Custom Model"
- Fill in the model information:Name:
deepseek-chat via DeepSeek(or your preferred name)Endpoint:https://api.deepseek.com/chat/completionsModel ID:deepseek-chatfor example (check DeepSeek model list)Context Length: Enter the model's context window (e.g., 32000 for deepseek-chat)
deepseek-chathttps://api.deepseek.com/chat/completionsdeepseek-chat via DeepSeekhttps://www.typingmind.com/model-logo.webp32000 - Add custom headers by clicking "Add Custom Headers" in the Advanced Settings section:Authorization:
Bearer <DEEPSEEK_API_KEY>:X-Title:typingmind.comHTTP-Referer:https://www.typingmind.com - Enable "Support Plugins (via OpenAI Functions)" if the model supports the "functions" or "tool_calls" parameter, or enable "Support OpenAI Vision" if the model supports vision.
- Click "Test" to verify the configuration
- If you see "Nice, the endpoint is working!", click "Add Model"
3. Start Chatting with DeepSeek models
Now you can start chatting with DeepSeek models through TypingMind:
- Select your preferred DeepSeek model 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
DeepSeek-V3.1-Terminus- Use specific, detailed prompts for better responses (How to use Prompt Library)
- Create AI agents with custom instructions for repeated tasks (How to create AI Agents)
- Use plugins to extend DeepSeek capabilities (How to use plugins)
- Upload documents and images directly to chat for AI analysis and discussion (Chat with documents)
4. Monitor Your AI Usage and Costs
One of the biggest advantages of using API keys with TypingMind is cost transparency and control. Unlike fixed subscriptions, you pay only for what you actually use. Visit https://platform.deepseek.com/usage to monitor your DeepSeek API usage and set spending limits.
- Use less expensive models for simple tasks
- Keep prompts concise but specific to reduce token usage
- Use TypingMind's prompt caching to reduce repeat costs (How to enable prompt caching)
- Using RAG (retrieval-augmented generation) for large documents to reduce repeat costs (How to use RAG)
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