About OpenRouter

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.

Step by step guide to use OpenRouter API Key to chat with AI

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.

Go to openrouter.ai, click Sign In, and create a free account.
Open API Keys in the OpenRouter dashboard and click Create API Key.
Give the key a name, for example TypingMind, and copy it. It starts with sk-or-v1-.
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. Connect Your OpenRouter API Key on TypingMind

Once you have your OpenRouter API key, connecting it to TypingMind to chat with AI is straightforward:

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.

Open TypingMind and click "Models" in the left sidebar.
Search for OpenRouter.
Click the settings (gear) button next to OpenRouter.
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.

Open TypingMind, click "Models" in the left sidebar, then click "Add custom model".
Select "Import OpenRouter".
Paste your OpenRouter API key and click "Check API Key".
Select the models you want from the list. You can pick several models at once.
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:

Open the Models page
Open TypingMind, click "Models" in the left sidebar, then click "Add custom model" in the top right corner.
Enter the model details
Keep "Create Manually" selected and fill in the model details:
Name: openai/gpt-5 via OpenRouter (or your preferred name)
Model ID: openai/gpt-5 for example (check OpenRouter model list)
Context Length: Enter the model's context window (e.g., 400000 for openai/gpt-5)
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>
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.
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.
Test and save
Click "Test & Save" to verify the connection and add the model.

III. Start Chatting with OpenRouter models

Now you can start chatting with OpenRouter models through TypingMind:

Select OpenRouter models 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 OpenRouter models on TypingMind

💡 Pro tips for better results:

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 OpenRouter models with web search, code execution, and more (How to use plugins)
Upload documents and images directly to chat for AI analysis and discussion (Chat with documents)

IV. 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 your OpenRouter usage dashboard to monitor your API usage and set spending limits.

💡 Cost-saving tips:

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)

Why TypingMind + OpenRouter?

Chat with OpenRouter models 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 OpenRouter models 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 OpenRouter models with web search, image generation, and custom AI agents.

Try TypingMind for free

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a subscription to use OpenRouter with TypingMind?

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 the OpenRouter API cost?

OpenRouter charges per token, and prices vary by model. For example, openai/gpt-5 costs $1.25/1M input tokens and $10/1M output tokens. A typical conversation costs around $0.01-0.10, depending on the model and length.

Which OpenRouter models can I use in TypingMind?

Any model your OpenRouter API key can access. You can switch between OpenRouter models and models from other providers in the same TypingMind chat.

Is my data private when using OpenRouter 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.