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Vercel AI GatewayHow to use Sonar with your Vercel AI Gateway API key on TypingMind
Learn how to access and use Sonar with your Vercel AI Gateway API key through TypingMind. Get started with this AI model in minutes.
Sonar search model for current answers, retrieval, and citation-backed chat
Vercel AI Gateway is a single API for hundreds of models from OpenAI, Anthropic, Google, xAI, Meta, Mistral, DeepSeek, and more. One API key and one bill cover every provider.
It adds automatic retries and fallbacks across providers, budgets and spend tracking, request logs, and bring-your-own-key support, all behind an OpenAI-compatible endpoint that works with any OpenAI-compatible client.
See the official Vercel AI Gateway documentation for more details.
Sonar Overview
| Model Name | Sonar |
| Provider | Vercel AI Gateway |
| Model ID | perplexity/sonar |
| Model Logo | Get the logo URL |
| Release Date | Feb 19, 2025 |
| Last Updated | Feb 19, 2025 |
| Knowledge Cutoff | 2025-02 |
| Context Window | 127,000 tokens |
| Max Output | 8,000 tokens |
| Pricing /1M tokens | $0.25 input $2.50 output |
| Input Modalities | text, image |
| Output Modalities | text |
| Capabilities | File UploadTool CallingTemperature Control |
Complete Setup Guide
Get Your Vercel AI Gateway API Key
First, you'll need to obtain an API key from Vercel AI Gateway. This key allows you to access their AI models directly and pay only for what you use.
- Visit Vercel AI Gateway'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
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.
Configure TypingMind with Vercel AI Gateway API Key
Option 1: Use the built-in Vercel AI Gateway provider (recommended)
The quickest way. TypingMind already has Vercel AI Gateway set up, so you only need to add your API key.
- Open TypingMind and click "Models" in the left sidebar.
- Search for Vercel AI Gateway.
- Click the settings (gear) button next to Vercel AI Gateway.
- Paste your API key and save.
Option 2: 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:Sonar via Vercel AI Gateway(or your preferred name)Model ID:perplexity/sonarfor example (check Vercel AI Gateway model list)Context Length: Enter the model's context window (e.g., 127000 for perplexity/sonar)
Set up authentication
In the "Authentication" tab, set the connection details:
API Type:OpenAI Chat Completions APIEndpoint URL:https://ai-gateway.vercel.sh/v1/chat/completionsAuthentication Type:API Key via HTTP HeaderHeader Key:AuthorizationHeader Value:Bearer <AI_GATEWAY_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.
Start chatting with Sonar
Now you can start chatting with Sonar through TypingMind:
- Select Sonar 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
💡 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 Sonar 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)
Why TypingMind + Vercel AI Gateway?
Chat with Sonar and 200+ other models in one workspace, using your own Vercel AI Gateway API key.
Best-in-class UI
TypingMind's interface is far superior to standard chat UIs.
Model flexibility
Switch between Sonar and 200+ models instantly.
Cost control
Pay only for what you use through Vercel AI Gateway.
One-time purchase
Buy TypingMind once, use forever with any Vercel AI Gateway model.
Data privacy
Your conversations are stored locally by default, not on external servers.
Plugins, MCP, Skills & AI agents
Extend Sonar with web search, image generation, and custom AI agents.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a subscription to use Sonar?
No. With your own Vercel AI Gateway 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 Sonar?
Sonar costs $0.25/1M input tokens and $2.50/1M output tokens via Vercel AI Gateway. A typical conversation costs around $0.01-0.10, depending on length.
Can I use other models besides Sonar?
Yes. Any model your Vercel AI Gateway 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 Sonar 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 Vercel AI Gateway with your API key, so check Vercel AI Gateway's data policy for how it handles API requests.
