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Setup Guide

Get your AI API key in 3 minutes

TaleForge uses your own AI account — you choose the provider and control costs. Follow the step-by-step guide below for your preferred AI.

Table of Contents

Jump to the guide for your preferred AI provider

🟢
OpenAI (GPT)
Creative writing, dialogue, brainstorming
3 minutes
🟠
Anthropic (Claude)
Long-form narrative, character depth, literary style
3 minutes
🔵
Google AI (Gemini)
Research, non-fiction, multilingual content
2 minutes
Your keys are AES-256 encryptedYou only pay for what you useMost users spend $1-5/month

Typical cost: $1-5/month

A chapter usually costs $0.01-0.05 in AI fees, depending on the model. You can set a spending limit with every provider to stay in control.

Your key is encrypted and never shared

We encrypt your API key with AES-256-GCM before we store it. Our server decrypts it only to call your provider, and never shows it in full. Since our server can decrypt it, also set a spending limit with your provider.

🟢

OpenAI

GPT — Creative writing, dialogue, brainstorming

$0.01–0.03 per chapter3 minutes
1

Create an OpenAI account

Go to platform.openai.com and click "Sign up" in the top right corner. You can use your Google account, Microsoft account, or create one with your email.

🖥️You'll see the OpenAI platform homepage with a green 'Sign up' button in the top right.
Go to OpenAI →
2

Add billing (pay-as-you-go)

Click the gear icon (⚙️) in the left sidebar → Billing → "Add payment method". Add a credit card or debit card. We recommend setting a monthly limit of $5.

🖥️The billing page shows your current balance and a green 'Add payment method' button.
Open Billing →
3

Create your API key

In the left sidebar, click "API Keys" → click the green "+ Create new secret key" button. Give it a name like "TaleForge". Important: copy the key immediately — it starts with "sk-".

🖥️You'll see a list of your API keys with a '+ Create new secret key' button at the top.
Create API Key →
4

Paste in TaleForge

Go to TaleForge → Settings → API Keys → click "Add an API key". Select OpenAI, paste your key (starts with sk-...), and click "Add key".

Open TaleForge Settings →

Done!

You're ready to start creating with OpenAI. Head to your dashboard and open any project.

🟠

Anthropic

Claude — Long-form narrative, character depth, literary style

$0.01–0.05 per chapter3 minutes
1

Create an Anthropic account

Go to console.anthropic.com and click "Sign up". Enter your email and create a password, or sign in with Google.

🖥️The Anthropic console shows a clean login page with 'Sign up' and 'Log in' options.
Go to Anthropic →
2

Add billing credits

Click the gear icon (⚙️) → Plans & Billing → "Add funds" or "Set up paid plan". Start with $5.

🖥️The billing page shows your credit balance and options to add funds.
Open Billing →
3

Create your API key

Click the gear icon (⚙️) → API Keys → click "Create Key". Name it "TaleForge". Copy the key immediately — it starts with "sk-ant-".

🖥️The API keys page shows a list of your keys with a 'Create Key' button.
Create API Key →
4

Paste in TaleForge

Go to TaleForge → Settings → API Keys → click "Add an API key". Select Anthropic, paste your key (starts with sk-ant-...), and click "Add key". Done!

Open TaleForge Settings →

Done!

You're ready to start creating with Anthropic. Head to your dashboard and open any project.

🔵

Google AI

Gemini — Research, non-fiction, multilingual content

Free tier available, then $0.01 per chapter2 minutes
1

Go to Google AI Studio

Visit aistudio.google.com and sign in with your Google account. No separate signup needed!

🖥️Google AI Studio opens directly to a chat interface.
Go to Google AI Studio →
2

Get your API key

Click "Get API Key" in the left sidebar → click "Create API Key" → select an existing project or create a new one. Copy the key.

🖥️The API key page shows a 'Create API Key' button and lists your existing keys.
Get API Key →
3

Paste in TaleForge

Go to TaleForge → Settings → API Keys → click "Add an API key". Select Google AI, paste your key (starts with AI...), and click "Add key".

Open TaleForge Settings →

Done!

You're ready to start creating with Google AI. Head to your dashboard and open any project.

Common questions

How much does it cost to use AI?+
Most TaleForge users spend $1-5 per month. A typical chapter costs $0.01-0.05. Google AI offers a generous free tier.
Is my API key safe?+
Absolutely. Your key is encrypted with AES-256-GCM before being stored. It's never displayed in plain text and is only decrypted server-side at the moment of the API call.
Can I use multiple AI providers?+
Yes! You can add keys for all providers and switch between them freely.
What if I don't want to create an AI account?+
You can still write, plan, publish and export without AI. The AI features need a key from OpenAI, Anthropic or Google; Google AI Studio has a free tier.
Why doesn't TaleForge provide the AI directly?+
The BYOK (Bring Your Own Key) model means you're never locked in. You control costs and choose your preferred AI.
What happens if my API key runs out of credits?+
TaleForge will let you know if an API call fails. Simply top up your account. Your work is always saved.
Can I change providers later?+
Yes, anytime! Your projects aren't tied to any specific AI provider.
I'm not technical — is this really easy?+
Yes! It's like signing up for any website. Most people finish in under 3 minutes.

Ready to start creating?

Set up takes less than 3 minutes. Your first 3 projects are free.

Get started free