Connect an OpenAI Key

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# Connect an OpenAI Key

This guide walks you through creating an API key directly on OpenAI's platform and connecting it as Automix's language-model provider. It is designed for workspace owners who want Automix's AI features to run directly on OpenAI's models.

_Takes About 10 minutes._

## Before you start

> **You'll need an OpenAI account**
>
> Sign up or sign in at OpenAI's platform to create an API key.
>
> [Open OpenAI API keys](https://platform.openai.com/api-keys)

> **Read this guide's overview first**
>
> This guide assumes you already know what the LLM & Providers setting is for.
>
> [LLM & Provider Settings overview](/docs/platform/guides/llm-and-provider-settings)

## 1. Create an OpenAI API key

Sign in to OpenAI's platform dashboard using the specific account you want to be billed for this usage. Navigate to the API keys page within the dashboard and generate a new secret key for your workspace. Copy the key immediately after creation, as OpenAI will not display the full value again for security reasons.

## 2. Set the provider and paste the key

Go to the LLM & Providers setting in your Automix workspace and select OpenAI from the provider list. Paste the API key you just created into the designated field; because OpenAI is one of Automix's built-in provider presets, the base URL and a default model are filled in automatically for you. Save the setting to finalize the connection.

Environment variables: `LLM_PROVIDER`, `LLM_API_KEY`

## 3. Optional: choose a specific OpenAI model

If you prefer to use a specific OpenAI model instead of the built-in default, enter the exact model name in the model field. If you leave this field blank, Automix will continue to use the default model associated with the OpenAI preset.

Environment variables: `LLM_MODEL`

## After connecting

- Automix's assistant and agent features will now send their generation requests through your OpenAI key.
- Billing for that usage happens directly on your OpenAI account under OpenAI's own terms, without any additional markup from Automix.

## Next

- [LLM & Provider Settings overview](/docs/platform/guides/llm-and-provider-settings)
- [Connect an OpenRouter key instead](/docs/platform/guides/openrouter-key)

## Provider links

- [OpenAI API keys](https://platform.openai.com/api-keys)

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Status: reviewed · reviewed by gemini-3.8-flash
Author: qwen3.8-27b