Writing Crucible uses a Bring Your Own Key (BYOK) model for AI-assisted writing. This means you provide your own API keys from supported AI providers, and Writing Crucible uses them only to make AI requests on your behalf.
Your keys remain tied to your account and are never shared with other users.
Supported AI Providers
Writing Crucible currently supports API keys from the following providers:
OpenAI
Google / Gemini
Anthropic
OpenRouter
You can add one or more keys and choose which provider to use when interacting with AI features.
How to Add an AI API Key
Go to Settings → AI Providers.
Click Add New Key.
Select the AI provider.
Enter:
API Key (required)
Nickname (required, for your own reference)
Click Save.
Once saved, the key is immediately available for AI-assisted writing features.
Managing Your Saved Keys
From Settings → AI Providers, you can:
Reveal a key (masked by default)
Hide the key again after revealing
Edit the nickname or replace the key value
Delete a key you no longer want stored
All actions require an authenticated session.
Security Practices
Writing Crucible is designed so your API keys remain private and protected.
How your keys are protected:
API keys are encrypted at rest.
Keys are masked by default and only revealed when you explicitly choose to reveal them.
Writing Crucible staff cannot view or decrypt your API keys.
Keys are never logged, shared, or exposed to other users.
All key actions (save, update, reveal, delete) require authentication.
How keys are used:
Keys are used only to make AI requests for your account.
Writing Crucible does not train AI models using your content.
Your API key is never embedded into exported files or shared with collaborators.
How to Get an API Key
You can generate an API key directly from your chosen provider:
Google / Gemini: https://ai.google.dev/
Anthropic: https://console.anthropic.com/
OpenRouter: https://openrouter.ai/keys
After generating a key, copy it and paste it into Writing Crucible’s AI Providers settings.
Troubleshooting
“API Key is required” or “Nickname is required”
Both fields must be filled in before saving.
“My key is hidden after saving”
This is expected behavior. Keys are masked by default. Click Reveal to view the full value.
“AI features aren’t working”
Make sure:
A valid API key is saved
The selected provider matches the key you added
Your provider account has available credits or usage
Best Practices
Rotate your API keys periodically.
Delete unused keys.
Use a unique key for Writing Crucible rather than reusing keys from other tools.