How to Set Up Your API Key for Mr. Pine Cone the Pinegrow AI Assistant – A Simple Guide

To use AI features with the Mr Pinecone assistant, a subscription to OpenAI or Anthropic is required. Integration is done simply through a personal API key, giving you access to powerful models like GPT or Claude.

First of all, it’s important to understand that accessing AI features through the Mr Pinecone assistant requires a paid subscription with an AI provider like OpenAI or Anthropic. This subscription model ensures reliable access to high-quality AI services while giving you control over your usage.

Once subscribed, you can seamlessly integrate OpenAI (ChatGPT) or Anthropic (Claude) into Pinegrow by using your personal API key. This same key can be utilized across numerous third-party applications that support the increasingly popular BYOAK (Bring Your Own API Key) approach, maximizing the value of your subscription and giving you flexibility in how you use these AI services.

Option 1: OpenAI (ChatGPT) API Key

Create Your Account

Go to platform.openai.com
Click “Sign Up”
Use your email and create a password
Verify your email address

Get Your API Key

Log in to your account
Click on your profile (top right)
Select “View API Keys”
Click “Create New Secret Key” (name it Pinegrow for example)
Copy your key and save it somewhere safe
Important: You can’t see this key again after closing the window!

Set Up Payment

Add a credit card
Start with a small amount to test (see https://openai.com/api/pricing/)
Don’t worry – you only pay for what you use

Option 2: Anthropic (Claude) API Key

Set Up Your Account

Visit console.anthropic.com
Click “Sign Up”
Fill in your details and your payment details (see https://www.anthropic.com/pricing#anthropic-api)
Check your email to verify

Get Your API Key

Log into your account
Go to the API section
Create a new key
Save it securely
Remember: Keep this key private!

Using Your Key with Pinegrow

Open Pinegrow AI Assistant Tab
Click on the Open Settings dialog button
From the API providers section select OpenAI or Anthropic (or any other compatible provider)
Paste your key
Setup the Active model*
Save changes
That’s it! You’re ready to go

Screenshot of the Pinegrow interface with the AI Assistant tab open. The button for accessing the settings is highlighted.

Screenshot of the AI Assistant settings in Pinegrow

For Quick, you should set up the more cost-effective model, and for Smart, you should go with the smarter (but more token-expensive) model for your project.

If you have a subscription with OpenAI and a subscription with Anthropic, you can even use different source models for Quick and Smart.

Make sure to check your provider’s prices for the different model capacities and token consumption.

Important Tips

Keep It Safe

Never share your API key
Don’t post it online
Store it securely
If worried, you can always create a new key

Watch Your Usage

Start small
Check your costs regularly from your account dashboard (available from your API provider)
Set budget alerts if available
You can always adjust or stop

Common Questions

Q: How much will it cost?
A: Most users spend very little (average is 15 to 30 dollars per month when you use AI daily). You only pay for what you use.
Read more about pricing at https://www.anthropic.com/pricing and https://openai.com/api/pricing/

Q: Which service should I choose?
A: Both OpenAI and Anthropic are excellent. Start with OpenAI if you’re familiar with ChatGPT.
The Pinegrow team recommendation: Our various tests have shown that we get the best results using Claude 3.5 (Anthropic) as the smart model.

Q: Is it difficult to set up?
A: Not at all! If you can create an email account, you can do this.

Q: What if I need help?
A: Pinegrow support is always available to help you.

Need More Help?

Contact Pinegrow Support
Join the community forum

Remember: Getting your own API key might seem like an extra step, but it’s worth it for the control and flexibility it gives you.