How to Use OpenRouter

Step 1: Sign Up

Creating an account is your first step to harnessing the power of AI models on our platform. Visit the registration page and fill in the required fields, including your email address and a secure password. It’s important to choose a strong password to protect your account. After submitting the registration form, check your email for a confirmation link. Click the link to verify your email address and activate your account. This ensures that you will receive important updates and information regarding your account and our services.

Step 2: Set Up Your Organization

For users who plan to utilize our services as a team, setting up an organization at this stage can be beneficial. This feature allows multiple users to collaborate on projects, share credits, and manage workflows efficiently. To set up your organization, navigate to the settings page after signing in. You’ll be prompted to enter your organization name and invite team members via their email addresses. If you do not wish to set up an organization immediately, you can skip this step and do it later.

Step 3: Buy Credits

Credits are essential for accessing and using our models. After setting up your account and organization, proceed to the billing section on your dashboard. Here, you can view various credit packages available. For instance, you might choose to buy $99 worth of credits for extensive usage. Review the costs and select the appropriate package that meets your needs. Completing the transaction is quick, and you can start using your credits almost immediately.

Step 4: Retrieve Your API Key

Once you have purchased credits, the next step is to generate your API key. This API key serves as a unique identifier that allows you to make requests to our models. To create one, go to the API section in your dashboard and follow the instructions provided. Your API key will be displayed, and it's crucial to keep this key secure. Avoid sharing it publicly as it is linked to your account and usage.

Step 5: Choose a Model

With your API key in hand, it’s time to explore the various models available on our platform. Each model has distinctive characteristics and capabilities. For example, the Gemini 2.5 Pro Preview has low latency and impressive weekly growth metrics, making it suitable for rapid request handling. On the other hand, GPT-4.1 provides high-quality text generation, albeit with a longer response time. Take your time to read through the documentation that specifies the unique attributes of each model. Choose a model based on your specific needs and the type of data you wish to process.

Step 6: Making Your First Request

After selecting a model, use your API key to make your first request. It’s helpful to refer to our API documentation, which offers detailed guidelines on request formats, parameters, and response structures. Start with a simple request to get a feel of how the system works. As a beginner, understanding how to format your requests is crucial. Pay attention to any error messages and adjust your requests accordingly. This will enhance your learning and ensure that you start off on the right foot.

Step 7: Explore Advanced Features

Once you are comfortable with making basic requests, dive deeper into advanced features our platform offers. Explore options for customizing requests and learn about different integration methods for your projects. Advanced features may include fine-tuning models, adjusting parameters for optimal results, or using multiple models in conjunction to achieve specific outcomes. This exploration will not only enhance your capabilities but also enable you to maximize the potential benefits of our AI offerings.

By following these steps, you will have a comprehensive understanding of the user journey from registration through to utilizing key features of our site. Whether you’re working individually or as part of a team, these guidelines are designed to make your experience as seamless as possible.