Choosing an AI connection

An API key

An API key is a kind of password with which Stambeam can ask a provider questions on your behalf. You pay per question, usually a few cents. Nothing needs to be installed.

You can choose from three providers: Anthropic (Claude, recommended), OpenAI (GPT) or Google (Gemini). Your questions go to the provider you choose.

1. 1
   Make an account
   With Anthropic at console.anthropic.com, with OpenAI at platform.openai.com, with Google at aistudio.google.com. Add credit or turn on billing.
2. 2
   Set a limit
   Set a monthly limit or a budget alert with the provider, so you keep the cost in hand.
3. 3
   Create a key
   Create an API key there and copy it.
4. 4
   Paste it in Stambeam
   Go to Settings, AI, Connection, paste the key in the field and click Save. The button Open website takes you to the right page.
5. 5
   Test the connection
   Click Test connection. If it works, you see that the connection to the AI provider works.

A program on your computer

Do you already have a subscription? Then Stambeam can work through a program on your computer: Claude Code (Claude Pro or Max) or Codex (ChatGPT). You do not need a key and pay nothing per question. You install the program yourself and log in once in a terminal. This is more for advanced users.

Note: Codex is an agent that can use tools of its own. Stambeam turns those off as far as it can, but cannot fully guarantee that Codex does nothing else with your question. If you want certainty, choose Claude Code or an API key.

Your key is safe

The key is stored only in your computer’s secure storage, never in your tree file. Stambeam cannot show it again afterwards.