How to Set Up Your OpenAI API Key in CotranslatorAI for the First Time

Important: This walkthrough (both the video above and the written instructions below) is specifically for first-time registration. If you already have an OpenAI Platform account (not a ChatGPT subscription, which is a different service and does not provide an API key), please refer to the detailed instructions in Section 1-4. OpenAI Platform of the The CotranslatorAI Guide on our Documentation page. ⇒

Follow these three easy steps to set up your OpenAI API key in CotranslatorAI for the first time:

Step 1: Set up your OpenAI Platform account

  1. Go to platform.openai.com.

  2. If you don’t have an account, click Sign up.

  3. Enter your email, create a password, and verify your email address using the code sent to your inbox.

  4. Fill in your profile details and agree to the terms of service.

Step 2: Generate and enter your API key

On the OpenAI website:

  1. Once logged in, you may be asked to set up an organization. Name it whatever you like, select your profession, and click Create organization. (You can skip the “Invite your team” step).

  2. Ensure the project setting is on Default project.

  3. Click Generate API Key.

  4. CRITICAL: You will only see this key once. Click the Copy button immediately to save it to your clipboard.

In CotranslatorAI:

  1. Open the CotranslatorAI software.

  2. A pop-up window should appear asking for your key.

    • Note: If you don’t see the pop-up, close and restart the application.

  3. Select the option: “I already have my OpenAI API key and I am ready to enter it now.”

  4. Paste your key into the text box and click Submit.

  5. You will see a confirmation message that the software is connected.

Step 3: Add credit to your account

The API requires a balance to run, but it is very affordable for text translation.

  1. Go back to the OpenAI Platform website.

  2. You will be prompted to add credits. Select $5 credits (this is plenty to get started and lasts a long time).

  3. Click Purchase credits.

  4. Enter your payment details and confirm the purchase.

  5. Give the system a minute to update your balance.

You are all set! CotranslatorAI is now fully set up and ready for your translation tasks.

Here’s Why Having the “Power of the Key” Makes All the Difference!

Thanks again for your work both on the app and in the seminars! This is the best piece of translation tech in a very long time!

Martin Cross, Japanese Translator and senior linguist at PatentTranslations.com