# AI Keys

> Source: https://parallelworks.com/docs/ai/ai-keys

# AI Keys

AI keys let external tools and applications authenticate to your organization's [AI providers](/docs/ai/ai-providers/) through the ACTIVATE AI gateway. Requests made with a key are proxied through the platform, where token usage is metered and billed — so programmatic access carries the same governance as the rest of ACTIVATE.

Each key is bound to a budget allocation when it is created. Usage made with the key draws from that allocation, and once the allocation's budget is exhausted, further requests are rejected with a payment-required error before they reach a model. Usage made with a key is tracked on the [AI Usage](/docs/ai/ai-usage) dashboard, where it can be broken down per key.

## Managing Keys {#ai-api-keys}

AI keys belong to your user account — each user creates and manages their own keys. To manage your keys, navigate to **AI** > **AI Keys** in the sidebar.

The page lists each key with its creation date, expiration date, when it was last used, and its allocation, if any. Use the **Filter keys** field to search the list.

Click **Create key** to add a new key.

:::info Note

Keys are shown once at creation. Store them in a password manager — once you navigate away, you won't be able to see the key again.

:::

To revoke a key, click the delete icon in its row.

## Using a Key with the OpenAI-Compatible API

The gateway exposes an OpenAI-compatible API, so existing SDKs and tools work when pointed at ACTIVATE instead of directly at a vendor. Send requests to the chat completions endpoint at `/api/openai/v1/chat/completions`, authenticating with an AI key. Model IDs use the format `owner:provider-name/model-name`.

For step-by-step setup guides for tools like Open WebUI, OpenCode, Kilo Code, and Cursor, see [Connect External Tools](/docs/ai/ai-providers/connect/).

## Related Documentation

- [AI Providers](/docs/ai/ai-providers/) — Connect the model backends behind the gateway
- [AI Usage](/docs/ai/ai-usage) — Track spend, tokens, and budget allocations
- [Chat](/docs/ai/chat/) — Using the chat interface