# API Keys Setup Guide

URL: https://research-memex.org/docs/implementation/ai-environment-setup/api-keys-setup-guide
Description: Get free API access from Google AI Studio, OpenRouter, and other providers to power your AI research tools with multiple model families



<GuideMeta>
  Beginner · 20–30 min · Google account; Cherry Studio for configuration
</GuideMeta>

*Models are the engines. API keys are the ignition switches that let you choose which to start.*

## Overview [#overview]

This guide helps you set up and manage API keys for AI models and services. You need them to access the tools used in the Research Memex workflow.

Benefits:

* Access to AI models for different tasks
* Free tier options for testing and development
* Redundancy across providers for reliability
* Cost-effective access through multiple free tiers

Required setup:

* Google AI Studio (Primary - Required)
* OpenRouter (Recommended for model testing)

Optional providers:

* Anthropic Claude (via API)
* OpenAI GPT models
* Other specialized providers

## Provider setup [#provider-setup]

<Tabs>
  <Tab title="Google AI Studio" icon="google">
    ### Required - Free Tier Available [#required---free-tier-available]

    Google AI Studio gives you direct Gemini API access with free-tier options. Use it for course work, testing, and backup access when other providers are unavailable.

    Get your API key:

    1. Visit [Google AI Studio](https://aistudio.google.com)
    2. Sign in with your Google account (create one if needed)
    3. Click &#x2A;*"Get API key"** in the left menu
    4. Your API key will be generated instantly - no billing required
    5. Copy and save your API key securely

    Current Gemini API models:

    | Model                   | Status  | Best for                                                         |
    | ----------------------- | ------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------- |
    | Gemini 3.5 Flash        | Stable  | Strong default for sustained coding, agentic, and research tasks |
    | Gemini 3.1 Pro          | Preview | Complex reasoning and large-context analysis                     |
    | Gemini 3 Flash          | Preview | Frontier-class performance at lower cost                         |
    | Gemini 3.1 Flash-Lite   | Stable  | High-volume summarization, tagging, and screening                |
    | Gemini embedding models | Varies  | Document similarity and semantic search                          |

    Free-tier limits change frequently. Check the [official rate-limits page](https://ai.google.dev/gemini-api/docs/rate-limits) and [Gemini model list](https://ai.google.dev/gemini-api/docs/models) before relying on a quota for teaching or batch work.

    Configure in Cherry Studio:

    1. Open Cherry Studio → Settings → AI Providers
    2. Add Google AI Studio
    3. Paste your API key
    4. Choose Gemini 3.5 Flash as the default, or Gemini 3.1 Pro preview for complex analysis
    5. Test the connection
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="OpenRouter" icon="route">
    ### Recommended - Multi-Model Access [#recommended---multi-model-access]

    OpenRouter gives you access to 100+ AI models through a single API. Test different models without managing multiple accounts.

    Setup steps:

    1. Visit [OpenRouter.ai](https://openrouter.ai)
    2. Sign up with email or Google account
    3. Add credits (minimum $5 recommended):
       * Use credit card or crypto
       * Credits never expire
       * Pay once, use across all models

    Get your API key:

    1. Go to [Keys section](https://openrouter.ai/keys)
    2. Click &#x2A;*"Create Key"**
    3. Name it "Systematic Review Course"
    4. Copy the generated API key

    <Warning>
      OpenRouter charges a service fee when you buy credits.
    </Warning>

    Configure in Cherry Studio:

    1. In Cherry Studio Settings → AI Providers
    2. Add OpenRouter
    3. Paste your API key
    4. Start with `anthropic/claude-sonnet-5` or the current provider-recommended Sonnet alias
    5. Test multiple models by changing the model name

    Benefits:

    * 100+ models from various providers
    * Free models for testing available
    * Single API for all providers
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Other Providers" icon="ellipsis">
    ### Optional - Direct Provider Access [#optional---direct-provider-access]

    Direct access to specific models:

    Anthropic Claude

    * URL: [console.anthropic.com](https://console.anthropic.com)
    * Monthly free tier available
    * Best for: Claude-specific features

    OpenAI GPT

    * URL: [platform.openai.com](https://platform.openai.com)
    * Pay-as-you-go pricing
    * Best for: GPT model family

    Configuration:

    Configure these in Cherry Studio the same way as Google AI Studio and OpenRouter:

    1. Open Cherry Studio → Settings → AI Providers
    2. Add the provider
    3. Paste your API key
    4. Test the connection
  </Tab>
</Tabs>

## Testing your setup [#testing-your-setup]

Most platforms include built-in testing tools:

Cherry Studio:

* Use the @key syntax to compare models simultaneously (e.g., `@gpt-5.5 @claude-sonnet-5 Compare these approaches...`)
* See [Cherry Studio Setup Guide](/docs/implementation/agentic-ai-tools/cherry-studio-setup-guide) for detailed testing instructions

OpenRouter:

* Visit [openrouter.ai/chat](https://openrouter.ai/chat) for web-based model testing
* Try free models without setup
* Compare responses across different providers
* OpenRouter charges a service fee when you buy credits.

## Cost management [#cost-management]

Free and paid tiers:

* Google AI Studio: Free tier with daily limits
* OpenRouter: Free models for testing, pay-as-you-go for extensive use (service fee applies)
* Other providers: Free and paid options available

Budget tips:

* Start with free tiers for testing
* Monitor usage in provider dashboards
* Use course-provided API budget for intensive work

## Security best practices [#security-best-practices]

API key storage:

* Use password managers or secure notes
* Never store in plain text or shared documents
* Cherry Studio stores your keys securely

Multiple providers:

* Set up Google AI Studio as primary (free)
* Use OpenRouter for testing different models
* Have backup providers ready

## Quick reference [#quick-reference]

### Provider comparison [#provider-comparison]

| Provider          | Setup Difficulty | Free Tier   | Best For                 |
| ----------------- | ---------------- | ----------- | ------------------------ |
| Google AI Studio  | Easy             | Excellent   | Primary course work      |
| OpenRouter        | Easy             | Free + Paid | Model testing/comparison |
| Other Direct APIs | Medium           | Varies      | Specialized model access |

### Recommended configurations [#recommended-configurations]

For beginners:

1. Google AI Studio (primary)
2. OpenRouter (secondary)

For advanced users:

1. Google AI Studio (free work)
2. OpenRouter (model testing)
3. Additional providers as needed

For budget-conscious users:

1. Google AI Studio (free)
2. OpenRouter (cost-effective multi-model)

### Cost estimates [#cost-estimates]

Monthly budget examples:

* Light usage: $0-5 (Google AI Studio free)
* Moderate usage: $5-15 (OpenRouter + occasional paid)
* Heavy usage: $15-50 (Multiple providers)

## Resources [#resources]

* [Google AI Studio Documentation](https://ai.google.dev/aistudio)
* [OpenRouter Model Rankings](https://openrouter.ai/models)
* [Anthropic API Docs](https://docs.anthropic.com)
* [OpenAI API Reference](https://developers.openai.com/api/reference/overview)