Getting Started
API Keys Setup Guide
Get free API access from Google AI Studio, OpenRouter, and other providers to power your AI research tools with multiple model families
Beginner · 20–30 min · Google account; Cherry Studio for configuration
Models are the engines. API keys are the ignition switches that let you choose which to start.
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
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:
- Visit Google AI Studio
- Sign in with your Google account (create one if needed)
- Click "Get API key" in the left menu
- Your API key will be generated instantly - no billing required
- 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 and Gemini model list before relying on a quota for teaching or batch work.
Configure in Cherry Studio:
- Open Cherry Studio → Settings → AI Providers
- Add Google AI Studio
- Paste your API key
- Choose Gemini 3.5 Flash as the default, or Gemini 3.1 Pro preview for complex analysis
- Test the connection
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 for detailed testing instructions
OpenRouter:
- Visit 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
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
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
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
For beginners:
- Google AI Studio (primary)
- OpenRouter (secondary)
For advanced users:
- Google AI Studio (free work)
- OpenRouter (model testing)
- Additional providers as needed
For budget-conscious users:
- Google AI Studio (free)
- OpenRouter (cost-effective multi-model)
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
cite this page
Lin, X. (2026). API Keys Setup Guide. Research Memex. https://research-memex.org/docs/implementation/ai-environment-setup/api-keys-setup-guide
@misc{docs-implementation-ai-environment-setup-api-keys-setup-guide-2026,
author = {Xule Lin},
title = {API Keys Setup Guide},
year = {2026},
howpublished = {\url{https://research-memex.org/docs/implementation/ai-environment-setup/api-keys-setup-guide}},
note = {ORCID: 0000-0001-7885-4194}
}one renderingthe source remains