OpenRouter API Key Setup

Step-by-step setup guide for creating an OpenRouter account, generating an API key, and configuring it for compatible ChemIllusion AI tools.

Add your own OpenRouter API key to route compatible ChemIllusion AI tools through your OpenRouter account. The key is validated before it is stored. See which models power ChemIllusion and how free OpenRouter tiers fit in.

Step 1: Create an OpenRouter account

  1. Go to openrouter.ai.
  2. Select "Sign Up" or "Get Started".
  3. Verify your email address.

Step 2: Create an API key

  1. Open the "Keys" section in your dashboard.
  2. Click "Create Key".
  3. Copy the new key (it is only shown once).

Step 3: Add the key to ChemIllusion

  1. Visit Account Settings.
  2. Find the "OpenRouter API Key" section.
  3. Paste your key and select "Save Key".
  4. Wait for the validation confirmation.

Step 4: Use it inside ChemIllusion

  1. Open Account Settings in ChemIllusion.
  2. Confirm the AI Access tile shows your key as configured.
  3. Use compatible AI surfaces such as Figure Agent, Chem Assistant, and AI Suggestions.

Important ChemIllusion limits

  • ChemIllusion still enforces its own AI-action budgets, trial windows, and plan caps even when you use your own OpenRouter key.
  • ChemIllusion free/basic access can start with a short ChemIllusion-hosted OpenRouter courtesy path before you save your own key, but ChemIllusion caps still apply during that period.
  • These are the current offer details from OpenRouter. See the OpenRouter limits reference.
  • OpenRouter free model variants ending in :free can make up to 20 requests per minute.
  • If you have purchased less than 10 OpenRouter credits, OpenRouter limits :free models to 50 requests per day.
  • If you have purchased at least 10 OpenRouter credits, OpenRouter raises that :free daily limit to 1000 requests per day.

Security and rotation tips

  • If OpenRouter supports key restrictions, limit the key to trusted IPs or domains where possible.
  • Create keys with the minimum permissions needed for lab report analysis.
  • Rotate your key regularly (for example, every 60-90 days).
  • Monitor OpenRouter usage for unexpected spikes or unfamiliar requests.

Screenshot

Related reading

More product updates and walkthroughs are on the ChemIllusion blog.