Configure your first AI provider

To use models in the EidoStack AI Playground, connect an OpenAI, Anthropic, or Google AI API key. Your key is stored in the encrypted browser vault and used when you send a request to that provider. This lets you chat with supported models, try prompts, and compare responses in one workspace. EidoStack does not issue provider keys, and signing in with Google or GitHub does not automatically connect an AI provider.

Before you add a key

Sign in to EidoStack and obtain an API key from the provider account that should receive the usage charges. You need a browser vault before keys can be stored. If this is your first session, use Complete workspace setup first.

The prefixes are only examples of the input placeholders. EidoStack saves the value you provide and asks the selected provider to validate it when a model request is made.

Add or replace a provider key

1. In the workspace, select the settings button in the top-right corner.

2. Select Providers in the settings navigation.

3. Create or unlock the vault. The provider fields remain unavailable while it is locked.
4. Find OpenAI, Anthropic, or Google AI, paste the key in its field, and select Save.
5. Wait for the Keys saved locally confirmation.

Saving encrypts the configured provider-key record in browser storage for the signed-in account. EidoStack also records which provider families are configured so that plan limits can be applied, but the application database does not receive the provider-key value itself. Read API key vault before using a shared or unmanaged device.

To replace a key, enter the new value and select Save again. There is no separate “test key” action: select a model from that provider in the Playground and send a short prompt to confirm the connection.

Choose a model from the connected provider

After saving a key, open a Playground chat and select the model name in the prompt toolbar. Search or filter the supported models to choose one for your task. The selected model must belong to a provider with a saved API key; you do not need keys for every model shown in the catalog.

If the desired model is hidden, open Settings > Models and enable it. Select and manage models explains the visibility controls.

Understand provider limits and charges

EidoStack uses a bring-your-own-key model. Each request is sent with your chosen provider credential, so provider usage and quota are associated with that provider account. The token and cost figures shown in EidoStack are estimates based on the selected model’s catalog pricing; they do not replace the provider invoice.

Your EidoStack plan controls workspace limits independently of provider billing. The Free plan permits one configured provider and comparison in up to five chats, while Pro access permits unlimited configured providers, chats, and messages. See Plans, limits, and billing for the current workspace limits.

Resolve common connection problems

The field is disabled

The browser vault is locked or has not been created. Use Create Master Password or Unlock in the Providers settings section, then save the key.

The chat says the selected model requires a key

The active model belongs to a provider that does not have a saved key in the unlocked vault. Select Open Provider Settings, save the matching provider key, or select a model from a configured provider.

A provider-limit message appears when saving

The configured provider would exceed the current plan’s limit. On Free, keep one configured provider or request Pro access from the Subscription settings section. The existing saved key remains available until you replace or remove it.

Once your first prompt succeeds, explore Use the chat workspace for everyday conversations, or use Compare model responses to inspect how two models respond to the same request.