Configuring Your OpenAI API Key#

Louie uses OpenAI’s powerful language models to provide AI-driven data analysis and conversational features. To enable these capabilities, you’ll need to configure your OpenAI API key.

Step 1: Get Your OpenAI API Key#

First, you’ll need to create an API key from OpenAI:

  1. Visit OpenAI’s Platform

  2. Sign up or sign in to your account

  3. Navigate to API Keys in your account settings

  4. Click Create new secret key

  5. Give your key a descriptive name (e.g., “Louie Desktop”)

  6. Copy the generated key to your clipboard - you won’t be able to see it again

Important: Keep your API key secure and never share it publicly.

Step 2: Add Your API Key to Louie#

Once you have your API key copied to your clipboard, configure it in Louie:

  1. Click Agent Config in the bottom left corner of Louie

    Agent Config Button

  2. Click OpenAI from the configuration options

    OpenAI Option

  3. Click New Configuration on the modal that appears

    New Configuration Button

  4. Enter your API key in the credentials field (paste from clipboard)

    Enter Credentials

  5. Click Save to complete the configuration

Your OpenAI API key is now configured and ready to use!

Understanding OpenAI Usage and Billing#

OpenAI charges based on your API usage:

  • Token-based billing - Costs are calculated based on input and output tokens

  • Monitor your usage - Check your OpenAI dashboard regularly

  • Set up billing - Add payment information at OpenAI Billing

Troubleshooting#

Invalid API Key#

If you receive an “Invalid API Key” error:

  • Verify you copied the entire key

  • Check that the key hasn’t been revoked in your OpenAI account

  • Ensure there are no extra spaces or characters

  • Generate a new key if needed

Rate Limit Errors#

If you encounter rate limiting:

  • Wait a few minutes and try again

  • Check your OpenAI usage tier

  • Consider upgrading your OpenAI plan

Insufficient Credits#

If you see “Insufficient credits” errors:

  • Add payment information to your OpenAI account

  • Set up a billing plan

  • Check your billing settings at OpenAI Billing

Next Steps#

  • Connect Your Data Sources

  • Start Your First Analysis

  • Explore AI-Powered Features

Additional Resources#