Setting up your own AI key (Gemini, OpenAI, or Anthropic)
Connect your Gemini, OpenAI, or Anthropic key to unlock AI writing assistance — you pay the AI provider directly, VeloCMS adds zero markup.
VeloCMS uses a bring-your-own-key (BYOK) model for AI features. You supply your own API key from Gemini, OpenAI, or Anthropic, and VeloCMS proxies the AI calls to the provider server-side using your encrypted key — the key itself never touches the browser. You pay the provider at their standard rates — VeloCMS charges no markup or AI platform fee.
Getting a Gemini API key
Go to aistudio.google.com and sign in with your Google account. Click 'Get API key' in the left sidebar, then 'Create API key'. Select 'Create API key in new project' (or an existing project). Copy the key — it starts with AI. Gemini Flash usage is free up to the generous free tier; beyond that billing is on your Google Cloud account.
Getting an OpenAI API key
Go to platform.openai.com, navigate to API keys (top-right menu → API keys), and click 'Create new secret key'. Give it a name like 'VeloCMS', copy the key immediately (you won't see it again), and set a spending limit under Usage limits if you want a safety cap. OpenAI keys start with sk-.
Getting an Anthropic API key
Go to console.anthropic.com and sign in (or create an account). Navigate to API Keys in the left sidebar and click 'Create Key'. Give it a name like 'VeloCMS' and copy the key immediately — it starts with sk-ant-. Anthropic bills per-token on the account you create the key under; set a spending limit under Plans & Billing if you want a safety cap.
Adding the key in VeloCMS
Go to Admin → Settings → AI. Select your provider from the dropdown (Gemini, OpenAI, or Anthropic) and paste your API key into the key field. Click Save. VeloCMS validates the key by making a minimal test request. If validation passes, the AI assistant lights up in the post editor. Your key is encrypted with AES-256-GCM before storage — it is never saved in plain text.
Do not use a key without usage limits in production, especially if your blog has team members with editor access. Anyone who can open the post editor can trigger AI completions, which count against your key.
Switching providers
You can swap providers at any time from Admin → Settings → AI. Clear the existing key, change the provider, and paste the new key. The change takes effect immediately for all new AI requests. Old completions already in your posts are not affected.