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API Keys

OpenAI API key

An OpenAI API key is required to use transcription and AI features. The key grants access to:

  • Whisper — speech-to-text for all dictation and meeting transcription
  • GPT-4 — auto-editing of dictated text and meeting note enhancement

Getting an API key

  1. Sign up or log in at platform.openai.com.
  2. Navigate to API Keys in the left sidebar.
  3. Click Create new secret key.
  4. Copy the key — you will not be able to view it again after closing the dialog.

Entering your key

  1. Open Voice Recorder Forge and click the Settings tab.
  2. Paste your key into the OpenAI API Key field.
  3. Click Save Settings.

A valid key starts with sk- and is at least 20 characters long. The input field masks the key by default; click the eye icon to reveal it.

If the key is missing or invalid, a warning banner appears at the top of the app and recording features will not work.

Costs

OpenAI bills per minute of audio transcribed (Whisper) and per token used (GPT-4). Whisper is charged by the minute of audio. GPT-4 is charged per input and output token. Refer to the OpenAI pricing page for current rates.

Anthropic API key

The Anthropic API key field is optional and reserved for a future Claude integration. Entering a key here has no effect in the current release.

Getting a key (optional)

If you want to have your key ready for when Claude integration is enabled:

  1. Sign up at console.anthropic.com.
  2. Navigate to API Keys and create a new key.
  3. Paste it into the Anthropic API Key field in Settings.

Security

Both API keys are stored locally in the SQLite database at:

| Platform | Path | |----------|------| | Windows | %APPDATA%\VoiceAssistant\app.db | | macOS | ~/Library/Application Support/VoiceAssistant/app.db | | Linux | ~/.config/VoiceAssistant/app.db |

Keys are only ever sent to the respective services (OpenAI or Anthropic) when making API calls. They are not transmitted anywhere else, stored in plaintext files, or included in any logs or error reports.

Keep your API keys private. If a key is compromised, revoke it immediately from the OpenAI or Anthropic dashboard and generate a new one.