API and Studio
Integrating your software or starting in a browser? Choose the workflow that fits your task.
On this page
Compare the two workflows
| Consideration | API | Studio |
|---|---|---|
| Best suited for | Application integration, automation and compatible clients. | Browser chat, model exploration and workspace media tasks. |
| Setup | Prepare a key, model ID, endpoint and eligible funds. | Sign in, check balance or entitlements, then choose a model. |
| Controls | Your application or client manages parameters, responses and workflow. | Choose settings, submit tasks and view results in the interface. |
| Usage review | Reconcile calls by time, model and request identifier. | Review conversations or generation tasks together with Usage. |
Using the API
The API fits workflows you control, such as adding AI conversation to a product, processing documents or connecting a coding tool.
- Create an API key and check the model and group access.
- Configure the endpoint and exact model ID for the client’s protocol.
- Send a short request, confirm it completes, then review Usage.
Keep keys on the server in your own applications and out of public browser code or repositories. Follow a third-party client’s credential storage instructions.
View endpoints and protocolsUsing Studio
Studio is the browser workspace. Select Chat, Image or Video and use the models and settings available in that view.
- Chat: choose a model, send a message and continue the conversation.
- Image: use available image models and specifications, then review results.
- Video: configure available settings and review generation tasks.
Usage and Billing & Credits are part of the same workspace, so you can review them after a task.
Costs and permissions
Both workflows require funds or actual entitlements eligible for the request. Check costs for the selected model, workflow and current rate; availability and pricing are not automatically identical between Studio and the public API.
The four all-model plans on the pricing page are currently previews and cannot be purchased. Registration, Studio sign-in and key creation do not grant these allowances.
Third-party clients and CC Switch
Clients such as Codex and Claude Code connect through their supported protocols. Follow the relevant guide for setup and supported features.
CC Switch is an optional tool for managing multiple API key profiles and switching them with one click. You can also configure clients directly. CC Switch does not provide model credit or change key permissions or billing.