How to Connect Folian to ChatGPT or Claude

A simple guide to bring-your-own AI keys.

Bring your own AI keys sounds technical, but the idea is simple.

Folian lets you connect your own AI provider, such as OpenAI or Claude, so you can use AI inside your writing workspace.

Folian provides the writing system. Your AI provider provides the model.

That gives writers more choice, more control and a clearer way to manage AI usage while working on a long-form writing project.

What does bring your own keys mean?

An AI key is a secure connection between Folian and your AI provider.

When you add your key to Folian, Folian can send writing requests to the provider you choose. That might be OpenAI, Claude or another supported provider in the future.

You do not need to code.

The setup is usually simple. You create an account with the AI provider, create a new API key, copy it, paste it into Folian and test the connection.

That is the whole idea.

Why Folian uses this model

Folian uses bring-your-own AI keys because it gives writers more control.

Many AI products bundle AI usage into the subscription price, which can make plans more expensive or limit how much a writer can use the product.

Folian takes a different approach.

You bring your own supported AI provider, manage your own usage and choose the model that suits your workflow.

That means Folian can focus on the writing system itself, the manuscript, story bible, canon, planning, style and long-form control.

Is this the same as ChatGPT Plus?

No.

A ChatGPT Plus subscription and OpenAI API usage are separate.

ChatGPT Plus gives you access to ChatGPT inside the ChatGPT app. OpenAI API access allows another app, such as Folian, to connect to OpenAI models using an API key.

Many non-technical users assume their ChatGPT subscription automatically covers API usage in other tools, but it usually does not.

If you want to use OpenAI inside Folian, you will need an OpenAI Platform account with API access.

Read Folian vs ChatGPT for writing a novel.

How to create an OpenAI API key

The exact interface may change over time, but the basic process is usually straightforward.

1. Go to the OpenAI Platform.
2. Sign in or create an account.
3. Open the API keys section.
4. Create a new secret key.
5. Copy the key.
6. Open Folian.
7. Go to Settings.
8. Choose AI Providers.
9. Paste the key into the OpenAI field.
10. Save and test the connection.

Treat your API key like a password. Do not share it publicly, paste it into social posts or store it in documents other people can access.

How to create a Claude API key

Claude API access is managed through Anthropic.

The exact interface may change, but the usual process is:

1. Go to the Anthropic Console.
2. Sign in or create an account.
3. Open account settings.
4. Find API keys.
5. Create a new key.
6. Copy the key.
7. Open Folian.
8. Go to Settings.
9. Choose AI Providers.
10. Paste the key into the Claude field.
11. Save and test the connection.

Before heavy use, check your Anthropic billing and usage settings so you understand how usage is charged.

How to manage AI usage costs

AI providers usually charge based on usage.

That means your cost depends on the provider, the model, the amount of text being processed and how often you use it.

For a writing app, usage can vary. A small brainstorming request will usually be lighter than asking an AI model to review a long chapter with story bible context and revision instructions.

To stay in control, start with small tests, check your provider dashboard regularly, set usage limits where available, use lighter models for simpler tasks, use stronger models only when the job needs them and review billing settings before long writing sessions.

Folian should make AI-assisted writing feel more controlled, not more confusing.

Is my API key safe?

Your API key should be treated like a password.

Folian should store it securely and should never ask you to paste it into public places, comments, shared files or support threads.

If you think a key has been exposed, delete it from your AI provider account and create a new one.

You should also be able to remove or replace your key in Folian settings.

Do I need to be technical?

No.

The setup is copy and paste.

The technical part is handled by Folian and the AI provider. You only need to create the key, add it to Folian and test the connection.

For most writers, the important thing is not the technical language. It is understanding the relationship:

Folian is the writing system.

Your AI provider is the model.

Your key connects the two.

Why this matters for writers

Bring-your-own keys gives writers more control over the tools they use.

It means Folian does not have to hide AI usage behind complicated limits, and writers are not locked into a single provider.

For long-form fiction, that flexibility matters.

Some writers may want a cheaper model for brainstorming and a stronger model for chapter-level revision. Some may prefer Claude for style and OpenAI for planning. Some may want to change providers as models improve.

Folian is being built to support that kind of control, because writers should be able to decide which tools belong in their process.

Folian gives the story structure.
Your AI key gives it the model.
Together, they help you use AI with more control across a long-form writing project.