Setting Up Your OpenAI API Key for VibeWhisper

VibeWhisper uses the OpenAI Whisper API for speech-to-text transcription. To use it, you need an OpenAI API key. This guide walks through the process of getting a key, entering it in VibeWhisper, and understanding the associated costs.

Step 1: Create an OpenAI Account

If you do not already have an OpenAI account, go to platform.openai.com and sign up. You can use an email address or sign in with an existing Google or Microsoft account.

If you already have an account (for example, from using ChatGPT), you can use the same account. The API and ChatGPT share a login but have separate billing.

Step 2: Generate an API Key

Once logged in:

1. Go to the API keys page
2. Click Create new secret key
3. Give the key a name (e.g., “VibeWhisper”)
4. Copy the key immediately

The full key is only displayed once. If you lose it, you will need to generate a new one. The key starts with sk- followed by a long string of characters.

Step 3: Add Billing Information

The Whisper API is a paid service. You need to add a payment method before API calls will work.

1. In the OpenAI dashboard, go to Settings > Billing
2. Click Add payment method and enter your card details
3. Optionally, set a monthly usage limit to cap your spending

OpenAI offers prepaid credits and auto-recharge options. For typical VibeWhisper usage, even a $5 prepaid balance will last a long time.

Step 4: Enter the Key in VibeWhisper

1. Click the VibeWhisper icon in the macOS menu bar
2. Open the settings panel
3. Paste your API key into the API key field
4. The key is stored in the macOS Keychain

Your API key is stored securely in the macOS Keychain — the same system used for passwords and certificates. It is never transmitted to VibeWhisper servers. The key is only used for direct API calls to OpenAI.

Step 5: Test the Connection

After entering your key:

1. Make sure your microphone is working
2. Hold your push-to-talk shortcut key
3. Say a short phrase, like “testing one two three”
4. Release the key

If the transcribed text appears in your focused text field, everything is working correctly.

Understanding Costs

The OpenAI Whisper API costs approximately $0.006 per minute of audio. VibeWhisper does not add any markup.

Typical usage costs:

Usage	Approximate Cost
10-second dictation	~$0.001
30 minutes per day	~$0.18/day
30 minutes per day, 20 workdays	~$3.60/month

For most developers, monthly Whisper API costs are under $5. You can monitor your usage in the OpenAI usage dashboard.

Setting a Spending Limit

To avoid unexpected charges, you can set a monthly usage limit in the OpenAI dashboard:

1. Go to Settings > Limits in the OpenAI dashboard
2. Set a monthly budget (e.g., $10)
3. OpenAI will stop processing requests when the limit is reached

This is optional but recommended if you want full control over spending.

Troubleshooting

“Invalid API key” error: Double-check that you copied the full key, including the sk- prefix. If you are unsure, generate a new key from the OpenAI dashboard.

“Insufficient quota” error: Your OpenAI account needs billing information and available credits. Check your balance at platform.openai.com/settings/organization/billing.

No transcription appears: Ensure your microphone is working and that you have granted microphone access to VibeWhisper in System Settings > Privacy & Security > Microphone.

Next Steps

• Configure your push-to-talk shortcut
• Learn about how Whisper works
• Return to the Getting Started guide