How to get a Claude API key

A Claude API key lets apps on your Mac talk to Claude directly, so you pay Anthropic for what you use instead of paying a middleman a monthly subscription. Here's how to get one in a couple of minutes, what it costs, and how to drop it into Safari with AlliHat. Prefer ChatGPT or Gemini? Those are below. Don't want a key at all? There's a free option too.

Get a Claude API key from Anthropic

  1. Go to console.anthropic.com and sign in (or create a free Anthropic account).
  2. Add a little billing credit under Plans & Billing. The API is pay-as-you-go, so you load credit and spend it as you go. A small amount is plenty to start.
  3. Open API Keys in settings and click Create Key. Give it a name like "AlliHat" so you remember what it's for.
  4. Copy the key right then. Anthropic shows it once and you won't be able to see it again, only regenerate it.

Heads up: a key is like a password. Don't paste it into random websites or share it. If it ever leaks, delete it in the console and make a new one. AlliHat keeps yours on your Mac and never sends it to us.

Use your Claude key in AlliHat

  1. Install AlliHat from the Mac App Store and enable it in Safari's settings.
  2. Open the AlliHat sidebar and go to settings. Choose Claude as your model.
  3. Paste your key and save. That's it. Open any web page and start asking.

Your key is stored in Safari's local extension storage. AlliHat uses it only to send your requests straight to Anthropic. Nothing routes through an AlliHat server, because there isn't one.

Prefer ChatGPT or Gemini?

AlliHat works with any of them. Grab a key the same way and pick that model in settings.

Claude (Anthropic)

Create a key at console.anthropic.com. Pay-as-you-go credits.

ChatGPT (OpenAI)

Create a key at platform.openai.com under API keys. Add billing, then create a secret key.

Gemini (Google)

Create a key at Google AI Studio. Gemini has a free tier to start.

Don't want a key at all?

AlliHat also runs on Apple's on-device AI. No key, no account, no cost, and the page never leaves your Mac. It's the fastest way to try AlliHat, and you can always add a Claude, ChatGPT, or Gemini key later when you want a more powerful model.

Common questions

What is a Claude API key?

A Claude API key is a secret token from Anthropic that lets an app talk to Claude on your behalf. Apps like AlliHat use your key to send requests straight to Anthropic, so you pay Anthropic directly for what you use instead of paying a middleman a subscription.

Is the Claude API free?

No. Anthropic's API is pay-as-you-go and you add credits to your account to use it (a small minimum to start). For light use in a tool like AlliHat, that's often just a few dollars a month. If you'd rather not pay or set up a key at all, AlliHat also runs on Apple's on-device AI for free.

How much does the Claude API cost for casual use?

It depends on how much you use it, but for reading and asking questions about web pages in a sidebar, casual use typically runs a few dollars a month. You only pay for the requests you actually make, and you can set spending limits in the Anthropic Console.

Where do I get a Claude API key?

Sign in at console.anthropic.com, add a little billing credit, open the API Keys section, and create a new key. Copy it once (you won't be able to see it again) and paste it into the app you want to use, like AlliHat.

Is it safe to put my API key into AlliHat?

Yes. AlliHat stores your key in Safari's local extension storage on your Mac and only uses it to talk directly to your provider. The key is never sent to any AlliHat server, because AlliHat doesn't run one. You can revoke or rotate the key anytime in the provider's console.

Do I have to use Claude, or can I use ChatGPT or Gemini?

You choose. AlliHat works with a Claude key (Anthropic), a ChatGPT key (OpenAI), or a Gemini key (Google). You can also skip keys entirely and use Apple's free on-device model, which runs fully on your Mac.

$29.99 a year. 7-day trial. Cancel anytime.

Download on the Mac App Store

Bring your own key from Anthropic (Claude), OpenAI (ChatGPT), or Google (Gemini), or use Apple's free on-device AI