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OpenRouter API

Access hundreds of cloud AI models through OpenRouter.

What is OpenRouter?​

OpenRouter is an API service that provides unified access to models from:

  • OpenAI (GPT-4, GPT-4o)
  • Anthropic (Claude 3, Claude 3.5)
  • Google (Gemini Pro, Gemini Ultra)
  • Meta (Llama 3.1 405B)
  • And many more

Setup​

Get an API Key​

OpenRouter API Key

  1. Visit openrouter.ai/keys to create an API key
  2. Copy your API key
  3. In Docket, go to the OpenRouter tab in Models
  4. Click "Add Key"
  5. Paste your key and save

Your key is encrypted and stored securely.

Online Mode Required

Using OpenRouter requires Online mode. Make sure the Offline toggle in the sidebar is set to Online before attempting to use API models.

Browsing Models​

Browse Models Button

Once your API key is connected, click the "Browse Models" button to see all available OpenRouter models.

Searching and Adding Models​

OpenRouter Modal

In the model browser you can:

  • Search for models by name
  • Sort models by different criteria
  • Click the + button to add models to your Docket

Free Models​

Free Models Filter

Click the "$ Free" filter to show only free models. These models can be used at no cost — perfect for trying out OpenRouter or for tasks where you don't need premium models.

Using OpenRouter Models​

Selecting an API Model​

  1. Choose an OpenRouter model from your model list
  2. No loading required — API models are always ready
  3. Start chatting

Selecting from Chat​

OpenRouter Model Selection

You can also select OpenRouter models directly from the chat interface by clicking the active model in the input bar. Your added OpenRouter models appear under the OPENROUTER section in the dropdown.

note

OpenRouter models only work in Online mode. If you're in Offline mode, you'll need to switch to Online before using API models.

Pricing​

OpenRouter charges per token used:

  • Input tokens (your messages)
  • Output tokens (AI responses)

Prices vary by model. Check openrouter.ai/models for current pricing.

ModelProviderBest For
GPT-4oOpenAIGeneral, vision, coding
Claude 3.5 SonnetAnthropicAnalysis, writing, coding
Gemini ProGoogleGeneral purpose
Llama 3.1 405BMetaComplex reasoning

Vision Models​

These models can analyze images:

  • GPT-4o / GPT-4 Vision
  • Claude 3 (Sonnet, Opus, Haiku)
  • Gemini Pro Vision

Managing API Models​

Remove Models​

  1. Right-click on an OpenRouter model
  2. Select Remove
  3. The model is removed from your list

Remove API Key​

  1. Go to Settings
  2. Find API Keys
  3. Click Remove next to OpenRouter
  4. All OpenRouter models are also removed

Privacy Considerations​

When using OpenRouter:

  • Your messages are sent to cloud servers
  • Data is processed by the model provider
  • Check each provider's privacy policy
  • Consider using local models for sensitive data
tip

Use local models for private conversations and API models when you need capabilities beyond local hardware.

Troubleshooting​

"Network access disabled"​

Enable network access using the Offline toggle in the sidebar.

"Invalid API key"​

  • Check that you copied the full key
  • Verify the key is still active on OpenRouter
  • Try generating a new key

"Rate limited"​

  • You've hit OpenRouter's rate limits
  • Wait a moment and try again
  • Consider upgrading your OpenRouter plan