How to Use OpenRouter

Getting started with OpenRouter

After reading this guide, you'll be able to set up your OpenRouter account and route AI requests efficiently to maximise performance and cost-effectiveness.

Step 1: Sign up and set up

1. Go to the OpenRouter website.
2. Click on the “Sign Up” button at the top right corner.
3. Fill in your email address and create a password, then click “Create Account”.
4. Check your email for a verification link and confirm your account.
5. Once verified, log in to your account.

Step 2: Your first API request

1. After logging in, navigate to the “Dashboard”.
2. Click on “Create New Request”.
3. Select the AI model you want to use from the dropdown menu (e.g., GPT-3, GPT-4).
4. In the “Input” text box, enter the prompt or query you want to send to the model.
5. Adjust any parameters like temperature or max tokens if needed (default settings work for most tasks).
6. Click the “Send Request” button to process your input.
7. Review the response displayed on the right side of the screen.

Step 3: Get better results

1. Explore the “Models” tab to compare different AI models based on speed, cost, and capabilities.
2. Use the “Route by Cost” option to automatically select the cheapest model for your requests.
3. Save frequently used requests by clicking “Save Request” for quicker access in the future.
4. Experiment with different prompts in the input field to see how results change.

Pro tip

Most beginners overlook the “Batch Requests” feature. Use this to send multiple queries at once by clicking on the “Batch Request” button, which can save you time and streamline your workflow.

Common mistake to avoid

Avoid using overly complex prompts or parameters without testing. Start with simple inputs to understand how the models respond before adding complexity. This helps you identify the best settings for your needs.