OpenAI Setup
Get your OpenAI API key for Tessel's AI transforms.
Step 1: Create an OpenAI Account
- Go to platform.openai.com
- Click Sign up (or log in if you have one)
- Verify your email
Step 2: Add a Payment Method
OpenAI charges based on usage. You need a card on file.
- Go to Billing
- Click Add payment method
- Enter your card
- Set a spending limit (start with $5-10)
Tip: Start with a $5 limit. You can always increase it later.
Step 3: Create an API Key
- Go to API Keys
- Click Create new secret key
- Name it "Tessel"
- Click Create
- Copy the key now - you won't see it again!
The key looks like: sk-proj-abc123xyz...
Step 4: Add to Tessel
- Open Tessel
- Go to Settings
- Click AI Configuration
- Click Add API Key
- Select OpenAI
- Paste your key
- Click Save
Step 5: Test
Click Test Connection. You should see "Connected!"
Choose a Model
Tessel uses GPT-4o-mini by default. It's fast and cheap.
| Model | Speed | Quality | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| GPT-4o-mini | Fast | Good | Cheap |
| GPT-4o | Medium | Excellent | More expensive |
For most transforms, GPT-4o-mini is plenty good.
Monitor Your Usage
Check how much you're spending:
- Go to Usage
- See daily and monthly breakdown
Common Problems
"Invalid API key"
- Make sure you copied the full key
- Check for spaces at the beginning or end
- Try creating a new key
"You exceeded your quota"
- Add more credits to your OpenAI account
- Check your payment method is valid
"Rate limit"
- Wait a minute and try again
- This means you're sending too many requests too fast
Need Help?
Email support@gettessel.com