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Reddit
reddit.com › r/claudeai › i have never used an api. what’s the easiest way to use claude’s?
r/ClaudeAI on Reddit: I have never used an API. What’s the easiest way to use Claude’s?
September 10, 2024 -

Ive searched this subreddit for answers and I’ve also asked Google, Copilot, and free Claude. I’m sure the answers are out there, so please forgive me that I can’t find them.

Hence I ask for your help. What’s the easiest way for a programming noob to use the Claude API? All I want initially is to ask questions via the API, similar to the subscription version. I want to use the API vs subscription because maybe it’ll be cheaper and I also just want experience with it.

I signed up for an account and have purchased API tokens. I have an API key. But I’m struggling finding concise directions on how to use it.

I’m familiar with the $20/month subscription and want to become familiar with the API as well.

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Reddit
reddit.com › r/claudeai › claude code with api key?
r/ClaudeAI on Reddit: Claude Code with API key?
April 11, 2025 -

I'm a bit confused about how claude code work for payment. I've been logging in with my personal account and paying for credits but now I have an API key from my employer which I'd like to use. I also have a Claude Desktop subscription from my employer, but when I log in with that for Claude Code I'm still prompted to pay for my own credits and I don't see how to enter my API key.

I must be misunderstanding something - does anyone have any tips?

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Reddit
reddit.com › r/sillytavernai › new to sillytavern can't find claude 3 opus api keys in account
r/SillyTavernAI on Reddit: New to SillyTavern Can't find Claude 3 opus API keys in account
May 18, 2024 -

as the title says, I downloaded the sillytavern interface and have had it for like a day and while it's a lot for someone who is new to it. I keep seeing that I need a API key, however there is no API key in the account of claude 3 and i even have opus membership. Now what i found out is that it used to have them available before but apparently has had them removed from view. the API key were there before but now are hidden. how do i find a way around this as i like claude 3 opus and would prefer using this or would i have to find another model?

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Reddit
reddit.com › r/sillytavernai › best ways to access and use claude?
r/SillyTavernAI on Reddit: Best ways to access and use Claude?
August 17, 2023 -

Title. Basically i haven't tried to use Claude after the whole Poe thing awhile back and was wondering what the best ways to get a Claude api key or some other way to use it for SillyTavern after Poe stopped being officially supported? I have some characters that only really work well with Claude and not OAI or NovelAI that well, so any help would be appreciated!

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Reddit
reddit.com › r/claudeai › do i need to pay for both claude and anthropic to use the api key?
r/ClaudeAI on Reddit: Do I need to pay for both Claude and Anthropic to use the API key?
October 30, 2024 -

I just paid for the Pro version of Claude. Downloaded Cursor and when I went to add the 'API key', it seems like I also need to pay for Anthropic?

I am a little confused. First time doing the Cursor IDE setup. I am a Rider dev.

I want to be able to use Cursor without any limitations. Not bragging but money is not a concern. I make enough as a Software Consultant to afford those memberships.

Also, I heard about bolt.new or something along those lines? I checked it out but it seems towards opinionated out-of-the-box frontend applications.

Any advice?

Thanks!!!

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Reddit
reddit.com › r/aitoolstipsnews › how to get claude api key (step by step guide) | 2024
r/AIToolsTipsNews on Reddit: How to Get Claude API Key (Step by Step Guide) | 2024
July 11, 2023 - Steps to get the Claude API keys include logging in, navigating to API Keys, creating a new key, and securing it
Find elsewhere
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Reddit
reddit.com › r/claudeai › how to get anthropic api key when "subscribing" to pro via ios?
r/ClaudeAI on Reddit: How to get Anthropic API Key when "subscribing" to Pro via iOS?
May 20, 2025 -

All.

Pretty much in the subject. I'm subscribed to Pro through iOS.

Firstly - I can't actually see that I'm subscribed to Pro when I log in to Anthropic Console. (It seems to think I have a Free account, despite same email as Apple Subscription).
Secondly - I can't therefore get an API key (which I need for some Langchain work).

I'm losing my sanity here...

Help! Please.

UPDATED: Thanks all for the sage comments re subscriptions through iOS. BUT - this doesn’t explain why the ‘Pro’ subscription isn’t then being recognised by Claude?? (It thinks I’m on Free even though I pay monthly (through Apple - though, no longer).

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Reddit
reddit.com › r/claudeai › api key with claude pro?
r/ClaudeAI on Reddit: API Key with Claude Pro?
September 25, 2025 -

I have a Claude Pro subscription which i can use with the Claude ChatBot and the Claude Code CLI tool.

I would like to use Claude in some other tools which require a n API key of the LLM provider. How can I get a API key with my Claude Pro subscription? (I don't want to pay extra for API key access)

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Reddit
reddit.com › r/claudeai › how can i retrieve an existing api key?
r/ClaudeAI on Reddit: how can i retrieve an existing api key?
June 3, 2025 -

i'm in the "api keys" section of the anthropic console. i can see my api key but the actual key is obfuscated.

do i have to create a new one? do you only get the one chance to copy it at create time?

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Reddit
reddit.com › r/claudeai › does anyone know how to configure claude code with just an api key?
r/ClaudeAI on Reddit: Does anyone know how to configure claude code with just an API key?
August 21, 2025 -

I've been trying to do something like `export ANTHROPIC_API_KEY=sk...` to set an api key for claude code but when I do I get a message telling me to either do `claude /logout` or unset the api key.

When I run `claude /logout` I am prompted to log back in and authenticate with anthropic. It seems as though I cannot just set an api key and use claude code. They are forcing me to login.

Does anyone know if I am mistaken or if there's a way around this?

Top answer
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if you are using an API key for claude then you are logging into https://console.anthropic.com/ and pay for token usage. Now if you are logging into claude code you are using your chat subscription. This is using an Oauth bearer token and connecting to their beta backend. https://api.anthropic.com/v1/messages?beta=true . Now Oauth and client has their own client registered to only have its ID as allowed and authorized. so you cant really use the API and sdk, only claude cli with your suscription. Now if anyone wants to hack it any more here is some info: Claude Code auth flow in a nutshell: OAuth 2.0 with PKCE against console.anthropic.com → redirects to http://localhost:54545/callback and exchanges code for a bearer token. Client ID is hardcoded & locked → only the official Claude Code CLI can complete this flow. Tokens stored via keytar in your OS keychain (Keychain on macOS, Credential Manager on Windows, Secret Service on Linux). API calls go to https://api.anthropic.com/v1/messages?beta=true with headers like:Authorization: Bearer [access_token] anthropic-version: 2023-06-01 anthropic-beta: claude-code-20250219,... Responses stream back as Server-Sent Events (message_start, content_block_delta, message_stop). There’s also telemetry to statsig.anthropic.com for usage analytics, plus unified rate limiting headers in responses. Bottom line: API key = metered billing; Claude Code login = chat sub → OAuth → CLI-only access.
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~/.claude-wrapper #!/bin/bash unset ANTHROPIC_API_KEY NODENV_VERSION=23.9.0 $HOME/.npm-global/bin/claude "$@" ~/.bash_aliases claude() { $HOME/.claude-wrapper "$@" }
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Reddit
reddit.com › r/sillytavernai › api claude/gpt4
r/SillyTavernAI on Reddit: API Claude/GPT4
October 23, 2021 -

Hi, I was wondering where dudes get API Claude/GPT4 keys with no limit from? I mean, don't you have to pay per mssge? I recently bought an API from a dude for $55 and it was WITHOUT CENSORS, that's just wow, but then they blocked it. Can you tell me how I can buy an API without censorship and limit?

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Reddit
reddit.com › r/getcredentials › how to generate claude ai api key: step-by-step setup tutorial
r/getCredentials on Reddit: How to Generate Claude AI API Key: Step-by-Step Setup Tutorial
February 10, 2025 - Coolest use case I discovered: Using Claude for code review assistance. Upload your code, get detailed feedback on bugs and improvements, ship better code faster. It's like having a 24/7 senior dev on your team. Check out the full tutorial here: https://blog.creddy.me/how-to-generate-claude-ai-api-key-tutorial
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Reddit
reddit.com › r/claudeai › why do claude ai and claude api key subscriptions differ? is it possible to use the claude api with the claude ai subscription?
r/ClaudeAI on Reddit: Why do claude AI and claude API key subscriptions differ? Is it possible to use the Claude API with the Claude AI subscription?
August 15, 2024 - You can use the Claude API with a Claude AI subscription, but you'll have to pay separately for the API. The key advantage of the API is that there is no rate limit, but it's pay-as-you-go. While the Claude AI subscription limits the number of messages you can send, the API charges based on ...
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Reddit
reddit.com › r/claudeai › a "just use api" guide
r/ClaudeAI on Reddit: A "Just use API" Guide
December 16, 2024 -

Created the below guide that hopefully will assist those who are interested in trying it out - especially those who are frustrated with the paid Anthropic monthly subscription:

What is an API?

API stands for Application Programming Interface. It's a software intermediary that allows two applications to communicate with each other. Think of it as a messenger that takes your request to a provider and delivers the response back to you. In simpler terms, an API is a set of rules and specifications that allows different software applications to interact and share data, regardless of their underlying technologies.

How to Obtain an Anthropic API Key

Here's a detailed guide to getting your Anthropic API key:

  1. Create an Anthropic Account:

    • Go to the Anthropic website (console.anthropic.com) and sign up for an account or log in if you already have one.

  2. Access the API Keys Section:

    • Once you're logged into your account, navigate to your name/profile icon at the top right of your screen. Look for an option labeled "API Keys".

  3. Generate a New API Key:

    • Click on the button "+ Create Key".

    • You'll be prompted to give your key a name. Enter a name and click "Create Key."

  4. Copy and Secure Your API Key:

    • A long string will be displayed, which is your API key. Copy this key immediately and store it in a safe location. You will not be able to view it again, and you'll need to generate a new one if you lose it.

  5. Set up Billing:

    • I put daily limits on usage – just in case. I recommend you do the same.

Important notes:

  • Security: Treat your API key like a password. Do not share it publicly or embed it directly in your code (if applicable). Use secure methods to store and access it.

  • You can always disable your key and create new ones if you feel any have been compromised.

API Limits - Quick Definitions:

  • Rate (Requests Per Minute - RPM): How often you can send requests (Low to Higher).

  • Context (Max Input Tokens): How much the AI remembers (Smaller to Larger).

  • Output (Max Output Tokens): How long the AI's response can be (Shorter to Longer).

Anthropic Tiers:

  • Tier 1:

    • Very low rate limits (50 RPM).

    • Small per minute context input limit (40k-50K input tokens on 3.5 models). This is the real killer for single users.

    • Shorter responses/output (per min).

    • This tier will make you tear your wig off - avoid.

  • Tier 2

    • Higher rate limits (1000 RPM).

    • Moderate per minute context input limit (80k-100k input tokens on 3.5 models).

    • Longer responses/output (per min).

    • I recommend spending the $40 to get to this at least. The majority of users will probably use up their $40 within 3-6 months. Just a guess on my part FYI. Power users can gobble this up in no time, however.

  • Tier 3:

    • Higher rate limits (2000 RPM).

    • Large per minute context input limit (160k-200k input tokens on 3.5 models).

    • Longer responses/output (per min).

  • Tier 4:

    • Highest rate limits (4,000 RPM), which means it can handle more concurrent requests.

    • Very large per minute context input limit (up to 400k input tokens on all models).

    • Longer responses/output (per min).

    • Currently this is the only tier that allows for 3.5 Sonnet's max context window of 200k input tokens (check my hyper link above to see for yourself).

    • You'll need $400 currently to reach this tier.

WARNING - YOUR API CREDITS EXPIRE AFTER 12 MONTHS FROM PURCHASE.

Anthropic Current Models & Context:

  • Claude 3 Opus:

    • Has a max context window of 200k input tokens. 4K max output tokens.

    • Available on all tiers.

  • Claude 3.5 Sonnet:

    • Has a max context window of 200k input tokens. 8K max output tokens.

    • Available on all tiers.

  • Claude 3.5 Haiku:

    • Has a max context window of 200k input tokens. 8K max output tokens.

    • Available on all tiers.

Tier 4 Advantages for Multiple Users:

Tier 4's primary benefit is its high rate limits, allowing for a total of 400,000 input tokens per minute. This capacity means you could, for example, concurrently run multiple 200,000 input token context models at their maximum. This level of throughput is particularly important for applications that experience a high volume of requests.

Why Tier 4 Matters for High Traffic:

  • Handles Concurrent Requests: Tier 4 is designed to efficiently manage simultaneous requests from many users.

  • Prevents Overloads: Lower tiers can become overwhelmed with a large number of users submitting queries, causing slowdowns. Tier 4 prevents these bottlenecks, ensuring smooth operation.

  • Supports Sustained High Usage: Tier 4 is ideal for applications requiring consistent support for heavy request loads.

Tier 4 for the Single User:

As a single, "power" user, Tier 4 essentially removes all limitations on your usage.

To clarify - Tier 4 allows up to 400k input tokens of TOTAL context per minute. It does NOT allow for any particular model to extend its context input token window capability.

Platforms for Using Anthropic API Keys

Here are some popular platforms, categorized by their nature:

Free Platforms (just a sample of some I use):

  • Anthropic Console Workbench: The Anthropic website itself provides a Workbench where you can experiment with the API directly in your browser. This is a good place to start exploring.

  • TypingMind (Limited): Decent number of features for free - but ads are annoying. Check it out. Free is browser based only I believe.

  • ChatBox (Community Edition): The commercial product is also free and easy to install locally - however read the privacy policy and be sure you are good with it (I'm serious). They have a browser based one here (again, read privacy policy): Chatbox.

  • Msty (Limited): Good free feature set. Nice UI.

Paid Platforms (just a sample of some I use):

  • TypingMind (Full Featured/Lifetime purchase): Onetime payment (try to catch it on sale sub $100) and also has a local install option if you are tech savvy enough. The unique thing about this is that you can utilize things like "Canvas" across multiple API vendors (Anthropic for example).

  • 16x Prompt: I use this for coding heavily. Check it out.

  • Msty (Lifetime): I have not used this, but I have a friend who loves the additional features that the paid version brings.

Open-Source Platforms (just a sample of some I use):

  • Open WebUI: An open-source platform for building AI agents and workflows that supports various model providers, including Claude. Install with pinokio - far easier to get you set up on it if you are unfamiliar with Docker.

  • LibreChat (Advanced Setup): No pinokio installation method as of yet but another incredibly featured free open-sourced product that just released Agents as well. They also released a code interpreter feature that is not free - however if you have a need for something like this you'd understand why (sandboxed environment).

Plenty of vendor options out there I'm sure - just be sure your keys are stored securely and be sure to actually read the Privacy Policy with all of them (I can't stress this enough).

WARNING: This is NOT a thread for devs to blatantly promote their product. I am not associated with ANY of the above recommendations. I have contributed to the Open WebUI platform by creating some popular functions - but that is about it.

Hope this helps!

Edit: Modified some things. Removed my statement regarding my preference for keys not being stored in browsers - again, generally a non-issue for most. Unique issue just for me.