> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://bruno-a6972042-reform-ai-docs.mintlify.site/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Connect OpenAI

> Connect an OpenAI API key and select OpenAI models for Bruno AI.

<Note>
  Bruno AI is available from **v4.0.0** and higher. Turn it on under
  **Preferences → AI → Configuration** before configuring a provider.
</Note>

Bruno connects directly to OpenAI using your API key. AI requests are not routed through Bruno servers.

## Before you begin

You need an OpenAI API key. Create or manage keys in the [OpenAI API key settings](https://platform.openai.com/api-keys).

<Warning>
  An OpenAI API key is different from a ChatGPT subscription. Your OpenAI
  account must have API access and sufficient credits or billing configured.
</Warning>

## Connect OpenAI

1. Open **Preferences** from the bottom-left corner of Bruno.
2. Go to **AI → Configuration**.
3. Turn on **AI Features** if it is not already enabled.
4. Under **Providers**, expand **OpenAI**.
5. Enter your OpenAI **API Key**.
6. Click **Save**.
7. Toggle the **OpenAI** provider on.

After the key is saved, Bruno masks it in the interface.

<img src="https://mintcdn.com/bruno-a6972042-reform-ai-docs/uYi087gw4-8Kf_Id/images/screenshots/v4/ai/ai-provider-openai.webp?fit=max&auto=format&n=uYi087gw4-8Kf_Id&q=85&s=ccd6f33626ec1f1450e87ba87388a4bc" alt="OpenAI provider expanded in Preferences with a saved API key, a successful connection test, and the model checkboxes" width="2652" height="1710" data-path="images/screenshots/v4/ai/ai-provider-openai.webp" />

<Warning>
  **Bruno never stores your API keys.**

  The keys stay on your machine and are not written to collections or Git. Bruno saves them locally in the same application-data folder as `preferences.json`, and they never leave your machine except when Bruno talks to the provider you configured.

  * macOS: `~/Library/Application Support/bruno/`
  * Windows: `%APPDATA%\bruno\`
  * Linux: `~/.config/bruno/`
</Warning>

## Select models

In the expanded OpenAI provider, use the checkboxes under **Models** to choose which models are available in Bruno.

Enabled models appear in model pickers for the AI Assistant and generation features. You can also choose a model for inline autocomplete under **Preferences → AI → Autocomplete**.

<img src="https://mintcdn.com/bruno-a6972042-reform-ai-docs/uYi087gw4-8Kf_Id/images/screenshots/v4/ai/ai-provider-openai-model-picker.webp?fit=max&auto=format&n=uYi087gw4-8Kf_Id&q=85&s=34146fba142b272dcd6112ecc9154843" alt="AI Assistant model picker listing the enabled OpenAI models" width="2652" height="1710" data-path="images/screenshots/v4/ai/ai-provider-openai-model-picker.webp" />

<Tip>
  Use a faster, smaller model for inline autocomplete and a more capable model
  for chat or generating complete tests and scripts.
</Tip>

## Test the connection

After enabling the provider, click **Test connection** (the bolt icon) next to the saved API key.

* **Connection successful** means Bruno can authenticate with OpenAI.
* If the test fails, review the error and check the troubleshooting steps below.

## Replace or remove the API key

Expand **OpenAI**, then use:

* **Replace key** (pencil icon) to save a different key
* **Remove key** (trash icon) to delete the saved key

Removing the key disables access to OpenAI until another valid key is saved.

## Troubleshooting

### Authentication failed

Confirm that the complete API key was copied without leading or trailing spaces. If necessary, create a new key in the OpenAI dashboard and replace the existing key in Bruno.

### Quota or billing error

Check API billing and usage in your OpenAI account. A ChatGPT plan does not automatically include OpenAI API credits.

### Models do not appear

Make sure:

1. The API key has been saved.
2. The OpenAI provider is enabled.
3. At least one model is selected under **Models**.

### AI features remain unavailable

Confirm that the main **AI Features** toggle is enabled under **Preferences → AI → Configuration**.

## Next steps

* [Connect Anthropic](/ai/bruno-ai/anthropic)
* [Connect a custom AI provider](/ai/bruno-ai/custom-providers)
* [Configure autocomplete and security](/ai/bruno-ai/configuration)
* [Use Bruno AI](/ai/bruno-ai/usage)