Adding and Managing Image API Keys

Overview

WrkMate uses external APIs to source and generate images. Some keys are optional and raise rate limits. Others are required for specific features like AI image generation. This article covers where to get each key, where to add it in WrkMate, and what changes once it is saved.

Which keys you actually need

If you only want stock photos from Unsplash, you do not need to add any image keys. WrkMate includes a shared Unsplash integration that works out of the box. You only need keys if:

• You want AI-generated images (requires OpenAI or Google Gemini key)
• You want access to Pexels stock photos in addition to Unsplash (requires Pexels key)
• You are hitting the default Unsplash rate limit and need a higher allowance (requires your own Unsplash key)

OpenAI API key

What it enables

An OpenAI key saved to WrkMate is used for both text processing and DALL-E 3 image generation. If you already use an OpenAI key for WrkMate chat tasks, the same key covers image generation automatically. No second key is needed.

Where to get it

1. Go to platform.openai.com/api-keys.
2. Sign in or create an account.
3. Click Create new secret key.
4. Copy the key immediately. OpenAI will not show it again after you close the dialog.

DALL-E 3 generation is billed per image on your OpenAI account at the current usage-based rate. Check the OpenAI pricing page for current figures before using generation heavily.

Where to add it in WrkMate

1. Go to your hosting product page in the client area.
2. Open WrkMate Settings.
3. Find the OpenAI API Key field and paste your key.
4. Click Save.

Testing the key

After saving, type a text prompt in WrkMate. If it responds normally, your OpenAI key is working. To test image generation specifically, type: Generate a simple test image of a blue square. WrkMate will confirm and then return a file path if the generation call succeeds.

Google Gemini API key

What it enables

A Google Gemini key gives WrkMate access to Gemini Imagen for image generation. This is an alternative to DALL-E 3. If you have both an OpenAI key and a Gemini key saved, WrkMate will use whichever is appropriate for the request. You do not need both.

Where to get it

1. Go to aistudio.google.com/app/apikey.
2. Sign in with a Google account.
3. Click Create API key and select or create a Google Cloud project.
4. Copy the key that is generated.

Gemini Imagen usage is billed to your Google Cloud account. Check the Google AI pricing page for current image generation rates.

Where to add it in WrkMate

1. Go to your hosting product page in the client area.
2. Open WrkMate Settings.
3. Find the Google Gemini API Key field and paste your key.
4. Click Save.

Testing the key

Type: Generate a test image using Gemini. WrkMate will attempt a Gemini Imagen call and return a file path if the key is valid and your Google account has image generation access enabled.

Unsplash API key

What it enables

Without an Unsplash key, WrkMate uses a shared integration that is rate-limited to 50 requests per hour across all users. Adding your own Unsplash key gives your account a separate allowance at the same limit, removing the risk of hitting a shared cap during busy periods.

Where to get it

1. Go to unsplash.com/developers.
2. Sign in or create a free Unsplash account.
3. Click Your apps then New Application.
4. Accept the API use guidelines and fill in the application name and description.
5. After creating the application, copy the Access Key from the application page.

The Unsplash API is free for non-commercial and commercial use at the demo limit of 50 requests per hour. Unsplash does not currently offer paid plans with higher limits for the standard API.

Where to add it in WrkMate

1. Go to your hosting product page in the client area.
2. Open WrkMate Settings.
3. Find the Unsplash API Key field and paste your Access Key.
4. Click Save.

Testing the key

Type a stock photo request such as: Find a stock photo of a forest for my homepage. If the image is resolved and saved without an error, your Unsplash key is working.

Pexels API key

What it enables

A Pexels key adds the Pexels stock photo library to WrkMate searches. When both Unsplash and Pexels keys are present, WrkMate searches both libraries and picks the best result for the context. Without a Pexels key, only Unsplash is searched.

Where to get it

1. Go to pexels.com/api.
2. Sign in or create a free Pexels account.
3. Click Get Started on the API page.
4. Fill in your application details and submit.
5. Your API key will be shown on the API dashboard once approved. Approval is usually immediate.

The Pexels API is free. There is no paid tier. Usage must comply with Pexels attribution and licensing requirements.

Where to add it in WrkMate

1. Go to your hosting product page in the client area.
2. Open WrkMate Settings.
3. Find the Pexels API Key field and paste your key.
4. Click Save.

Testing the key

Type: Find a photo from Pexels of a busy city street. WrkMate will query Pexels directly and return a saved file path if the key is valid.

Removing or updating a key

To replace a key, return to WrkMate Settings, clear the existing value, paste the new key, and click Save. To remove a key entirely, clear the field and save. WrkMate will fall back to the next available source for that key type.