---
title: "How to get an OpenAI API key - Workflow Trigger Extensions"
description: "Create an OpenAI API key and connect it to Workflow Trigger Extensions to write trigger code with GPT."
canonical: "https://docs.workflow-trigger-extensions.app/get-openai-api-key"
---

# How to get an OpenAI API key

To use **Generate with AI** with GPT, connect your own OpenAI API key. Here's how to create one - it takes a minute.

## Create the key

1. Go to the **OpenAI platform** and sign in (or create an account): <a href="https://platform.openai.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">platform.openai.com</a>.
2. Open **API keys** - direct link: <a href="https://platform.openai.com/api-keys" target="_blank" rel="noopener">platform.openai.com/api-keys</a>.
3. Select **Create new secret key**, give it a name (for example `Workflow Trigger Extensions`), and **copy the key** - it starts with `sk-`. You can only see it once, so copy it now.
4. Make sure your OpenAI account has credit or a billing method - generation calls are billed to your account.

## Connect it

1. In your Shopify admin, open **Workflow Trigger Extensions -> Developer -> Connections**.
2. Paste the key into the **OpenAI** card and select **Save key**.

Your key is encrypted at rest and used only for generation. It is never shown again, and it never runs inside your trigger code. Then open a custom trigger and use **Generate with AI** on the Code tab.

> [!NOTE]
> **Billing and models**
> Generation is billed to your own OpenAI account, not to your Workflow Trigger Extensions plan. See [Generate trigger code with AI](https://docs.workflow-trigger-extensions.app/generate-with-ai.md) for the available models and per-generation cost estimates.