Configuring Cloud AI Providers by node

CivNode uses a bring-your-own-key (BYOK) model for cloud AI. You get an API key from the provider, enter it in CivNode settings, and the AI features use your key. CivNode doesn't charge for AI usage — you pay the provider directly. ## Getting API keys **Anthropic (Claude):** 1. Go to console.anthropic.com 2. Create an account, add a payment method 3. Go to API Keys → Create Key 4. Copy the key (starts with `sk-ant-`) **OpenAI (GPT-4):** 1. Go to platform.openai.com 2. Create an account, add a payment method 3. Go to API Keys → Create new secret key 4. Copy the key (starts with `sk-`) **Google (Gemini):** 1. Go to aistudio.google.com 2. Get an API key from the API keys section 3. Copy the key ## Setting up in CivNode 1. Go to **Settings → AI Providers** 2. Choose your provider from the dropdown 3. Paste your API key 4. Select the model you want to use (CivNode shows available models for each provider) 5. Save You can configure different providers for different tasks — one for text, one for images, one for embeddings. Or use the same for everything. ## Cost expectations You pay the provider directly based on your usage. Rough estimates for typical CivNode use: - **Light use** (occasional AI tools, a few exploration sessions per week): $1-5/month - **Moderate use** (daily AI tools, regular exploration, analysis): $5-15/month - **Heavy use** (constant AI interaction, lots of generation): $15-30/month These are rough numbers. Actual costs depend on the provider, the model, and how much text you process. The providers' dashboards show your exact usage. ## Which provider should you choose? Claude is the default recommendation for writing. It produces the most natural prose suggestions and handles creative context well. GPT-4 is a close second. Gemini handles very long documents well. There's no wrong choice. Try one, see how it feels. You can switch anytime.