Join the waitlist

OpenAI Setup

Set up OpenAI as your AI provider in Continuum Writer.

Get an API Key

  1. Go to platform.openai.com
  2. Sign in or create an account
  3. Navigate to API Keys (in the left sidebar under your profile)
  4. Click "Create new secret key"
  5. Copy the key — you won't be able to see it again
You'll need to add credit to your OpenAI account (minimum $5) before API calls will work. This is separate from a ChatGPT Plus subscription.

Configure in Continuum Writer

On first launch

  1. Choose OpenAI as your AI provider in the setup wizard
  2. Paste your API key
  3. Click "Save & Test Connection" — the app will detect available models
  4. The app will select recommended default models automatically
  5. Click Next to continue

From the settings menu

  1. Open Settings (gear icon, bottom-left)
  2. Under AI Provider, select OpenAI
  3. Paste your API key
  4. The app will select recommended default models automatically
  5. Click "Test Connection" to verify

Recommended Models

The app uses three model roles (Chat, Router, and Summarise). For OpenAI, a good starting point is:

  • Chat: GPT-4o or the latest flagship model
  • Router / Summarise: GPT-4o-mini or equivalent

OpenAI releases new models regularly — check their model page for the latest options. See Recommended Models for more detail on what each role needs.

Typical Costs

Most writers spend £2-5/month with moderate AI usage. Costs depend on how often you use the chat and how long your conversations are. OpenAI charges per token (roughly per word).