Using your own API key
What BYOK means, how to create a provider key, how billing works, and where your text goes.
BYOK (bring your own key) means Reduz uses an API key from an AI provider account you already have. Reduz stores that key locally in the extension and uses it to make requests directly to the provider. There is no Reduz account and no middle service.
Create an API key
Section titled “Create an API key”- Sign in to your provider’s API console (for example, OpenAI, Anthropic, Google, DeepSeek, or xAI).
- Create an API key and copy it.
- In Reduz, open Settings, select the provider row, paste the key, and click Test.
A subscription to a provider’s consumer chat app may not include API access or balance. If the test fails with a billing or quota error, check the account state in the provider’s API console, not the chat app.
Pay the provider directly
Section titled “Pay the provider directly”Reduz is free to install. Your provider bills API usage separately under its own current prices and limits. Each Reduz summary is a normal API request, so cost scales with how much source text you summarize and how often.
Where the text goes
Section titled “Where the text goes”Source text goes directly from your browser to the AI provider you select. Your API key and saved history stay in this browser. Reduz does not receive your provider key or your source text.
Which providers are supported
Section titled “Which providers are supported”Reduz supports OpenAI, Anthropic Claude, Google Gemini, DeepSeek, and xAI Grok, plus any OpenAI-compatible endpoint you configure yourself (for example, OpenRouter). One configured model per provider handles every Reduz AI task. See the provider setup guides or OpenAI-compatible providers.
Frequently asked questions
Section titled “Frequently asked questions”Does Reduz require an account? No. Choose a supported provider, add its key in settings, and test the connection.
Where is my history stored? Locally in your browser profile. Export summaries as Markdown, PDF, or DOCX, or download history as JSON or a Markdown ZIP before uninstalling or clearing browser data. It does not move between devices automatically.
Which model does Reduz use? Each provider has one configured model that handles all tasks, such as GPT-5.6 Luna for OpenAI or Claude Haiku 4.5 for Anthropic.