Build with your API key
Build a website with your OpenRouter API key
Facts last verified: . Provider pricing and free tiers change — check their site for current numbers.
Yes — OpenRouter is the easiest multi-model option: one API key and one prepaid balance unlock hundreds of models from OpenAI, Anthropic, Google, and open-source labs. Create a key at openrouter.ai, paste it into OpenThorn (free, encrypted server-side), and switch models freely without managing separate provider accounts.
Get your key
Official pricing
Free tier
Some hosted open models are free with rate limits; paid models use your prepaid balance at provider rates plus a small platform fee on credit purchases.
Recommended models
- Claude Sonnet (latest) — Anthropic's coding workhorse via one OpenRouter key.
- OpenAI GPT (latest) — Current GPT flagship without a separate OpenAI account.
- Gemini Flash (latest) — Google's fast, cheap model for quick builds.
How to build your website
- Create an OpenRouter account and keySign up at openrouter.ai, add prepaid credits, and create a key under Settings → Keys.
- Browse the model catalogopenrouter.ai/models lists hundreds of models with live per-token prices — including some free ones.
- Connect the key to OpenThornSign up free at openthorn.app, open the Providers page, choose OpenRouter, and paste your key. It is encrypted server-side with AES-256-GCM and never exposed raw.
- Describe your website and ship itCreate a project, pick any model from the catalog, and describe the site. Preview it live, iterate, then deploy to Netlify or export the source.
What it costs
You pay roughly the underlying provider's per-token rate (OpenRouter adds a small fee when buying credits). Free-tier open models cost $0 within rate limits.
Common questions
Why use OpenRouter instead of a direct provider key?
One account, one balance, hundreds of models — you can compare Claude, GPT, Gemini, and open-source models in OpenThorn without creating separate accounts. The trade-off is a small platform fee on credit purchases.
Does OpenRouter have free models?
Yes — several hosted open-source models are free with rate limits, so you can build your first OpenThorn site for $0 before adding credits.
Is my OpenRouter API key safe in OpenThorn?
Keys are encrypted server-side with AES-256-GCM using per-user derived keys and are never exposed raw to the browser. Prepaid credits cap your maximum spend.
New here? Read how to build a website with AI using your own key, how to get an AI API key, or compare model pricing. Other providers: OpenAI · Anthropic · Google Gemini · DeepSeek · Mistral AI · Groq · Together AI · xAI · Cohere · Perplexity · Ollama · Fireworks AI · Cerebras · Azure OpenAI · Amazon Bedrock · NVIDIA NIM