How do I get an OpenAI API key and use the Ask AI feature in WriteMapper?

Here are a few frequently asked questions on how to get Ask AI set up in WriteMapper.

Q: What's "Ask AI"?

With version 4 of WriteMapper, we've introduced AI capabilities in the app, allowing you to leverage the capabilities of an AI assistant to brainstorm ideas and generate content in the course of your writing work.

Q: How does it work?

WriteMapper's integrated Ask AI feature requires internet access to OpenAI's API in order to operate. You need to have an API key from OpenAI in order to use Ask AI.

Q: Do I need to pay for the $20/mo ChatGPT Plus subscription to use Ask AI?

No, a ChatGPT Plus subscription is not needed. You just need to have an OpenAI API Key, which is priced usage-based and generally far cheaper. For more pricing details, please refer to OpenAI's pricing page.

Q: Where can I get an OpenAI API key?

First, signup directly with OpenAI here. Next, create an API key by going to the API Keys page in your account. You'll also need to add a valid billing method, and may need a positive credit balance, in order for the API key to work. WriteMapper does not provide API keys.

Q: Can I use the latest GPT models with Ask AI?

Yes, although it may require some additional setup. Please refer to this article from OpenAI for the latest information.

Q: Is it safe, private, and secure?

Yes — your API key is stored locally on your computer and never sent anywhere else. Data from OpenAI's responses are only saved locally if you include them in your WriteMap document as part of your WriteMap files, and are otherwise never saved anywhere in memory or elsewhere. Requests to Open AI's API are sent directly from the WriteMapper app to their servers through a secure connection, and never passes through any intermediate servers or third parties.

Q: What are the current limitations of AI?

All AI outputs are limited and AI continues to be an area of rapid research and development. Limitations in AI as a whole can be attributed to many different causes, including but not limited to: narrow inputs, systemic biases, limited quantity of training or test data, or poor quality of training or test data. As a consequence, Ask AI's responses from OpenAI may output incorrect information; may output harmful content when prompted; may not know about recent events occurring in the last 6-12 months and may output inaccurate or outdated results; may contain bias and output biased responses. Read more from OpenAI here.

Q: Is the OpenAI API down?

Please refer to this status page maintained by OpenAI, where you may find the operational status of their API.