OpenAI API Setup Guide

Follow these simple steps to get your OpenAI API key and start generating icon packs

Try the Demo First!

New to TAU Icon Generator? Download the free 5-day demo to explore all features before setting up your OpenAI API.

The demo works exactly like the full version - perfect for testing before you invest in API credits.

TAU Icon Generator uses OpenAI's DALL-E 3 and GPT-4o APIs to create and refine your icons. It also supports predefined style templates and icon generation using reference images. You'll need to create an OpenAI account and add credits to use the app.

1 Create an OpenAI Account

  1. Visit platform.openai.com/signup
  2. Sign up with your email address or Google/Microsoft account
  3. Verify your email address if required
  4. Complete the registration process
Go to OpenAI Signup

2 Add Credits to Your Account

OpenAI uses a pay-as-you-go model. You'll need to add credits before using the API.

Estimated Costs:
  • DALL-E 3 (1024x1024): ~$0.04 per image
  • GPT-4o prompt refinement: ~$0.01 per refinement
  • Recommended starting balance: $10-20
  1. Log in to platform.openai.com/settings/profile
  2. In the left sidebar, click on "Billing"
  3. Click "Add payment method" and enter your credit card details
  4. Choose "Add to credit balance" and select an amount (minimum $5)
  5. Complete the payment

Tip: You can set up usage limits in the billing settings to control your spending.

Go to Settings

3 Create Your API Key

  1. Navigate to platform.openai.com/api-keys
  2. Click the "+ Create new secret key" button
  3. Give your key a name (e.g., "TAU Icon Generator")
  4. Important: Copy the API key immediately - you won't be able to see it again!
  5. Store the key securely (you'll paste it into the TAU Icon Generator app)

Security Warning: Never share your API key publicly or commit it to version control. Treat it like a password.

Go to API Keys

4 Configure TAU Icon Generator

  1. Open the TAU Icon Generator application
  2. Locate the "API Key" field in the settings section
  3. Paste your OpenAI API key into the field
  4. The app will automatically save your key securely
  5. You're ready to start generating icons!

Your API key is stored locally on your device and is never sent to our servers.

Troubleshooting

Error: "Insufficient credits"

Add more credits to your OpenAI account through the billing page.

Error: "Invalid API key"

Double-check that you copied the entire API key correctly. Create a new key if needed.

Error: "Rate limit exceeded"

You've made too many requests in a short time. Wait a few minutes and try again.

Need more help?

Check the OpenAI documentation or contact our support team.