Advanced
Bring your own OpenRouter key
Already on OpenRouter? Use your own API key in the Dictor desktop app and keep full control of inference costs.
Your key, your bill
Pay OpenRouter directly for transcription and chat. Dictor does not charge you for AI usage on this path.
Stays on your device
The key lives in the macOS or Windows keychain. Dictor calls OpenRouter from your machine — our backend never sees it.
Same Dictor experience
Global dictation, commands, polish, and shortcuts work the same — only the AI billing changes.
How it works
- Download Dictor for macOS or Windows and create your account.
- Open Settings → Bring your own key and paste an OpenRouter API key.
- Toggle on “Use my OpenRouter key”. Dictation and commands then use your key.
API keys are entered only in the Dictor desktop app (macOS and Windows), stored in your system keychain, and never uploaded to our servers. Sign in with your Dictor account so we can keep you updated by email.
Hosted vs. your own key
Most people should use Dictor’s hosted AI with a simple subscription — no API keys, no model setup. Bring your own key is for developers and power users who already pay OpenRouter and want the same Dictor experience at their own cost.