Editor with agent

Zed: connect a cheap AI API

Zed declares the provider right in settings.json and keeps the key in the keychain or an environment variable — it never lands in the config and can't leak into git by accident.

Zed

Editor with a built-in agent

Create an API key on the Keys page and copy it.

Open settings.json (cmd-shift-P → zed: open settings) and add the provider. List only the models you actually use - each one shows up in the picker.

json

{
  "language_models": {
    "openai_compatible": {
      "cheapai": {
        "api_url": "https://cheapai.io/v1",
        "available_models": [
          {
            "name": "claude-opus-4-8",
            "display_name": "Claude Opus 4.8",
            "max_tokens": 200000,
            "max_output_tokens": 32000,
            "capabilities": { "tools": true, "images": true }
          },
          {
            "name": "gpt-5.6-sol",
            "display_name": "GPT-5.6 Sol",
            "max_tokens": 200000,
            "max_output_tokens": 32000,
            "capabilities": { "tools": true, "images": true }
          }
        ]
      }
    }
  }
}

Put the key in the Agent settings UI, or export CHEAPAI_API_KEY in your shell.

bash

export CHEAPAI_API_KEY="YOUR_API_KEY"

Do not put the key into settings.json - Zed ignores it there and keeps keys in the system keychain. The env var name is derived from the provider id: cheapai → CHEAPAI_API_KEY. Rename the provider and the variable name changes with it.

Model ids must match the catalog exactly - see the list.

Zed — common questions

Where does Zed store the key?

In the system keychain or in an <ID>_API_KEY environment variable. Don't put the key in settings.json — that file only holds the provider id, api_url and the model list.

Get a key and plug it into Zed

Claude, GPT, Gemini and Grok on one key · pay in ₽, USDT or by card · no VPN

Get API key

Guides for other tools

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