Arcio uses OpenRouter to connect to AI models like GPT-5.x, Claude, Gemini, and more. OpenRouter acts as a single gateway — one API key gives you access to dozens of models. This guide walks you through creating an account, generating your API key, and adding it to Arcio.
What is OpenRouter?
OpenRouter is an API service that routes your requests to whichever AI model you choose. Instead of managing separate accounts with OpenAI, Anthropic, Google, and others, you use a single API key and pick the model you want per request. You only pay for what you use, billed directly by OpenRouter at their standard per-model rates.
Important: Arcio never charges you for AI usage. The only cost from Arcio is your plugin subscription (or free plan). AI costs are between you and OpenRouter.
Step 1: Create an OpenRouter Account
- Go to openrouter.ai
- Click Sign Up in the top right corner
- You can sign up with your Google account, GitHub account, or email address
- Verify your email if prompted
Step 2: Add Credits
OpenRouter uses a prepaid credits system. You add funds to your account and they are deducted as you make API calls.
- Once logged in, click your profile icon in the top right and go to Credits
- Click Add Credits
- Choose an amount — $5 is a good starting point and will cover hundreds of post analyses depending on which model you choose
- Complete the payment via Stripe
Tip: Different AI models cost different amounts per request. Smaller models like GPT-4o Mini or Claude Haiku are very affordable (fractions of a cent per analysis). Larger models like GPT-5.x or Claude Opus cost more but may produce higher quality suggestions. You can experiment to find the best balance of cost and quality for your site.
Step 3: Generate Your API Key
- Go to openrouter.ai/keys (or click your profile icon → Keys)
- Click Create Key
- Give it a name like “Arcio” so you can identify it later
- Leave the other settings at their defaults (no rate limit or model restriction needed)
- Click Create
- Copy the key immediately — it starts with
sk-or-and will only be shown once
Keep your API key private. Anyone with your key can make API calls charged to your account. Do not share it publicly or commit it to version control. If you suspect your key has been compromised, revoke it immediately from the Keys page and create a new one.
Step 4: Add the Key to Arcio
- In your WordPress admin, go to Arcio → Settings
- Paste your API key into the OpenRouter API Key field
- Choose your preferred AI model from the dropdown
- Click Save
That’s it — Arcio is now connected and ready to analyze your content. Head to any post and click Analyze to see your first internal linking suggestions.
Choosing a Model
OpenRouter gives you access to many AI models. Here are some popular choices for Arcio:
| Model | Quality | Speed | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| GPT-4o Mini | Good | Fast | Very Low |
| Claude Haiku | Good | Fast | Very Low |
| GPT-4o | Great | Medium | Moderate |
| Claude Sonnet | Great | Medium | Moderate |
| GPT-5.x | Excellent | Slower | Higher |
| Claude Opus | Excellent | Slower | Higher |
For most sites, GPT-4o or Claude Sonnet offer the best balance of quality and cost. Start there and adjust based on your results.
Troubleshooting
“Invalid API key” error: Make sure you copied the full key including the sk-or- prefix. Check for trailing spaces.
“Insufficient credits” error: Your OpenRouter balance has run out. Add more credits at openrouter.ai/credits.
“Rate limited” error: You are sending too many requests at once. Wait a moment and try again, or reduce the batch size in Arcio’s bulk analysis settings.
Need help? Contact us at joe@vikingtradinggroup.com and we will help you get set up.
