🤖 Starting With OpenAI

Overview

Open WebUI makes it easy to connect and use OpenAI and other OpenAI-compatible APIs. This guide will walk you through adding your API key, setting the correct endpoint, and selecting models — so you can start chatting right away.

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Step 1: Get Your OpenAI API Key

To use OpenAI models (such as GPT-4 or o3-mini), you need an API key from a supported provider.

You can use:

• OpenAI directly (https://platform.openai.com/account/api-keys)
• Azure OpenAI
• Any OpenAI-compatible service (e.g., LocalAI, FastChat, Helicone, LiteLLM, OpenRouter etc.)

👉 Once you have the key, copy it and keep it handy.

For most OpenAI usage, the default API base URL is:
https://api.openai.com/v1

Other providers use different URLs — check your provider’s documentation.

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Step 2: Add the API Connection in Open WebUI

Once Open WebUI is running:

1. Go to the ⚙️ Admin Settings.

2. Navigate to Connections > OpenAI > Manage (look for the wrench icon).

3. Click ➕ Add New Connection.

4. Fill in the following:

   • API URL: https://api.openai.com/v1 (or the URL of your specific provider)
   • API Key: Paste your key here

5. Click Save ✅.

This securely stores your credentials and sets up the connection.

Here’s what it looks like:

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Step 3: Start Using Models

Once your connection is saved, you can start using models right inside Open WebUI.

🧠 You don’t need to download any models — just select one from the Model Selector and start chatting. If a model is supported by your provider, you’ll be able to use it instantly via their API.

Here’s what model selection looks like:

Simply choose GPT-4, o3-mini, or any compatible model offered by your provider.

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All Set!

That’s it! Your OpenAI-compatible API connection is ready to use.

With Open WebUI and OpenAI, you get powerful language models, an intuitive interface, and instant access to chat capabilities — no setup headaches.

If you run into issues or need additional support, visit our help section.

Happy prompting! 🎉