# Get an API key: Cohere

> Big-AGI reaches Cohere through its OpenAI-compatibility endpoint, so the model list you get is whatever that endpoint exposes.

- Canonical: https://big-agi.com/docs/connect-cohere
- Minimum tier: open  [Open ⊂ Free ⊂ Pro - a tier only ever ADDS to the Open baseline]
- Kind: provider · Last content update generation: 2026-07-27 · Review by: 2026-10-27
- Answers: Where do I create a Cohere API key? · What is the difference between a trial key and a production key? · Does Direct Connection work with Cohere?

Big-AGI reaches Cohere through its OpenAI-compatibility endpoint. The model list you get back is whatever that endpoint exposes, so a thin list is the endpoint speaking rather than a broken key.

## Trial key or production key

One dashboard issues both. A **trial** key is free and capped by call volume; a **production** key is paid and much less limited ([Cohere's own comparison](https://docs.cohere.com/docs/rate-limits), [pricing](https://docs.cohere.com/v2/docs/how-does-cohere-pricing-work)). No payment method is needed for a first answer. On a paid key the enforceable limit is the dashboard's billing settings; on a trial key it is the call volume. Cohere states you can opt out of model training at any time ([security](https://cohere.com/security)).

## Creating it in the dashboard

1. Open [dashboard.cohere.com/api-keys](https://dashboard.cohere.com/api-keys), which is where the app points too.
2. Create a trial or production key.
3. Copy the string right away.

## Adding it in Big-AGI

Open **Models** (`Ctrl + Shift + M`) and press **More Services** if the **Setup AI Models** wizard appears. Then **Add** -> **Cohere**, paste into **Cohere Key**, and press **Models** - the list filling in below is your confirmation ([add and manage your keys](/docs/connect-models)).

An **API Host** field under **Advanced** aims the service at an alternative compatibility endpoint when you need one.

## Direct Connection

Direct Connection can be turned on once the key is in the browser. It starts off.

> **Direct Connection works only with your API key stored in the browser**, and with an AI service that permits direct browser calls (CORS). Where it cannot be used, requests route through the Big-AGI fast edge servers instead - everything still works, within the standard upload size and time limits.

## Related

- [Connect an AI service](/docs/connect-models)
- [Connect any OpenAI-compatible endpoint](/docs/connect-custom-endpoints)
- [What your provider does with your text](/docs/privacy-data-flow)