How to Use an OpenRouter API Key for Image Generation (No Code)

OpenRouter keys are for developers — until you paste one into a workspace that already speaks image and video. This is the no-code path: generate with Flux, Gemini, GPT Image, and Sora using your OpenRouter account, without POST requests, Python, or the playground.

If you showed up because of the reported Stripe deal, same instructions. A rumor does not change where the key goes. For “will it still work?”, see OpenRouter after Stripe.

What you need

• An OpenRouter account and an API key (they start with `sk-or-`).
• A Pantr account. No credit card required to start.

You do not need to call `/api/v1/images`. Pantr already does that through OpenRouter for prompt-bar generate, edits, and video. Your key is used instead of the Pantr wallet.

1. Create or copy the key

In OpenRouter, open API keys and create one you are willing to use from a third-party app. Treat it like a password. If it leaks, revoke it and make another. Pantr stores keys encrypted and only uses them to generate on your behalf. We are not an official OpenRouter product; we validate that the key looks like an OpenRouter key and that it can list models.

2. Paste it in Pantr

In the workspace, open Account → Billing. Choose API key mode, paste the key, save. Pantr checks it against OpenRouter before it sticks. If validation fails, the key is not stored — fix the key and try again.

When key mode is on, generations do not debit the wallet. Failed jobs should not charge you at Pantr; OpenRouter bills according to their own rules for the call.

3. Generate like a designer, not like a client

Pick a model in the prompt bar. Write the prompt. Drop references on the canvas and `@mention` them when you need more than one. Hit enter. Outputs land on the board.

That is the whole point of OpenRouter for creatives: the key is the billing relationship; the canvas is the product. You can change model on a generated still and rerun the same prompt on Flux, Nano Banana, or GPT Image without opening a second app.

Wallet vs key (30 seconds)

Longer split for freelancers: BYOK vs a managed wallet. If you do not want a key at all, skip this post and use the wallet — same canvas, same models.

What the key can and cannot do here

Pantr’s catalog is curated. You will not see every model ID OpenRouter lists. Image and video rows we support show in the picker, with ratios and reference limits from that model. If a model only accepts 8 refs and you tagged 12, generation is blocked until you drop refs or pick a higher-limit model. We do not silently throw references away.

Inpaint, expand, and 2K/4K export use pinned models (not the prompt-bar picker). They still bill through the same OpenRouter path when you are in key mode.

Common mistakes

• Pasting a non-OpenRouter key. It has to start with `sk-or-`.
• Expecting the full 400-model list. That is the gateway. This is a creative catalog on top.
• Using a first-frame video model with zero images selected, or a text-to-video model with a still selected. The prompt bar will tell you; the key will not guess.

Related

If you want the category argument, read OpenRouter for creatives. If you want the API in plain language, read OpenRouter image API explained for non-developers. Direct entry for people who already have a key: pantr.ai/openrouter.