AI Settings
Configure AI providers, API keys, and models for AI Transform and Q&A
AI settings let you configure the AI provider, API key, and model used by AI Transform and AI Q&A Voice Assistant. AI features are optional — Yapper works fully offline for basic transcription without any AI configuration.
Accessing AI Settings
- Click the Yapper icon in the menu bar
- Select Settings (or press ⌘ ,)
- Go to the AI tab
Choosing a Provider
Yapper supports four AI providers:
| Provider | Models | Strengths |
|---|---|---|
| Gemini (Google) | Gemini 3 Flash Preview, Gemini 3 Pro Preview | Good balance of speed and quality |
| OpenAI | GPT-5 Mini, GPT-5 Nano | Well-established, reliable |
| Anthropic | Claude Sonnet 4.5, Claude Haiku 4.5 | Strong language understanding |
| xAI | Grok 4, Grok 4.1 Fast | Alternative option |
Select your provider from the Provider dropdown. Each provider requires its own API key.
Setting Up an API Key
- Select your provider
- Click the Get API Key link to open the provider’s website
- Sign up or log in and create a new API key
- Copy the key
- Paste it into the API Key field in Yapper
- Click Save
Where to Get API Keys
| Provider | URL |
|---|---|
| Google (Gemini) | ai.google.dev |
| OpenAI | platform.openai.com/api-keys |
| Anthropic | console.anthropic.com |
| xAI | x.ai |
Key Format
API keys typically look like:
- OpenAI: starts with
sk-... - Anthropic: starts with
sk-ant-... - Google: alphanumeric string
- xAI: provider-specific format
Selecting a Model
After setting your provider and API key, choose a model from the Model dropdown.
Speed vs. Quality
- Faster models (GPT-5 Nano, Claude Haiku 4.5, Gemini Flash) — Lower latency, great for quick AI Transform edits and simple Q&A
- Quality models (GPT-5 Mini, Claude Sonnet 4.5, Gemini Pro) — Better results for complex rewrites, translations, and detailed answers
For most users, faster models provide excellent results with minimal delay. Use quality models when you need the best possible output.
Cost
AI providers charge based on usage (tokens processed). Both AI Transform and Q&A typically cost fractions of a cent per use, but costs add up with heavy usage. Check your provider’s pricing page for current rates.
How AI Is Used
AI settings apply to both AI features:
- AI Transform — Rewrites selected text based on your voice instruction
- AI Q&A — Answers questions when you say “Hey Yapper”
Both features use the same provider, API key, and model. There’s no need to configure them separately.
Privacy
When using AI features:
- Your voice is always transcribed locally — audio never leaves your Mac
- Text only is sent to your chosen AI provider (your voice instruction, selected text for Transform, or question for Q&A)
- The provider’s privacy policy applies to any text sent to them
- You can stop using AI anytime — basic transcription works fully offline
Review your provider’s privacy policy:
| Provider | Privacy Policy |
|---|---|
| Google (Gemini) | ai.google.dev/terms |
| OpenAI | openai.com/privacy |
| Anthropic | anthropic.com/privacy |
| xAI | x.ai/privacy |
Troubleshooting
AI features not available
- Verify a provider is selected
- Check that your API key is saved
- Ensure a model is selected
- Test your internet connection
”Invalid API Key” error
- Regenerate the key on your provider’s website
- Copy carefully — make sure you get the full key with no extra spaces
- Clear the API key field, paste fresh, and save
Slow responses
- Try a faster model (Nano, Haiku, Flash)
- Check your internet connection
- The provider may be experiencing high load
For more help, see AI Issues.
Related Topics
- AI Features — Overview of AI Transform and Q&A
- AI Transform — Rewrite text with voice instructions
- AI Q&A Voice Assistant — Ask questions with “Hey Yapper”
- AI Issues — Troubleshoot AI problems