OpenRouter is SynaPost’s default free AI provider. One key gives you access to many models, and the free ones need no credit card, so it’s the fastest way to get real AI output on a fresh install.
Why OpenRouter is different
OpenRouter isn’t a single model – it’s a gateway to many different models from many labs behind one API key. The model you pick decides which underlying model writes your content, and SynaPost shows you the current list so you can choose.
1. Get an API key
Create an account and generate a key at openrouter.ai.
2. Connect it in SynaPost
- Go to Settings → AI & Images and click Connect for free on the OpenRouter card (or Reconfigure if it’s already connected).
- Paste your key. If a key is already saved, it stays in the field so you can see it.
- Pick a model from the list. Use the search box to find one by name or model ID. The list shows the models OpenRouter is currently offering for free.
- Click Test and connect. SynaPost verifies the key and model before saving anything, and makes OpenRouter your default provider once it works.
Changing the model later
Once OpenRouter is connected, click Change model on its card. The model list opens with your saved key, so you don’t need to paste it again. Pick a model and click Use this model. If that model can’t be used right now, SynaPost keeps your current model and tells you why.
To use a different key, click Use a different key instead.
Paid models (SynaPost Pro)
On a licensed SynaPost Pro site, the model list has an Also show paid models, with pricing checkbox. Turning it on adds OpenRouter’s paid models to the list, each with its price per million input and output tokens, so you can compare them before choosing.
Paid models are billed by OpenRouter against credits on your OpenRouter account, so add credits there before you choose one. If your account runs out of credits, generation stops with a message telling you to add credits or switch to a free model.
If your SynaPost Pro license lapses
A saved paid model keeps working only while SynaPost Pro is licensed. If the license lapses, SynaPost switches to a free OpenRouter model so your content keeps generating, and the OpenRouter card shows a notice naming the paid model. Reactivate your license to go back to the paid model, or choose a free model under Change model.
Free model limits
Free models are shared capacity, and OpenRouter limits how many requests a free account can make per day. If you hit the limit, SynaPost tells you it’s reached today’s free usage and suggests trying again tomorrow or connecting another provider. OpenRouter’s own pricing page lists the current limits for your account.
Billing
SynaPost never meters or marks up usage. Free models cost nothing. Paid models are billed directly by OpenRouter at your own account’s rates, which vary by model, separate from your SynaPost subscription.
See Choosing an AI Provider for what’s available on each plan, and Understanding error messages if generation stops.