> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://doc.duaer.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://doc.duaer.com/integrations/builtin/credentials/openrouter.md).

# Set up OpenRouter credentials in Duaer

Store OpenRouter connection details in Duaer for digital-organization nodes to use at runtime. Secrets are protected by the instance encryption key and are not written into node parameters.
## Get a OpenRouter API key <a href="#get-an-api-key" id="get-an-api-key"></a>

The Duaer OpenRouter credential needs one API key:

1. Sign in to [OpenRouter](https://openrouter.ai/settings/keys).
2. Open Keys and click Create Key. You can set a credit limit for it. Copy the key right away; it is usually shown only once.
3. In Duaer, create a OpenRouter credential, paste the key into API Key, and save. Duaer tests the connection with it.

In the Duaer OpenRouter Chat Model node, model names carry a provider prefix, such as openai/gpt-4o-mini.

## OpenRouter fields in Duaer <a href="#openrouter" id="openrouter"></a>

In Duaer, choose OpenRouter when you create a credential, then fill in these fields:

- API Key (required, secret)

When you save, Duaer tests the connection with these values.

Duaer nodes that use it: [OpenRouter Chat Model](/integrations/builtin/cluster-nodes/sub-nodes/n8n-nodes-langchain.lmchatopenrouter.md).

## Save the connection in Duaer

Open Credentials and create OpenRouter. Fill in the key, OAuth, or server fields. After you save, digital-organization nodes reference this credential instead of putting the secret in a parameter.

Credential values are protected by the instance encryption key. If you change or lose that key, stored credentials cannot be decrypted. See the hosting notes on encryption keys. 

## Who can use this credential

Who can see or edit it follows projects and roles. Do not paste secrets into chat or variables. External vaults are covered under external secrets.
## Questions

### Do OpenRouter secret values appear in Duaer node parameters?

No. In Duaer, OpenRouter secrets stay in the credential. Nodes only reference the credential. Execution records should not show the plaintext secret either.

### What usually stops a OpenRouter credential from saving in Duaer?

Wrong fields, an OAuth callback that does not match the instance URL, or a role that cannot create credentials. Check the fields OpenRouter expects, then confirm you can create credentials in that project.