Getting started

This extension needs an API key to work. An API key is like a password that lets the extension talk to an AI service on your behalf.

You'll create one on the provider's website (takes about 2 minutes), then paste it into the extension. Pick your provider below.

OpenAI GPT models or Anthropic Claude models

Not sure? Both work great. OpenAI is the most popular. You can always switch later.

OpenAI setup

1

Create an account

Go to the OpenAI developer platform and sign up. If you already use ChatGPT, you can log in with the same email and password.

Open platform.openai.com →
2

Add a payment method

Go to Billing and add a credit card. Set a monthly limit of $5 — that's more than enough for casual use. You only pay for what you use.

Open billing settings →
A ChatGPT Plus subscription ($20/mo) does not include API credits. The API is billed separately.
3

Create your API key

Go to API Keys and click Create new secret key. Give it any name you like, then copy the key. It starts with sk-.

Open API keys page →
The key is only shown once. If you lose it, just create a new one.
4

Paste it into the extension

Click the Wat dis mean? icon in your browser toolbar, select OpenAI, paste your key, and save. Done!

Anthropic setup

1

Create an account

Go to the Anthropic developer console and sign up. This is a separate account from claude.ai — you'll need to register even if you already use Claude.

Open console.anthropic.com →
2

Add a payment method

Go to Billing and add a credit card. Set a monthly limit of $5 — that's more than enough for casual use. You only pay for what you use.

Open billing settings →
A Claude Pro subscription does not include API credits. The API is billed separately.
3

Create your API key

Go to API Keys and click Create Key. Give it any name you like, then copy the key. It starts with sk-ant-.

Open API keys page →
The key is only shown once. If you lose it, just create a new one.
4

Paste it into the extension

Click the Wat dis mean? icon in your browser toolbar, select Anthropic, paste your key, and save. Done!

Common questions

How much does it cost?

Fractions of a cent per explanation. For casual use (a few per day), expect less than $1/month. Both providers let you set a hard spending limit so there are no surprises.

Is my API key safe?

Yes. Your key is stored locally on your device in Chrome's built-in storage. It only leaves your browser to authenticate directly with the AI provider. We don't operate any servers and never see your key.

Why "bring your own key" instead of a subscription?

Privacy: Requests go directly from your browser to the AI provider. No middleman.

Cost: You pay pennies for what you use instead of a monthly fee.

Control: You choose the provider and set your own spending limits.

Troubleshooting

"Invalid API key" error
  • Make sure there's no extra whitespace before or after the key
  • Check that you selected the right provider — an OpenAI key (sk-) won't work with Anthropic selected
  • If it still doesn't work, create a new key on the provider's dashboard
"Quota exceeded" or "insufficient funds" error

Your API account needs billing set up or has run out of credits. Go to your provider's billing page and add a payment method or credits.

Remember: a ChatGPT Plus or Claude Pro subscription does not give you API credits. They're billed separately.

Explanation not showing up
  • Check your internet connection
  • Refresh the page and try again
  • Try selecting a shorter piece of text
  • Check if the provider is down: OpenAI status / Anthropic status
No "Wat dis mean?" in right-click menu
  • Select some text on the page first — the option only appears when text is highlighted
  • Make sure the extension is enabled at chrome://extensions
  • Refresh pages that were open before you installed the extension