Bring Your Own Key (BYOK) means using an external model account's API credential for AI requests. It is disabled by default in the current Trace service, and the current desktop model picker does not offer key entry.
Use Trace-hosted models
For ordinary use, sign in to Trace and choose an available hosted model in the chat picker. Compatible builds offer GPT Astra, GPT Sol, Trace Genie 2.0 Flash, and Trace Genie 2.0; use the choices supported by your installed build and service.
See Model selection for choosing a model and Billing for metered usage.
Check BYOK availability
If your organization needs BYOK, contact hello@buildwithtrace.com before configuring credentials. Include the product, version, and intended workflow—not an API key.
Support must confirm the supported app and service, model compatibility, billing, and credential handling for your arrangement. Do not assume a command-line option enables an unavailable feature.
Do not enter keys into chat, project files, or feedback forms. Confirm how credentials are handled and which tools are supported before using an organization-specific setup; do not assume external models behave identically to hosted models.
Command-line use
Use trace-cli bundled with the Trace app after signing in to the desktop. It does not supply a general BYOK activation flow. Review CLI model availability; do not follow retired developer-CLI key setup instructions.
BYOK is not a way around Trace sign-in, project permissions, or feature availability. Do not assume a configured key prevents Trace-hosted charges; confirm the supported billing behavior first.