# Getting started

> Get started with the LMU AI API in three steps: create an account, subscribe or top up, create an API key, then connect Claude Code, Codex CLI, and Cursor.

URL: https://docs.lmuai.ai/docs/guide/getting-started







For plan advice and quotes, join the **pre-sales group**. After purchase, join the **after-sales group** first for hands-on help.

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    **Pre-sales QQ group: 1042851564** — questions about plans, models and setup; open to join

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            <img alt="LMU AI pre-sales QQ group QR 1042851564" src="__img0" />
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    **After-sales QQ group: 1044817922** — approval requires your **payment order number**

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            <img alt="LMU AI after-sales QQ group QR 1044817922" src="__img1" />
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***

## Step 1 — Create an account [#step-1--create-an-account]

Go to the sign-up page: [https://api.lmuai.ai/register?ref=vJaWWr4T](https://api.lmuai.ai/register?ref=vJaWWr4T)

Enter your email and a password to finish registration.

## Step 2 — Subscribe or top up [#step-2--subscribe-or-top-up]

After logging in, click "**Top up / Subscribe**" in the left menu:

* **Subscribe**: pick a plan and get a fixed monthly quota
* **Top up**: add balance on demand and use any model flexibly

You're ready to go as soon as payment completes.

## Step 3 — Create an API key [#create-key]

1. Click "**API Keys**" in the left menu
2. Click "Create key" and give it any name
3. Once created, **save your API key** (the value that starts with `sk-`)

## Step 4 — Configure your tool [#step-4--configure-your-tool]

**API base URL:**

Pick the base URL that matches your tool's protocol:

**Anthropic protocol** (Claude Code, Cherry Studio, Trae, Kilo Code with Claude / Chinese models, etc.):

```
https://api.lmuai.ai
```

**OpenAI protocol** (Codex CLI, Codex App, VS Code / Cursor with GPT, Kilo Code with OpenAI models, etc.):

```
https://api.lmuai.ai/v1
```

<Callout type="warn" title="The difference (the most common mistake)">
  * The **Anthropic protocol** has **no** `/v1` suffix
  * The **OpenAI protocol** **must** include the `/v1` suffix

  Using the wrong protocol causes 401 / 404 errors. For full protocol details, SDK / curl examples and Claude Max group limits, see &#x2A;*[API protocols →](/docs/guide/api-protocols)**.
</Callout>

Keep these three things handy — every tool setup below needs them:

* **API Key**: the `sk-` key you created in the console (shared by both protocols)
* **Anthropic base URL**: `https://api.lmuai.ai`
* **OpenAI base URL**: `https://api.lmuai.ai/v1`

***

## Next steps [#next-steps]

Pick the setup guide for your tool:

| Tool                                      | Guide                                          |
| ----------------------------------------- | ---------------------------------------------- |
| CC Switch (one-click import, recommended) | [CC Switch guide](/docs/tools/cc-switch)       |
| Claude Code                               | [Claude Code guide](/docs/tools/claude-code)   |
| Codex CLI (Mac / Linux)                   | [Mac / Linux guide](/docs/tools/codex-cli-mac) |
| Cursor                                    | [Cursor guide](/docs/tools/cursor)             |