Skip to main content

API Configuration

After purchasing a lifetime license, you'll need to configure your own OpenAI API key to continue using MagicGPT Quiz Builder for Forms.

Why Your Own API Key?​

Transparency: You pay OpenAI directly for usage at their standard rates Control: You control your costs and usage limits Privacy: Your API key stays with you No Hidden Fees: Only pay for what you use (typically pennies per quiz)

Getting an OpenAI API Key​

Step 1: Create OpenAI Account​

  1. Go to platform.openai.com
  2. Click "Sign up"
  3. Create account with email or Google/Microsoft account
  4. Verify your email address

Step 2: Add Payment Method​

  1. Log in to your OpenAI account
  2. Go to Settings (or Billing)
  3. Add a payment method (credit/debit card)
  4. Set up billing limits if desired

Note: OpenAI requires a payment method, but charges are minimal for typical quiz generation use.

Step 3: Create API Key​

  1. Go to platform.openai.com/api-keys
  2. Click "Create new secret key"
  3. Give it a name (e.g., "MagicGPT Quiz Builder for Forms")
  4. Copy the key immediately (you won't see it again!)
  5. Store it securely

Your API key looks like: sk-proj-ABCdefGHIjklMNOpqrstUVWxyz123...

Adding API Key to MagicGPT Quiz Builder for Forms​

Initial Setup​

  1. Open Google Forms
  2. Go to Add-ons → MagicGPT Quiz Builder for Forms → Settings
  3. Paste your OpenAI API key in the "API Key" field
  4. (Optional) Select your preferred model
  5. Click "Save"

Settings Dialog​

The Settings dialog allows you to:

API Key Management

  • Add your OpenAI API key
  • Update your API key
  • Delete stored API key

Model Selection

  • Choose which GPT model to use
  • Balance quality vs. cost
  • Default: GPT-5

Choosing the Right Model​

GPT-5 (Default)​

Best for:

  • Complex topics
  • Advanced questions
  • Critical assessments
  • Highest quality needs

Characteristics:

  • Most advanced reasoning
  • Best question quality
  • Highest cost per generation
  • Slowest processing

Cost: ~$0.10-0.30 per quiz (varies by complexity)

Best for:

  • Everyday quizzes
  • Most subjects
  • Regular classroom use
  • Balanced needs

Characteristics:

  • Fast processing
  • Good quality
  • Cost-effective
  • Great all-rounder

Cost: ~$0.05-0.15 per quiz

GPT-4​

Best for:

  • Budget-conscious use
  • Simple quizzes
  • Straightforward topics
  • High-volume usage

Characteristics:

  • Reliable quality
  • Lower cost
  • Proven performance
  • Budget-friendly

Cost: ~$0.02-0.08 per quiz

Understanding API Costs​

How OpenAI Charges​

OpenAI charges based on:

  • Tokens: Small pieces of text (roughly 4 characters)
  • Model: Different models have different rates
  • Usage: Both input (your prompt) and output (generated questions)

Typical Costs​

Per Quiz Generation:

  • AI text prompt: $0.02-0.10
  • Image to quiz: $0.05-0.20
  • PDF to quiz: $0.10-0.50 (depends on size)

Monthly Estimates:

  • Light use (5 quizzes/month): ~$0.50-2.00
  • Regular use (20 quizzes/month): ~$2.00-8.00
  • Heavy use (50 quizzes/month): ~$5.00-20.00

These are rough estimates. Actual costs depend on:

  • Complexity of generation
  • Length of prompts
  • Size of PDFs
  • Model chosen

Monitoring Your Usage​

  1. Log in to platform.openai.com
  2. Go to Usage
  3. View usage details
  4. Set billing limits if desired

Setting Spending Limits​

To control costs:

  1. Go to OpenAI Settings → Billing
  2. Set a monthly spending limit
  3. Add buffer for API usage
  4. Receive alerts when approaching limit

Example limits:

  • Casual user: $5-10/month
  • Regular user: $20-30/month
  • Heavy user: $50+/month

API Key Security​

Best Practices​

Do: ✅ Store API key securely ✅ Keep it private ✅ Use only in MagicGPT Quiz Builder for Forms ✅ Regenerate if compromised ✅ Set spending limits

Don't: ❌ Share your API key ❌ Post it publicly ❌ Email it to others ❌ Store in unsecured locations ❌ Use same key across many services

If Key is Compromised​

  1. Go to platform.openai.com/api-keys
  2. Delete compromised key
  3. Create new key
  4. Update key in MagicGPT Quiz Builder for Forms Settings
  5. Review usage for any unauthorized charges

Troubleshooting API Issues​

"Invalid API Key" Error​

Causes:

  • Key copied incorrectly (extra spaces)
  • Key deleted from OpenAI account
  • Key expired or deactivated

Solutions:

  1. Copy key again carefully (no spaces)
  2. Verify key exists at platform.openai.com
  3. Create new key if needed
  4. Update in Settings

"Insufficient Credits" Error​

Causes:

  • No payment method added
  • Spending limit reached
  • Payment method declined

Solutions:

  1. Add/verify payment method at OpenAI
  2. Check billing section for issues
  3. Increase spending limit if set too low
  4. Contact OpenAI support if needed

"Rate Limit Exceeded" Error​

Causes:

  • Too many requests in short time
  • Account limits reached

Solutions:

  1. Wait a few minutes and try again
  2. Check OpenAI account status
  3. Verify account is in good standing
  4. Contact OpenAI if persists

Model Not Available​

Causes:

  • Model access not enabled
  • Account tier restrictions
  • Model deprecated

Solutions:

  1. Check model availability at OpenAI
  2. Request access if needed
  3. Use alternative model (GPT-4o or GPT-4)
  4. Update to currently available models

Updating Your Configuration​

Changing API Key​

  1. Open Settings
  2. Delete old API key
  3. Paste new API key
  4. Click Save
  5. Test with a generation

Changing Model​

  1. Open Settings
  2. Select different model from dropdown
  3. Click Save
  4. Next generation will use new model

Removing API Key​

  1. Open Settings
  2. Click "Delete API Key"
  3. Confirm deletion
  4. API key removed from storage

Note: You'll need to re-enter API key to generate quizzes again.

Frequently Asked Questions​

Do I need my own OpenAI account?​

Yes, after the 3 free trials, you need your own OpenAI account and API key.

How much does OpenAI cost?​

It varies, but typically $0.02-0.30 per quiz depending on complexity and model. Most users spend $5-20/month.

Can I use a free OpenAI account?​

No, OpenAI requires a paid account (with payment method) for API access. However, you only pay for what you use.

What if I run out of credits?​

Add more credits to your OpenAI account, or add a payment method for automatic billing.

Can I share my API key?​

No, never share your API key. Each user should have their own key for security and billing purposes.

Can I change models anytime?​

Yes, you can switch models in Settings anytime. Each generation will use the currently selected model.

Do you store my API key?​

Your API key is stored locally in your browser session only. We never see or access your API key.

Need Help?​

Having trouble with API configuration?

  • Email: formquizgen@terrydjony.com
  • For OpenAI billing issues, contact OpenAI support
  • For add-on issues, contact us
  • We typically respond within 1-2 business days