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OpenRouter Configuration

OpenAI Compatible Configuration Interface The OpenAI API Compatible configuration screen in PipesHub where you’ll enter your OpenRouter endpoint URL, API Key, and Model Name PipesHub allows you to integrate with OpenRouter, a unified API that provides access to multiple LLM providers through a single interface. OpenRouter simplifies working with various AI models by offering a consistent OpenAI-compatible API format.

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What is OpenRouter?

OpenRouter is an API aggregator that provides access to multiple LLM providers through a unified interface. It offers:
  • Access to 100+ models from various providers (OpenAI, Anthropic, Google, Meta, and more)
  • OpenAI-compatible API format
  • Simple pricing and billing across all providers
  • Automatic fallback and load balancing
  • No need to manage multiple API keys for different providers

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Prerequisites

Before configuring OpenRouter in PipesHub, ensure you have:
  1. An OpenRouter account (sign up at openrouter.ai)
  2. Your OpenRouter API key (available in your OpenRouter dashboard)
  3. Selected a model from OpenRouter’s model list

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Getting Your API Key

To obtain your OpenRouter API key:
  1. Visit openrouter.ai and create an account
  2. Navigate to your dashboard
  3. Go to the API Keys section
  4. Generate a new API key
  5. Add credits to your account for model usage
Your API key will look like: sk-or-v1-...

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Required Fields

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Endpoint URL *

The Endpoint URL is OpenRouter’s API endpoint. Format: https://openrouter.ai/api/v1/ Standard Configuration: For most use cases, use: https://openrouter.ai/api/v1/ Important:
  • Always use the HTTPS protocol for secure communication
  • The endpoint URL must include the /v1/ suffix
  • OpenRouter’s API is cloud-based, so ensure your PipesHub instance has internet access

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API Key *

The API Key field is your OpenRouter API key used to authenticate requests. Format: sk-or-v1-... Where to find it:
  • Log in to your OpenRouter account at openrouter.ai
  • Navigate to the API Keys section in your dashboard
  • Copy your existing key or generate a new one
Security Note: Keep your API key secure and never commit it to version control. OpenRouter charges based on usage, so protect your key to avoid unauthorized charges.

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Model Name *

The Model Name specifies which model from OpenRouter’s catalog you want to use. Format: provider/model-name Popular Examples:
  • openai/gpt-5
  • openai/gpt-5-mini
  • meta-llama/llama-3.3-70b-instruct
  • deepseek/deepseek-chat
  • qwen/qwen-2.5-72b-instruct
Finding available models: Browse the complete model list at openrouter.ai/models or query the API: 
curl https://openrouter.ai/api/v1/models \
  -H "Authorization: Bearer YOUR_API_KEY"
Important: Use the exact model identifier as shown on OpenRouter’s model page (e.g., openai/gpt-5-mini, not just gpt-5-mini).

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Optional Features

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Multimodal

Enable this checkbox if you’re using a model that supports multimodal input (text + images). When to enable:
  • You’re using a vision-language model
  • The model can process both text and images
  • You need to analyze documents with visual content
Example multimodal models on OpenRouter:
  • openai/gpt-5-mini
  • anthropic/claude-4.5-sonnet
  • google/gemini-pro-2.5
Note: Check the model details on OpenRouter’s model page to confirm multimodal support before enabling this feature.

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Reasoning

Enable this checkbox if you’re using a model with enhanced reasoning capabilities. When to enable:
  • You’re using a reasoning-focused model
  • The model is designed for complex problem-solving tasks
  • Your use case involves mathematical, logical, or multi-step reasoning
Example reasoning models on OpenRouter:
  • deepseek/deepseek-r1
  • openai/gpt-5
Note: Reasoning models typically take longer to generate responses as they perform additional internal reasoning steps.

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Configuration Steps

As shown in the image above:
  1. Select “OpenAI API Compatible” as your Provider Type from the dropdown
  2. Enter the OpenRouter Endpoint URL: https://openrouter.ai/api/v1/
  3. Enter your OpenRouter API Key (starts with sk-or-v1-)
  4. Specify the Model Name in provider/model-name format (e.g., openai/gpt-5-mini)
  5. (Optional) Check “Multimodal” if using a vision-language model
  6. (Optional) Check “Reasoning” if using a reasoning-focused model
  7. Click “Add Model” to complete the setup
All fields marked with an asterisk (*) are required to successfully configure the OpenRouter integration. You must complete these fields to proceed with the setup.

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Supported Models

OpenRouter provides access to 100+ models from various providers. For the complete and up-to-date list of supported models, pricing, and capabilities, visit openrouter.ai/models.

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Cost and Usage Considerations

Managing OpenRouter costs:
  • Model Selection: Different models have different pricing. Check openrouter.ai/models for current rates
  • Credits: Add credits to your OpenRouter account to ensure uninterrupted service
  • Usage Monitoring: Monitor your usage through the OpenRouter dashboard
  • Cost Optimization: Consider using smaller or more cost-effective models for routine tasks
  • Rate Limits: Be aware of rate limits for each model (varies by model and provider)
Pricing Examples (subject to change):
  • GPT-5: Higher cost, best performance
  • GPT-5-mini: Lower cost, good performance
  • Claude 4.5 Sonnet: Mid-tier pricing, excellent quality
  • Open-source models (Glm, Qwen): Often lower cost alternatives
Best Practices:
  • Start with smaller models for testing
  • Use appropriate models for your use case (don’t use gpt-5 when gpt-5-mini suffices)
  • Monitor your spending through the OpenRouter dashboard
  • Set up billing alerts to avoid unexpected charges

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Troubleshooting

Connection Issues:
  • Verify the endpoint URL is exactly: https://openrouter.ai/api/v1/
  • Check that your PipesHub instance has internet access
  • Verify firewall rules allow outbound HTTPS connections
  • Test the connection manually: 
    curl https://openrouter.ai/api/v1/models \
  -H "Authorization: Bearer YOUR_API_KEY"
Authentication Errors:
  • Verify your API key is correct and starts with sk-or-v1-
  • Check that your API key hasn’t been revoked in the OpenRouter dashboard
  • Ensure your OpenRouter account has sufficient credits
  • Regenerate your API key if issues persist
Model Not Found:
  • Confirm the model name is in the correct format: provider/model-name
  • Verify the model is available on openrouter.ai/models
  • Check for typos in the model name
  • Some models may have availability restrictions or require special access
Rate Limiting:
  • OpenRouter enforces rate limits per model
  • Check your OpenRouter dashboard for rate limit details
  • Consider spreading requests across multiple models
  • Wait before retrying if you hit rate limits
Insufficient Credits:
  • Check your OpenRouter account balance
  • Add credits through the OpenRouter dashboard
  • Set up auto-reload to prevent service interruptions
  • Monitor your usage to avoid unexpected credit depletion
Model Unavailable:
  • Some models may be temporarily unavailable
  • Check OpenRouter’s status page for service disruptions
  • Try an alternative model as a fallback
  • Contact OpenRouter support if a model is consistently unavailable
For additional support, refer to the OpenRouter documentation or contact PipesHub support.