Short answer
Create an account in the Anthropic Console, add some credit under Billing, then open API Keys and click Create Key. Copy it right away: Anthropic only shows it once. A Claude Pro or Max subscription doesn't include an API key.
How do I make a Claude API key?
In the Anthropic Console, in four steps.
- Go to the Anthropic Console and sign in or create an account.
- Open Settings → Billing and add credit. The API is pay as you go, so start small, like $5. On a Claude Max, Ultra or Team plan? Your plan may include monthly API credits: claim them first (see below).
- Open API Keys, click Create Key, and name it, for example "Catchr". You can ignore any other settings.
- Copy the key right away. Anthropic only shows it once.
How do I use the key in Catchr?
Choose Claude, agree to what gets sent, then paste the key.
Open the Catchr extension and choose Claude as your AI (in setup, or in Settings if you already use Catchr). Catchr shows what it will send to Anthropic. Click Use Claude to agree. Chrome then asks to let Catchr read and change your data on api.anthropic.com. Click Allow. That only lets Catchr send your requests to Anthropic, and no other site. Then paste your key. Catchr checks it right away and shows Valid.
Does my Claude subscription include an API key?
No. You need a separate Anthropic Console account and key, even if you already pay for Claude.
The chat app and the API are billed separately. Claude Max, Ultra and Team plans do include monthly API credits: link a Console organization in your Claude billing settings to claim them, then make your key in that organization. Claude Pro doesn't include API credits. Details are in Anthropic's help article.
What does the Claude API cost?
You pay Anthropic for what you use, at its own prices. Catchr charges nothing.
Each use draws from the credit on your account, so check you have some before you start. Current prices are on Anthropic's pricing page.
Where does my key go?
Your key is saved in your browser and sent only to Anthropic, never to us.
Common problems
Find the message Catchr showed you. The fix is next to it.
“Catchr needs your OK before sending your resume to Claude. Open Settings (⚙️) to review what is shared.”
Open Settings, read what gets sent, and click Use Claude. Or switch back to Gemini.
“Catchr needs your permission to use this AI provider. Open Settings (⚙️) and click Allow access.”
Catchr's access to Anthropic was turned off in Chrome. Open Settings and click Allow access, then Allow when Chrome asks. Your saved key stays in place.
“You’ve hit your provider’s rate limit or quota. Wait a moment, or check your plan and billing with your provider.”
Wait a moment and try again. If it keeps happening, check that your Anthropic account still has credit in its billing settings.
“That key was rejected. Double-check it.”
The AI company turned the key down when Catchr checked it. Make sure you copied the whole key, and that it's for the AI you picked: a Gemini key won't work for Claude.
“That API key looks invalid. Check it in your provider’s console, then update it in Settings (⚙️).”
Open Catchr's Settings, click Change next to your key and paste the full key again. Check that nothing was cut off at either end. Lost it? Make a new key where you made the first one.
Add to Chrome, it's free