This page walks you through setting up the FlexChat.ai Microsoft Word Add-in.

You only need to follow these instructions one time!

PC and Microsoft Word

Before continuing, make certain you have a Windows PC with Microsoft Word installed.

1. Get the FlexChat.ai Add-in

2. Save the FlexChat.ai Add-in to your Startup Folder

Follow the instructions after the purchase page, or in your confirmation e-mail to download the FlexChat.ai file to your computer.

Copy this strange looking string of characters: %appdata%\Microsoft\Word\STARTUP\

Open your startup folder:

• Hold down the Windows Key on your keyboard and then press R

• Paste %appdata%\Microsoft\Word\STARTUP\ into the box

• Click the OK button.

(If you get an error saying the folder doesn’t exist, try again, but this time just put %appdata%\Microsoft\Word in the run box, and then when that folder comes up, create a folder called STARTUP.)

Locate your downloaded FlexChat.ai add-in in your Downloads folder and put a copy of the FlexChat.ai add-in into this STARTUP folder.  (It’s a good idea to save the original in a different/safe place.)

Open Word and you’ll see the new FlexChat.ai Ribbon!

3. Get an OpenAI API Key

An Open AI API Key can sound intimidating, but it’s really straight-forward. The Key is a unique Identifier from Open AI so they know who is accessing their service, validate you’re authorized, and so they can charge you to do so. You’ll obtain that Key from OpenAI, load it in FlexChat, and then, behind the scenes, FlexChat will provide that key in order to interact with ChatGPT.

Obviously if you have an Open AI API key you can skip this step.  If you subscribe to ChatGPT, you still need an API Key, as the chat interface and the API interface are separate.   If you want more information, see Cut Costs, Boost AI: The Ultimate Guide to OpenAI API Savings.

4. Set your Open AI API Key within FlexChat.ai

Earlier in this document you were told to create an OpenAI API Key and store it in a safe place. Go to that place now and copy your API Key. If you don’t have an OpenAI API Key, visit the OpenAI Control Panel and create a new one.

Your API Key will be stored on your computer in a text file (don’t worry, it’s encrypted on your computer so it’s protected from hackers).

As you set your API Key you’ll have the option of establishing a password which will have the advantage of prohibiting unauthorized use on your computer, but the disadvantage of having to type in that password when you want to use FlexChat.ai (entered once per session/not per use).  If you either go with the password, or not, and want to change your mind, you can always delete the OpenAI API Key (using the Delete button picture above) and then re-enter it.

What’s Next

If you’re ready for more detail, keep digging into our Help section.

If you want to jump-in, see our Examples.