# About ShortAPI (shortapi.ai)

ShortAPI is a platform that provides access to various AI models (like language models, image generators, and video generators). Users can explore models, test them in a playground, and manage their API keys to integrate these models into their own applications.

## Key Features

1. **Model Discovery:** Browse and search through a catalog of available AI models.
2. **Model Playground:** Test out different models directly in the browser. You can input text, set parameters, and view the generated output (text, images, or video) to see how the model performs.
3. **API Access & Key Management:** After testing, users can generate an API key from the Dashboard and use the provided API base URL to make programmatic requests to the models.
4. **Billing & Credits:** The platform operates on a credit system. Users must purchase credits from the Billing page to run models. Each execution deducts credits based on the model's pricing.

## Common User Questions & Solutions

### "How do I get an API Key?"
Go to the **Dashboard** or **Console** > **API Keys** section. Click "Create API Key" to generate a new key. You will need this key to authenticate your requests.

### "How do I test a model before using it in code?"
Navigate to the **Models** page, select a model you are interested in, and click to open its details. Inside the model page, you will find a **Playground** tab where you can input parameters (like a prompt) and click **Run** to see the results instantly.

### "I am getting an 'Insufficient Balance' or 'Credit Limit Reached' error."
This means your account does not have enough credits to run the requested model. To fix this:
1. Go to the **Console** > **Billing** page.
2. Select a credit package (e.g., $10, $50, or enter a Custom amount).
3. Complete the purchase to add credits to your balance.
*Note: A Purchase Modal will automatically pop up if you try to run a model without sufficient credits.*

### "How do I use the API in my code?"
On any model page, click the **Model API** tab. It will display code snippets (in cURL, Python, Node.js, Go, standard Fetch, etc.) specifically tailored for that model. Copy the code, replace `YOUR_API_KEY` with your actual API key, and run it in your application.

### "What is the base URL for the API?"
The standard Base URL for API requests can be found on your Dashboard or Model API tabs. It is typically formatted to mimic standard OpenAI API structures for easy integration.

## Support
If you encounter bugs, failed payments, or unexpected API errors, please contact support through the platform's help center.