Using OpenRouter With Roo Code

OpenRouter is an AI platform that provides access to a wide variety of language models from different providers, all through a single API. This can simplify setup and allow you to easily experiment with different models.

Website: https://openrouter.ai/

Getting an API Key

1. Sign Up/Sign In: Go to the OpenRouter website. Sign in with your Google or GitHub account.
2. Get an API Key: Go to the keys page. You should see an API key listed. If not, create a new key.
3. Copy the Key: Copy the API key.

Supported Models

OpenRouter supports a large and growing number of models. Roo Code automatically fetches the list of available models. Refer to the OpenRouter Models page for the complete and up-to-date list.

Configuration in Roo Code

1. Open Roo Code Settings: Click the gear icon () in the Roo Code panel.

2. Select Provider: Choose "OpenRouter" from the "API Provider" dropdown.

3. Enter API Key: Paste your OpenRouter API key into the "OpenRouter API Key" field.

4. Select Model: Choose your desired model from the "Model" dropdown.

5. (Optional) Custom Base URL: If you need to use a custom base URL for the OpenRouter API, check "Use custom base URL" and enter the URL. Leave this blank for most users.

6. (Optional) Enable Prompt Caching (Supported Models): For models accessed via OpenRouter that support caching (like Gemini 2.5), check the "Enable Prompt Caching" box if you wish to activate it. See the note below for important details specific to this provider.

   

Supported Transforms

OpenRouter provides an optional "middle-out" message transform to help with prompts that exceed the maximum context size of a model. You can enable it by checking the "Compress prompts and message chains to the context size" box.

Tips and Notes

• Model Selection: OpenRouter offers a wide range of models. Experiment to find the best one for your needs.
• Pricing: OpenRouter charges based on the underlying model's pricing. See the OpenRouter Models page for details.
• Prompt Caching:
  • OpenRouter passes caching requests to underlying models that support it. Check the OpenRouter Models page to see which models offer caching.
  • For most models, caching should activate automatically if supported by the model itself (similar to how Requesty works).
  • Exception for Gemini Models via OpenRouter: Due to potential response delays sometimes observed with Google's caching mechanism when accessed via OpenRouter, a manual activation step is required specifically for Gemini models.
  • If using a Gemini model via OpenRouter, you must manually check the "Enable Prompt Caching" box in the provider settings to activate caching for that model. This checkbox serves as a temporary workaround. For non-Gemini models on OpenRouter, this checkbox is not necessary for caching.