< is an API gateway that gives one compatible endpoint for hundreds of AI models, so a single integration can be used to access models from multiple providers instead of wiring each provider separately. In practice, that means CCStudio IDE users can point Claude Code at OpenRouter and then route requests to other model families through the same setup.
[[y **NOTE**
OpenRouter is an online, hosted model router. When using OpenRouter, all model requests and data will be sent to the internet. If your project requires that AI processing remain locally hosted and on-premises, consider using alternatives such as [LiteLLM with CCStudio IDE](appnote-ccs_ai_litellm_copilot.html) instead, which allows you to run models locally without sending data outside your network.
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## Prerequisites
Before you begin, ensure you have:
- Active [OpenRouter](https://openrouter.ai/) account, available API credits, and an OpenRouter API key created from the OpenRouter dashboard.
- [CCStudio IDE](https://www.ti.com/tool/CCSTUDIO) installed (v20.5.1+)
- Internet connection
## Step 1: Create an OpenRouter API Key
1. Sign in at [OpenRouter](https://openrouter.ai/).
2. Open the [API Keys](https://openrouter.ai/workspaces/default/keys) page and create a new key.
3. Give the key a name, and optionally set a credit limit for safety.
4. Copy the key immediately and store it securely.
## Step 2: Find a Model
1. Search the OpenRouter models catalog for available model IDs and capabilities. For this example we will look for a [Qwen](https://qwen.ai) model to use.
2. Note the model identifier for the selected model:
## Step 3: Configure CCStudio IDE
Now point CCStudio IDE's Claude Code extension to use OpenRouter.
1. Open CCStudio IDE
2. Open the [AI Assistant Configurator](https://software-dl.ti.com/ccs/esd/documents/users_guide_ccs/ccs_ai.html#ai-assistant-configurator) view
3. Configure Custom Endpoint:
Set the following values:
- **Auth Token**: Enter the API key generated in Step 1.
- **Base URL**: https://openrouter.ai/api
- **Custom Headers**: (optional)
- **Model**: Enter the model identifier from Step 2.
4. **Apply** settings
5. Reopen the Claude Code extension (if needed)
### Test the Connection
1. Open the Claude Code extension in CCStudio IDE
2. Send a test message
3. You should receive a response from the selected model
Claude Code inside CCStudio IDE is now using the specified model via OpenRouter.
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## Troubleshooting
- Authentication errors: verify the OpenRouter API key, confirm it was copied correctly, and keep it in an environment variable or Claude local settings rather than hardcoding it in project files.
- No response or provider issues: check that the selected model ID exists in OpenRouter's models catalog and that the model supports the parameters you need.
- Billing problems: OpenRouter keys can have limits, and account credits are required for normal paid usage.
- Claude Code still using Anthropic directly: confirm `.claude/settings.local.json` is in the correct project folder and that `ANTHROPIC_BASE_URL` points to `https://openrouter.ai/api`. Also note the [scope](https://software-dl.ti.com/ccs/esd/documents/users_guide_ccs/ccs_ai.html#step-2-connection-settings) of the settings. Any settings stored in the **Workspace** scope will always override any settings stored in the **Global** configuration file.
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