Step 3: Set Up Claude AI Account

Step 3: Set Up Claude AI Account

Now we need to add a Large Language Model or LLM.


PlusLive AI uses Anthropic's Claude AI as its underlying language model but there is also functionality to add other LLM’s like ChatGPT and Grok etc. 

If using Claude, you have to first to create a Claude account, set up billing, and generate an API key.

Rather than providing step-by-step instructions that may become outdated, we've created a useful AI Prompt that you can use within Claude to guide you through the Claude API setup.

TIP: Scroll down, review all sections in Step 3 BEFORE USING THE PROMPT.



Copy and Use This Prompt with Claude

Instructions:

  1. Open a new conversation at claude.ai (you can use the free tier)

  2. Copy the entire prompt in the box below

  3. Paste it into Claude and press Enter

  4. Follow Claude's guidance step-by-step

  5. Claude will walk you through the entire setup process with current, accurate instructions


THE PROMPT (Copy everything in this box):


I need to set up an Anthropic Claude AI account and create an API key to use with PlusLive AI, a third-party business intelligence application that integrates with Claude's API. 


Please guide me step-by-step through the following process: 


1. Creating an Anthropic account at console.anthropic.com 

2. Completing the account setup and usage policy questions 

3. Adding a payment method to my account 

4. Purchasing API credits (I plan to start with $40 USD as recommended by PlusLive AI) 5. Creating an API key that I can use with PlusLive AI 

6. Understanding how to securely save and manage my API key 


For each step, please: 

  • Explain what I should do in clear, simple language

  • Describe what I should see on screen at each stage 

  • Warn me about any critical actions (like the one-time API key display) 

  • Provide security best practices for handling my API key 

  • Help me troubleshoot if something doesn't match what you describe


Additional context: 

  • I'm setting this up to connect to PlusLive AI (www.pluslive.ai), which will use the API to query my business data 

  • I need to know the exact format my API key should have so I can verify I copied it correctly 

  • I want to understand typical API costs so I can budget appropriately

  • I may need help understanding the usage policy questions 


Please start by guiding me through creating my Anthropic account to API creation and funding. 



Important Reminders


You'll need: 

  • An email address for your Anthropic account

  • A credit card to purchase API credits

  • At least $40 USD for initial credits (recommended)


Your API key: 

  • Will be shown ONLY ONCE - Claude will warn you about this

  • Must be saved securely immediately (use a password manager)

  • Will look like: sk-ant-api03-xxxxxxxxxxxxx...

  • Is needed for Step 6 of this PlusLive AI setup


Security: 

  • Never share your API key publicly

  • Treat it like a password

  • If compromised, revoke it immediately and create a new one


What to Do After Setup

Once you've completed the Claude account setup with Claude's guidance, you should have:

  • ✅ An active Anthropic account

  • ✅ At least $40 in API credits

  • ✅ An API key saved securely

  • ✅ Understanding of how to monitor usage and costs

Save your API key securely - you'll need it for Step 6: Add Your Claude API Credentials in this guide.


Need more help with your Claude Setup?

If you encounter any issues during the Anthropic setup that Claude can't resolve:

For PlusLive AI configuration issues (Steps 4 onwards of this guide), contact PlusLive Support directly.



TIP: Remember, you can always ask any LLM for help! The LLM may not always get the right answer but often will provide a different way of thinking to help isolate the problem! 


Go on, ask away! 😁