# Connect Pixio

Create a Pixio API key and connect it to a bot in Machine Desktop. Check the account and free uses, replace the key, or disconnect.

Canonical page: https://themachine.myapps.ai/docs/desktop/pixio/connect

## What you need

- A **Pixio account** with credits, or a plan that includes the models you
  want. Sign up at [Pixio](https://beta.pixio.myapps.ai).
- A **Pixio API key**. Keys start with `pxio_live_`.

## Connect

### Create a Pixio API key

Open Pixio's [Integrations](https://beta.pixio.myapps.ai/home/integrations)
page (sign in if asked) and create an API key. Copy it. Pixio shows it once.

### Open Connected apps

In Machine Desktop's sidebar, open **Tools** and click **Connected apps**. The
**Plugins** window opens on the **Marketplace** tab.

### Pick the bot

**Project** at the top chooses which bot you're connecting. Pick the bot that
should use Pixio, for example **Writer**. Each bot is connected separately.

### Click Connect on Pixio

At the top, under **Made by Machine**, find **Pixio** (*Images, video, and
audio on your own key*) and click **Connect**. **Open Pixio ↗** takes you
straight to Pixio's Integrations page if you still need a key.

### Paste the key

Paste your key into the **pxio_live_…** box and click **Connect**. Machine
checks the key with Pixio, then keeps it on its server. *"Your bot never sees
it."*

![Connecting Pixio: the key box under Made by Machine](/images/docs/desktop/pixio-connect.webp)

## Once it's connected

The Pixio row shows your **Pixio name · plan · credits**, for example *Alex
Rivera · maker plan · 3,407 credits*. Click **Manage** to see more:

![Pixio connected, with today's free uses](/images/docs/desktop/pixio-connected.webp)

- **Free uses today**, one line per model your plan includes for free, such
  as *Nano Banana: 7 of 10 free today*. Bots use these first when they fit.
- **Replace key** and **Disconnect**.

If Pixio didn't answer when the panel opened, you'll see *"Pixio didn't
answer just now, so plan and credits aren't shown."* The connection still
works; reopen the panel later.

## Connect another bot

Pick the other bot in **Project** and connect again. You can use the same
key for several bots.

## Replace the key

Use this when you create a new key in Pixio.

1. Click **Manage**, then **Replace key**.
2. Paste the new key and click **Save key** (or **Cancel**).

## Disconnect

Click **Manage**, then **Disconnect**, and confirm: *"Disconnect Pixio from
Writer? It can't make images, video, or audio until you connect it again."*

Machine deletes the stored key. Files the bot already made stay on its
computer, and your Pixio account isn't changed.

## If Pixio refuses the key

If you revoke or replace the key in Pixio, the Pixio row shows a warning sign
next to its name. Click **Manage** to see *"Pixio refused the saved key. It
was revoked or replaced — paste a new one."* and a key box. Paste a new key
and click **Save key**.

![Pixio refused the saved key](/images/docs/desktop/pixio-key-rejected.webp)

## Good to know

- **Every agent in the bot can use Pixio** once it's connected. There's
  nothing else to turn on.
- Once connected, Pixio's row also shows at the top of the **Connected** tab,
  but it isn't counted in that tab's number.
- Searching the Marketplace for *image*, *video*, *audio*, *music* or *voice*
  keeps Pixio in view.
- On the Machine web app, the same card is at the top of the **Connectors**
  page. See the [Pixio reference](/docs/connect/pixio).