Why do I need API keys?
PDF AI Suite uses Google Cloud services for translation (Google Translate API) and AI features (Gemini API). You provide your own API keys so you have full control over your usage and costs. Google offers a generous free tier for both services.
PDF AI Suite uses Google Cloud services for translation (Google Translate API) and AI features (Gemini API). You provide your own API keys so you have full control over your usage and costs. Google offers a generous free tier for both services.
Step 1: Create a Google Cloud Account
If you don't already have a Google Cloud account:
- Go to console.cloud.google.com
- Sign in with your Google account (or create one)
- Accept the Terms of Service
- New accounts receive $300 in free credits for the first 90 days
Step 2: Create a New Project
API keys are organized by project in Google Cloud:
- In the Google Cloud Console, click the project dropdown at the top of the page
- Click "New Project"
- Name it something like "PDF AI Suite" (or any name you prefer)
- Click "Create"
- Make sure the new project is selected in the dropdown
Step 3: Enable the APIs
You need to enable the APIs that PDF AI Suite uses:
For Translation (Google Translate)
- Go to Cloud Translation API
- Click "Enable"
- Wait for the API to be activated (a few seconds)
For AI Features (Gemini)
- Go to Generative Language API (Gemini)
- Click "Enable"
- Wait for the API to be activated
Tip: You can also search for these APIs in the API Library. Go to APIs & Services → Library and search for "Cloud Translation" or "Generative Language".
Step 4: Create API Keys
- Go to APIs & Services → Credentials
- Click "Create Credentials" at the top
- Select "API key"
- Your new API key will be displayed — copy it
Recommended: Restrict Your API Key
For security, it's recommended to restrict your API keys:
- Click on the newly created API key to edit it
- Under "API restrictions", select "Restrict key"
- Select the APIs you enabled (Cloud Translation API, Generative Language API)
- Click "Save"
Note: You can use a single API key for both services (if both APIs are enabled in the same project), or create separate keys for each. Either approach works with PDF AI Suite.
Step 5: Enter Keys in PDF AI Suite
- Open PDF AI Suite on your iPhone or iPad
- Go to Settings (Cmd+, on macOS)
- Select the API Keys tab
- Paste your Google Translate API key in the first field
- Paste your Gemini API key in the second field
- Click Save for each key
- Click Test to verify each key works correctly
A green checkmark indicates the key is valid and working. You're all set!
Pricing & Free Tiers
Google offers generous free tiers for both services:
- Google Translate API — 500,000 characters per month free. After that, $20 per million characters
- Gemini API — Free tier includes a generous number of requests per minute. Check Google AI pricing for current limits
For typical personal use (translating and summarizing documents), the free tier is usually more than sufficient.
Troubleshooting
Key shows "Invalid"
- Make sure you copied the entire key (no extra spaces)
- Check that the correct APIs are enabled in your Google Cloud project
- Verify the key isn't restricted to APIs you haven't enabled
- Try creating a new key if the issue persists
Translation not working
- Verify the Cloud Translation API is enabled
- Check that your API key has permission for the Translation API
- Make sure you have billing enabled on your Google Cloud project (required even for free tier)
AI features not working
- Verify the Generative Language API (Gemini) is enabled
- Check that your API key has permission for the Gemini API
- Some regions may have restrictions on Gemini API access
Need Help?
If you're having trouble setting up your API keys, contact us:
- Email: support@pdfaisuite.com
- Include your error message and we'll help you resolve it
Last updated: February 2026