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Overview

n8n can use any OpenAI-compatible API. With NanoGPT, you get:
  • One API key for 50+ models (GPT-5.2, Claude Opus 4.5, Gemini 3 Flash Preview, and more)
  • The ability to switch models without changing your workflow logic
  • Unified billing across providers

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Prerequisites

  • An n8n instance (desktop app, self-hosted, or n8n Cloud)
  • A NanoGPT account and API key from nano-gpt.com/api

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Step 1: Get your NanoGPT API key

  1. Go to nano-gpt.com/api
  2. Click “Create New API Key”
  3. Copy the key (format: sk-nano-...)
  4. Store it securely, you will not be able to view it again

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Step 2: Create OpenAI credentials in n8n

  1. Open your n8n instance
  2. Go to Credentials in the left sidebar
  3. Click + Add Credential
  4. Search for and select OpenAI
  5. Fill in the fields:
FieldValue
Credential NameNanoGPT (or any name you prefer)
API Keysk-nano-YOUR-API-KEY
Base URLhttps://nano-gpt.com/api/v1
  1. Click Save

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Step 3: Use NanoGPT in a workflow

  1. Go to Workflows and click + New Workflow
  2. Add an OpenAI node or Chat OpenAI node
  3. In the node settings:
    • Credential: Select your NanoGPT credential
    • Model: Enter the model name exactly (examples below)
    • Configure your prompt or messages
  4. Click Execute Node to test

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Available models

Use any model listed on the NanoGPT pricing page. Enter the model name exactly as shown.
ModelProviderBest for
openai/gpt-5.2OpenAIBest overall
anthropic/claude-opus-4.5AnthropicDeep reasoning, writing
anthropic/claude-sonnet-4.5AnthropicCoding, analysis
google/gemini-3-flash-previewGoogleFast, cost-effective
google/gemini-3-pro-previewGoogleLong context, reasoning
zai-org/glm-4.7ZhipuOpen model alternative

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Example workflows

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Basic chat completion

[Manual Trigger] -> [OpenAI Chat] -> [Output]

OpenAI Chat node:
- Credential: NanoGPT
- Model: openai/gpt-5.2
- Messages: User message from input

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Document summarization

[Webhook] -> [HTTP Request (fetch doc)] -> [OpenAI Chat] -> [Respond to Webhook]

OpenAI Chat node:
- Model: google/gemini-3-flash-preview
- System: Summarize the following document concisely
- User: {{ $json.documentContent }}

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Multi-model comparison

[Input] -> [OpenAI Chat (GPT-4o)] -\
                                  -> [Merge] -> [Compare Results]
[Input] -> [OpenAI Chat (Claude)] -/

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Troubleshooting

IssueSolution
401 UnauthorizedVerify the API key and that your account has credits
Invalid API KeyEnsure there are no extra spaces when copying the key
Model not foundDouble-check the model name on the pricing page
Connection timeoutConfirm the Base URL is https://nano-gpt.com/api/v1
Rate limitedAdd a delay between requests or upgrade your plan

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Advanced: HTTP Request node

If you need full control over parameters, use the HTTP Request node:
  1. Add HTTP Request
  2. Set:
    • Method: POST
    • URL: https://nano-gpt.com/api/v1/chat/completions
    • Authentication: Header Auth
    • Header Name: Authorization
    • Header Value: Bearer sk-nano-YOUR-API-KEY
    • Body Content Type: JSON
    • Body:
{
  "model": "openai/gpt-5.2",
  "messages": [
    { "role": "user", "content": "{{ $json.prompt }}" }
  ]
}