← epigraphia.appWhat is BYOK?
BYOK stands for Bring Your Own Key. It's a business model where the application does not include AI credits and does not charge a markup on usage. The user connects their own API keys from providers of choice (OpenAI, Anthropic, Google, Replicate, etc.) and pays the provider directly for what they consume.
How BYOK works in EpigraphIA
- You buy EpigraphIA once ($169 USD).
- You create an account with the AI provider you prefer (OpenAI, Anthropic, Google Cloud, Replicate, Pixabay).
- You generate an API key in the provider's dashboard and set a monthly spending limit.
- You paste the API key into Settings → API Keys in EpigraphIA. It's encrypted locally with
safeStorage(DPAPI on Windows) and stored inapi_keys.enc. - You use the AI tools — each call goes directly from your computer to the provider, with no stop at EpigraphIA's servers.
- The provider bills you directly (Stripe / card) for what you consumed.
Advantages of BYOK vs credit-based models
- Cost transparency: you pay the provider's exact price. No middleman markup, no 2× or 3× fees like credit-based apps charge.
- No vendor lock-in: if a provider raises prices or drops quality, you switch providers without migrating apps.
- Full privacy: prompts flow from your computer to the provider and back. EpigraphIA never sees your data.
- No billing surprises: you set spending limits directly in the provider's dashboard. Never overcharged.
- Scalability: if you generate hundreds of images a month, it's cheaper than any prepackaged credit plan.
Supported providers and available models
| Provider | Models hardcoded in EpigraphIA | Primary use |
|---|---|---|
| OpenAI | gpt-4o-mini (default), gpt-4o, gpt-4-turbo | Text, prompts, brainstorming, chat with Xolo |
| Anthropic (Claude) | Direct API key (no selector — uses provider default) | Text, long-form editing, analysis |
| Google Gemini | Direct API key (includes Nano Banana) | Text and image |
| Replicate | flux-schnell (default), flux-dev, flux-1.1-pro | FLUX images (covers, illustrations) |
| Pixabay | Direct API key | Stock images integrated in editor |
| AmazonScraperAPI | Direct API key | KDP keyword research (Hunter) |
| DataForSEO | Direct API key | Advanced SEO research (Hunter) |
How API keys are stored (security)
Keys are encrypted locally with Electron's safeStorage.encryptString() function, which on Windows uses DPAPI (Data Protection API). The encrypted file is named api_keys.enc and lives in the app's config folder.
api_keys.enc file to another machine cannot read it, because the encryption secret lives in your operating system (bound to your Windows account). Without the system's key, the file is encrypted garbage.
Comparison: BYOK vs credit-based SaaS
| Aspect | BYOK (EpigraphIA) | Credit-based SaaS |
|---|---|---|
| App cost | $169 USD one time | $20-100 USD/month |
| Cost per image generation | ~$0.003-0.05 USD (real) | ~$0.15-0.50 USD (with markup) |
| Data passing through middleman | None | All prompts and outputs |
| Switch AI provider | Change the API key | Switch services |
| Spending cap | Set in your provider account | Depends on plan |
| New better model released | Change the model in Settings | Wait for the SaaS to integrate it |
Requirements and limitations
- Account with the AI provider: you create it directly. EpigraphIA does not manage it.
- Payment method with the provider: card or Stripe, depending on the provider.
- Billing: comes from the provider, not from Xolo Beaver Studios.
- Technical support of the provider: if OpenAI's API fails, you resolve it with OpenAI. EpigraphIA only integrates.
- Minimum usage: you can use the app without any API key for modules that don't require AI (Puzzler, Book Studio, Photo Liner with local processing).
Frequently asked questions
What does BYOK mean?
BYOK means Bring Your Own Key. It's a model where the app does not include AI credits — the user connects their own API keys from providers like OpenAI, Anthropic, Google Gemini or Replicate and pays the provider directly for usage.
What advantages does BYOK offer?
Three main advantages: (1) full cost transparency — you pay exactly what the AI consumed with no markup; (2) no vendor lock-in — you can switch providers anytime; (3) privacy — prompts flow directly from the client to the provider without stopping at EpigraphIA's servers.
Where does EpigraphIA store API keys?
On your computer, encrypted with Electron's safeStorage (DPAPI on Windows). The file is called api_keys.enc and lives in the app's config folder. An attacker who copies that file to another machine cannot read it because the encryption secret lives in the local operating system.
Which AI providers does EpigraphIA support?
OpenAI (gpt-4o, gpt-4o-mini, gpt-4-turbo), Anthropic Claude, Google Gemini (includes Nano Banana for image), Replicate (flux-schnell, flux-dev, flux-1.1-pro for image), Pixabay (image stock), and research providers for Hunter (AmazonScraperAPI, DataForSEO).
Do prompts pass through EpigraphIA's servers?
No. The app makes calls directly to the provider from your computer. EpigraphIA does not see your prompts or responses. The only data reaching Xolo Beaver Studios' servers is related to licensing and the initial payment.
How much does the AI actually cost me in practice?
Depends on the provider and volume. As reference: generating one image with FLUX Schnell on Replicate costs ~$0.003 USD. A 50-page coloring book with AI images costs between $0.15 and $2 USD depending on the model. Real cost is controlled by you from the provider's dashboard.