Knit
LLM provider

Connect Google Gemini to Knit

Knit talks to Google’s Gemini models through Google’s OpenAI-compatible endpoint. Gemini is bring-your-own (BYO) only: there is no platform Gemini credential, so you supply your own API key. You only need the key — Knit forces the correct endpoint for you, so any base URL you type is ignored.

Before you start

  • A Google AI Studio account (aistudio.google.com).
  • A Gemini API key created in Google AI Studio.
  • A Knit account, signed in.

Steps

  1. 1

    Create a Gemini API key

    Go to Google AI Studio at aistudio.google.com, open "Get API key", and create a key. Copy it.

  2. 2

    Open Knit settings → API Keys

    In Knit, open /app, click the settings gear, and select the "API Keys (BYO)" tab.

  3. 3

    Add the key

    Click add, label it (for example "My Gemini key"), choose Google as the provider, and paste your API key. You do not need to set a base URL — Knit always uses Google’s OpenAI-compatible endpoint (generativelanguage.googleapis.com/v1beta/openai/) regardless of what you enter. Save.

  4. 4

    Select a Gemini model

    Open a project and pick your Google connection in the model selector. The default is gemini-3.5-flash; available Gemini models are listed automatically.

  5. 5

    Generate a schematic

    Describe your circuit in chat. Knit asks Gemini to write SkiDL (Python), runs it in a sandbox, and returns the schematic preview and the KiCad export, with zero Knit credits consumed.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use a platform (built-in) Gemini key on Knit?
No. Google/Gemini is bring-your-own only on Knit — there is no platform Gemini credential. You must add your own Gemini API key.
Do I need to enter a base URL for Gemini?
No. Knit always forces Google’s OpenAI-compatible endpoint (https://generativelanguage.googleapis.com/v1beta/openai/). Any base URL you type for a Google key is ignored; only the API key matters.
Why am I getting rate-limit errors with Gemini?
Google’s free Gemini plan enforces strict per-minute and per-day request limits. If you hit a 429 error, wait and retry, reduce request frequency, or upgrade your Google plan for higher quotas.
Does using my Gemini key cost Knit credits?
No. As a BYO provider, Gemini runs use your own credentials and consume zero Knit credits. Google bills you for the tokens.
Ready to build?
Add your connection in Settings → API Keys inside the app, then describe a circuit in chat. Open the app →

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