API Key Setup
modelBridge uses fal.ai as its AI backend. You need your own fal.ai API key to generate content. This means you pay fal.ai directly for generation costs — modelBridge never handles your AI spending.
Step 1: Create a fal.ai Account
Section titled “Step 1: Create a fal.ai Account”Go to fal.ai and sign up for an account. You can use email, GitHub, or Google to register.
Step 2: Add Billing
Section titled “Step 2: Add Billing”Navigate to the fal.ai billing dashboard and add a payment method. fal.ai charges per generation based on the model and parameters used — there is no monthly minimum.
Step 3: Generate an API Key
Section titled “Step 3: Generate an API Key”- Go to the fal.ai API keys page
- Click Create Key
- Give the key a name (e.g., “modelBridge”)
- Copy the key — it will only be shown once
Step 4: Enter the Key in modelBridge
Section titled “Step 4: Enter the Key in modelBridge”- Open the modelBridge panel in Premiere Pro
- Go to the Settings tab
- Paste your fal.ai API key into the API key field
- The panel will verify the connection automatically
A green “Bridge Connected” badge confirms the key is valid and fal.ai is reachable.
Where Is the Key Stored?
Section titled “Where Is the Key Stored?”Your API key is stored locally on your machine with redundant persistence — it survives cache clears and plugin updates.
Your API key is never sent to modelBridge servers. It is only used for direct communication between your machine and fal.ai’s API.
Troubleshooting
Section titled “Troubleshooting””Invalid API Key” Error
Section titled “”Invalid API Key” Error”- Make sure you copied the full key without extra spaces
- Check that the key is active on your fal.ai dashboard
- Generate a new key if the old one was revoked
”Balance Exhausted” Error
Section titled “”Balance Exhausted” Error”This means your fal.ai account has run out of funds. Add credits at the fal.ai billing page.
Next Steps
Section titled “Next Steps”Next, activate your license. Head to Activate Your License to unlock all features.