Guides and answers to the most common questions.
Go to platform.openai.com and create an account. You do not need ChatGPT Plus — a free account is enough.
During the signup flow, you're automatically walked through creating an API key and depositing a small amount — typically $5–10. It's not a subscription — just a balance that Emma draws from as you use it. Copy the key and save it somewhere safe (e.g. in Notes) — you can't see it again later.
When you open Emma for the first time, you'll automatically be asked to enter your API key as part of the setup. You can also change it later under Settings → API Keys.
You can choose lifetime access as a one-time $119 purchase — or a monthly subscription at $12/mo that you can cancel anytime. Both give the same access to Emma.
On top of that, you pay your own OpenAI API usage. Average usage is around $1–2 per month. It depends on how much you use Emma — heavier usage may cost a bit more.
Emma shows your estimated usage in the menu bar. The amount may vary slightly due to exchange rates. You can always check your actual usage at platform.openai.com/usage.
Right after the purchase, we'll send you a welcome email with a download button. Click it to download Emma.
Open the file and drag Emma to your Applications folder.
macOS will ask if you want to open the app downloaded from the internet — click Open. This is a standard security prompt for apps downloaded outside the App Store.
Emma will automatically guide you through onboarding — it takes a few seconds. You'll be asked to grant access to microphone and accessibility, and to enter your API key. See the How to create an OpenAI API key guide above if you don't have one yet.
Right after the purchase, we'll send you a welcome email with a download button. Click it to download Emma.
Open the file and follow the installation guide.
Windows will ask if you want to allow the app — click Allow. This is a standard security prompt for apps installed outside the Microsoft Store.
Emma will automatically guide you through onboarding — it takes a few seconds. You may be asked to allow microphone access the first time, and you'll be asked to enter your API key. See the How to create an OpenAI API key guide above if you don't have one yet.
Open Settings → API Keys and verify the key is correct. Try deleting it and pasting it again.
Log in to platform.openai.com/usage and check that you have an active payment method and sufficient budget.
Go to System Settings → Privacy & Security and verify that Emma has access to microphone and accessibility.
Quit Emma completely (click the menu bar icon → Quit) and reopen it.
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