Use models without API keys
The GPT for Work add-ons allow you to start using AI models immediately without any setup. The default model is OpenAI gpt-4o. If you want to explore other models, select a different model in the model switcher.
GPT for Docs is currently free to use, but requires that you set up your own API keys.
Select a model
The models available in the model switcher depend on the GPT for Work add-on you're using.
- Excel
- Sheets
- Word
Open a Microsoft Excel workbook.
Click GPT for Excel Word in the Home tab.
infoYou can also go to Home > Add-ins > My add-ins > GPT for Excel Word.
Expand the model switcher. Models that are available without any setup are listed under No API key needed.
Select a model.
The selected model is used for all responses generated by GPT for Excel.
Open a Google spreadsheet.
Select Extensions > GPT for Sheets and Docs > Open.
Expand the model switcher. Models that are available without any setup are listed under No API key needed.
Select a model.
The selected model is used for all responses generated by GPT for Sheets.
Open a Microsoft Word document.
Click GPT for Excel Word in the Home tab.
infoYou can also go to Home > Add-ins > My add-ins > GPT for Excel Word.
Expand the model switcher. Models that are available without any setup are listed under No API key needed.
Select a model.
The selected model is used for all responses generated by GPT for Word.
Recommended models
As a general rule, OpenAI models are more reliable and less likely to decline prompts than models from other providers.
The following table lists our recommended models available without your own API key.
| Model | Provider | Description |
|---|---|---|
gpt-4o | OpenAI | Best overall balance of easy prompting, speed, quality, reliability, and cost. We recommend this model for most use cases. |
gpt-4.1-nano | OpenAI | Fast, cost-effective model with strong reasoning and language capabilities. Follows instructions closely. |
o4-mini | OpenAI | Fast, cost-effective reasoning. Great for analysis tasks. |
claude-3.5-sonnet | Anthropic | Great at content creation, summarization, and nuanced reasoning across a wide range of tasks. |
gemini-2.5-flash | Cost-effective model ideal for lightweight tasks and rapid responses. Supports reasoning (enabled from the model settings). | |
sonar | Perplexity | Cost-effective search model optimized for simple queries. Grounded in recent web search data. |
sonar-pro | Perplexity | Advanced search model designed for complex queries. Grounded in recent web search data. |
grok-3-mini-fast | xAI | Fast, cost-effective reasoning. Good alternative to OpenAI's reasoning models. |
To learn more about a model, hover over the model name in the model switcher. A tooltip opens with detailed information about the model.
What's next
If you need a model that's not available in the model switcher, set up your own API keys.