Setting up
Observable Desktop with AI

Download and Install Observable Desktop

If you use a Mac computer, then please download and use Observable Desktop.

Go to https://observablehq.com/notebook-kit/desktop and then scroll down to the Download link. (If you have time and interest, watch the video.) Install the app.

If you use a Windows PC or other computer, then you will be using your own development editor (like Visual Studio Code) which is a little more complicated but can be made to work in consultation with myself.

To use Observable Desktop you will need a free Observable account. Go to the Observable Desktop Guide to learn how to do this and also read through the guide for information about editing.

💡 Tip: When you create your Observable account you will receive a verification email — check your spam folder if it doesn’t arrive within a minute or two. Once verified, make sure you sign in to Observable Desktop using the same account (look for the sign-in prompt when you first open the app).

Adding an Anthropic → Claude API Key to Activate LLM Assistance

The AI assistant in Observable Desktop is powered by Claude (made by Anthropic). To use it you need to set up a separate pay-as-you-go Claude API account — this is different from a Claude.ai subscription. You are charged only for what you use (based on the amount of text sent back and forth), so there is no ongoing fee.

Step 1 — Create a Claude Platform account and add credit

Go to the Claude Platform and sign up. Once logged in, navigate to Billing and add some credit. The minimum top-up is $5 (plus any applicable tax — the exact total will depend on your location). I did this in August '24 and still had $1.82 credit the following February. Even with fairly regular use, it goes a long way.

Step 2 — Generate an API key

In the Claude Platform, go to API Keys (in the left-hand menu) and click Create Key. Give it a name (anything will do), then copy the key — you won’t be able to see it again after you close that screen.

Step 3 — Add the key to Observable Desktop

Open Observable Desktop, then in the menu bar go to:

Help  →  AI Settings

Paste your API key into the field provided and click Save. The AI assistant (which did help construct this guide!) will now be active in your notebooks.

💡 Tip: After you have added your API Key you will see Reset Anthropic API Key under Help, rather then API Settings.