netlify-ai-gateway

---
name: netlify-ai-gateway
description: Guide for using Netlify AI Gateway to access AI models. Use when adding AI capabilities or selecting/changing AI models. Must be read before choosing a model. Covers supported providers (OpenAI, Anthropic, Google), SDK setup, environment variables, and the list of available models.
---

# Netlify AI Gateway

> **IMPORTANT:** Only use models listed in the "Available Models" section below. AI Gateway does not support every model a provider offers. Using an unsupported model will cause runtime errors.

Netlify AI Gateway provides access to AI models from multiple providers without managing API keys directly. It is available on all Netlify sites.

## How It Works

The AI Gateway acts as a proxy — you use standard provider SDKs (OpenAI, Anthropic, Google) but point them at Netlify's gateway URL instead of the provider's API. Netlify handles authentication, rate limiting, and monitoring.

## Setup

1. Enable AI on your site in the Netlify UI
2. The environment variable `OPENAI_BASE_URL` is set automatically by Netlify
3. Install the provider SDK you want to use

No provider API keys are needed — Netlify's gateway handles authentication.

## Using OpenAI SDK

```bash
npm install openai
```

```typescript
import OpenAI from "openai";

const openai = new OpenAI();
// OPENAI_BASE_URL is auto-configured — no API key or base URL needed

const completion = await openai.chat.completions.create({
  model: "gpt-4o-mini",
  messages: [{ role: "user", content: "Hello!" }],
});
```

## Using Anthropic SDK

```bash
npm install @anthropic-ai/sdk
```

```typescript
import Anthropic from "@anthropic-ai/sdk";

const client = new Anthropic({
  baseURL: Netlify.env.get("ANTHROPIC_BASE_URL"),
});

const message = await client.messages.create({
  model: "claude-sonnet-4-5-20250929",
  max_tokens: 1024,
  messages: [{ role: "user", content: "Hello!" }],
});
```

## Using Google AI SDK

```bash
npm install @google/generative-ai
```

```typescript
import { GoogleGenerativeAI } from "@google/generative-ai";

const genAI = new GoogleGenerativeAI("placeholder");
// Configure base URL via environment variable

const model = genAI.getGenerativeModel({ model: "gemini-2.5-flash" });
const result = await model.generateContent("Hello!");
```

## In a Netlify Function

```typescript
import type { Config, Context } from "@netlify/functions";
import OpenAI from "openai";

export default async (req: Request, context: Context) => {
  const { prompt } = await req.json();
  const openai = new OpenAI();

  const completion = await openai.chat.completions.create({
    model: "gpt-4o-mini",
    messages: [{ role: "user", content: prompt }],
  });

  return Response.json({
    response: completion.choices[0].message.content,
  });
};

export const config: Config = {
  path: "/api/ai",
  method: "POST",
};
```

## Environment Variables

| Variable | Provider | Set by |
|---|---|---|
| `OPENAI_BASE_URL` | OpenAI | Netlify (automatic) |
| `ANTHROPIC_BASE_URL` | Anthropic | Netlify (automatic) |

These are configured automatically when AI is enabled on the site. No manual setup required.

## Local Development

With `@netlify/vite-plugin` or `netlify dev`, gateway environment variables are injected automatically. The AI Gateway is accessible during local development after the site has been deployed at least once.

## Available Models

For the list of supported models, see https://docs.netlify.com/build/ai-gateway/overview/.