DarkCam · Setup guide

Get your API keys,
easiest first.

DarkCam works without any keys. Keys only unlock the extra AI features: upscaling and AI enhance. Start at step 1 and stop whenever you have enough. Tap a step to tick it off.

Keep keys private. A key is like a password for your account. Never post it, screenshot it, or send it to anyone. If one leaks, delete it on the site and make a new one.
01 · Easiest

Picsart API

Used for Upscale and bigger photo sizes.

Easy~3 minFree credits to start
  1. Open the Picsart API guideGo to docs.picsart.io → Get API Key.
  2. Sign up or log inUse a normal Picsart account (Google works). No separate developer signup.
  3. Open the API consoleUse the link on that page. You'll see a default app already made for you.
  4. Copy the keyTap the copy icon on the app card. Keep it somewhere safe.
New accounts usually get a few free credits. Each upscale uses credits, so check the pricing page when they run out.
Picsart says the image is too big?

Picsart only allows results up to about 23 megapixels. Large photos can't be upscaled by it, so DarkCam falls back to a normal resize. This is expected.

02 · Easy

Gemini API

Used for AI enhance: it studies your photo and suggests a colour grade.

Easy~2 minFree tier available
  1. Open Google AI Studioaistudio.google.com/apikey
  2. Sign in with a Google accountAccept the terms if asked.
  3. Tap "Create API key"Pick a project, or let it make a new one.
  4. Copy the keyIt's a long text starting with letters like AIza or AQ..
The free tier has daily limits. If AI enhance suddenly stops, wait a bit and try again.
03 · Medium

Groq API

A fast backup for AI enhance. DarkCam tries it if Gemini fails.

Medium~3 minFree tier available
  1. Open the Groq consoleconsole.groq.com/keys
  2. Create an accountSign up with email, Google or GitHub, then verify.
  3. Tap "Create API Key"Give it a name like darkcam.
  4. Copy it right awayIt starts with gsk_ and is shown only once. If you lose it, make a new one.
Model errors?

Providers rename models sometimes. In DarkCam open Settings → Model names and update the Groq vision model to a current one from the Groq model list.

04 · Advanced

RapidAPI Photo Enhance

An extra Upscale provider. Most useful when Picsart can't handle your photo.

Advanced~8 minNeeds plan subscription
  1. Make a RapidAPI accountrapidapi.com → Sign up.
  2. Find the APISearch Photo Enhance API and open the one by teamai.
  3. Subscribe to a planOpen the Pricing tab and pick the free/basic plan. You may need to add a card even for a free plan. Without a subscription the key won't work.
  4. Open the PlaygroundGo to Endpoints and tap the enhance endpoint.
  5. Copy your keyUnder Authorization copy the X-RapidAPI-Key.
  6. Check host and pathTap the </> code icon. These values should match what DarkCam already has:
    photo-enhance-api.p.rapidapi.com
    api/scale
Testing it on RapidAPI gives "Invalid image base64"?

That's normal. The example body holds a fake image, so the API rejects it. It proves your key, host and path all work.

Error "Endpoint does not exist" or 403?
  • Does not exist: the path is wrong. Set it to api/scale in Settings.
  • 403 / not subscribed: you haven't subscribed to a plan yet (step 3).
  • 429: you hit the plan's monthly limit.
05 · Last step

Paste them into DarkCam

  1. Open SettingsTap the gear icon at the top right of the camera.
  2. Open "AI enhance & keys"Scroll to that section.
  3. Paste each key in its own fieldLong-press the box and choose Paste. Use only the key, no spaces.
    Picsart API keystep 1
    Gemini API keystep 2
    Groq API keystep 3
    RapidAPI keystep 4
  4. Choose the upscale providerLeave it on Auto to try RapidAPI, then Picsart, then a plain resize.
FAQ

Quick fixes

Do I need every key?

No. Picsart alone covers upscaling and Gemini alone covers AI enhance. The rest are backups.

Is it really free?

Most providers give free credits or a free tier, but limits and prices change. Check each site's pricing page before relying on it.

Where is my key stored?

On your phone, inside the app's settings. DarkCam only sends it to the matching provider when you use that feature.

A key stopped working

Check for extra spaces when pasting, check you still have credits, or delete the key on the provider's site and make a new one.