gpt-4o — Free AI Model & API
github-models/gpt-4o Overview
GPT-4o is OpenAI's flagship multimodal model, available for free via GitHub Models with no credit card — just a GitHub account. While it supports image inputs natively on OpenAI's own API, the GitHub Models free tier currently serves the text-only path with 128K context and 16K max output. Rate limits are 10 RPM and 50 requests per day, and per-request caps of 8K input / 4K output tokens apply, so it is best for prompt engineering, model evaluation, and personal projects. Fully OpenAI SDK-compatible — drop in the GitHub Models base URL and your GitHub token, and existing OpenAI SDK code works unchanged.
Quick Start
Integrate gpt-4o with 3 lines of code. See the config generator for Claude Code, Cursor, and more.
Other Free Models from GitHub Models
Rate Limits & Constraints
GitHub Models Platform Limitations
- Low per-request token limits (8K input / 4K output)
- Rate limits tied to GitHub Copilot subscription tier
- Not suitable for large-context or long-generation tasks
Features & Use Cases
Best For
Modality Support
GitHub Models Highlights
- 45+ models including GPT-4.1 and o3
- Free for all GitHub accounts
- Includes Llama 4, DeepSeek-R1, Mistral
- Base URL: models.inference.ai.azure.com
Playground — Test gpt-4o
Test gpt-4o directly in your browser. Your API key is sent directly to GitHub Models — never stored.
🔒 Your key is never stored — sent directly to the model provider via our server proxy.
Ready to chat with gpt-4o.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get an API key for gpt-4o?
Sign up at GitHub Models to get your API key. No credit card is required — just an email sign-up. Once you have the key, use the code snippets in the Quick Start section above.
Is gpt-4o really free?
Yes. gpt-4o is available on GitHub Models's free tier and has been free since May 10, 2026. Rate limits apply: 10 RPM, 50 RPD. Always check the provider's terms for any changes to the free tier.
What are gpt-4o's rate limits?
10 RPM, 50 RPD Context window: 128K. Max output: 16K. No credit card required.
What are the best free alternatives to gpt-4o?
Popular free alternatives include inclusionAI: Ring-2.6-1T, Baidu Qianfan: CoBuddy (free), Owl Alpha. You can also browse all 147+ free models on our site.
More questions? See our full FAQ →