Docs / Reference

FAQ

Getting started#

Is Shard free?#

During the beta, Shard’s own limits are the same high numbers on every plan. What you pay depends on the provider: with your own API key you pay the provider; with Codex or Claude Code you use your existing subscription; Shard-hosted models use credits. TODO (owner) final pricing.

Do I need an API key?#

No. You can connect a ChatGPT or Claude account (Connected accounts), or use Shard-hosted models (credits). Both need a Shard account. As a guest, you need your own API key.

Do I need an account?#

No, you can continue as a guest with your own API key. An account is needed for Shard-hosted models, Codex and Claude Code, and to keep usage reports for your chats.

Which provider should I pick?#

Any one you already have access to. If you pay for ChatGPT or Claude, start with Codex or Claude Code. Otherwise, pick a provider you have a key for. You can switch at any time, even in the middle of a chat.

How do I update Shard?#

When a new version is out, Shard shows an update notice in the Chat window. TODO (owner) explain how to install the update.

What Shard does in my place#

Does Shard upload my whole game?#

No. Shard only reads what it needs for your request, with its tools, and that is what goes to the AI provider. See Privacy and data.

Can Shard see what I have selected?#

Only when it checks. Shard doesn’t send your selection with every message. When you say “this” or “the selected part”, it looks with its GetStudioState tool.

Can I undo what Shard did?#

Yes. Every edit, object change and RunCode call is an undo step in Studio. Press Ctrl+Z. One answer may contain several steps. See Undo.

Can Shard break my game?#

Shard changes real scripts and objects, so a wrong change is possible. It reads scripts before editing and refuses to overwrite a script that changed since it read it. Review the Review section after each answer, test your game, and use Undo if needed. Save or publish a version before big changes.

Can Shard test my game for me?#

Not yet. Shard works in edit mode and pauses during playtests. Playtest yourself, then tell Shard what happened. See Playtesting.

Why did Shard’s window go blank when I pressed Play?#

Shard pauses during playtests and comes back when you stop. If it doesn’t, click a Shard toolbar button.

No. RunCode runs in its own module, cut off from Shard’s plugin code, your sign-in and your keys.

Chats#

Where are my chats saved?#

In Studio’s plugin settings on your computer. They’re not in your place file and not on Shard’s server, so they don’t move to another computer.

Can I rename a chat?#

Not yet. A chat is named after the start of your first message. You can pin and delete chats.

Can I send images?#

Not yet. Shard supports text only for now.

What’s the difference between Stop and sending a new message?#

Stop ends the current task. Sending while Shard works puts your message in a queue: it’s sent after the task finishes, or you can press Steer to add it to the current task. See Chatting.

Why did one question use several messages from my limit?#

Each request to the model counts. A task where Shard uses tools several times makes several requests. See Limits and quotas.

Shard said “Compacting context”. Did I lose my chat?#

No. Your messages stay on screen. Shard summarized the older part so the model can keep going. See Context compaction.

Agents and skills#

When does Shard use agents?#

Only when you ask for agents, subagents or a team. See Agents.

Do I have to type slash commands for skills?#

No. Shard loads the right skill by itself for bigger tasks. Typing one, like /physics, makes sure it’s used. See Skills.

Accounts and help#

I forgot my password.#

TODO (owner) Shard has no password reset yet. Explain what to do.

Is my API key safe?#

Your key is saved in Studio’s plugin settings on your computer, and sent to Shard’s server with each request so the server can call the provider. It isn’t shown again after you save it. Use a key with a spending limit set on the provider’s site, and delete it there if you stop using Shard.

How do I report a bug or ask for help?#

Open Settings → Support, type your message and press Send. Include what you did and the error text. If Studio’s Output window shows lines starting with [Shard], add them too.

More questions and answers, including pricing and limits, are on the site’s FAQ page.

FAQ